Later that night, I found myself leaning against the cold frame of my bedroom window, staring out at the scatter of stars above.

The night sky felt endless, unbothered by the chaos unraveling in our lives. I wondered if the stars ever laughed at us, mortals tangled in our own mess of promises, lies, and broken loyalties.

I hadn’t gone downstairs for dinner. Allison had called up twice, his voice floating through the halls, but I ignored him. My appetite had vanished along with my sense of certainty.

A soft knock came against my door before it creaked open. My mother stepped in, balancing a tray in her hands. The...