As evening descended upon the grand dining hall of Evershade Castle, the atmosphere at the table was as volatile as the weather outside.
The candles in the candelabras flickered, casting shadows on the faces of those seated at the table.
Cassian and Caius had entered the hall together. Caius was walking on his own two feet, with an upright posture, without a wheelchair or the help of a maid for the first time in years.
The healthy color on his face and the purple glint in his eyes overwhelmed those at the table especially his mother, Marchioness Calyra with happiness anew each time.
However, at the other end of the table, the mood wasn't so festive.
Liora was playing with the meat on her plate, cutting it into pieces with her fork but not bringing it to her mouth. Her eyes were locked on Cassian, whom Cordelia was constantly trying to feed across the table.
In that gaze, rather than pure anger, there was an undigested defeat, curiosity, and a restlessness she couldn't name.
