Ronan

When we walked into the dining room, Elias, Maribel, Nyra, and Carter were already seated, chatting loudly as they waited for us. Maribel stood as we sat down and began plating food for us. For the first time since Carter came to the capital, I actually acknowledged him. Whatever it was that he had told Delaney had partially worked in pushing her to acceptance of the marking.

"Could you please pass the salt, Carter?" I said, stretching my hand. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he handed me the salt, his hand shaking subtly. He couldn't meet my eyes even though he was trying so hard. I...