Chapter 22; Den Of Wolves

ELARIA

Father and Uncle conversed in monotone as I entered the dining room for lunch. Mother sat poised at Father's side, her hands delicately cradling her fork and knife as she picked at her roasted meat.

Thrystan was absent from the table, off to the Dragon Spire with the other chosen Embers under Brax's supervision. I remembered how I had asked him to include Arwyn’s name on that list; if she was there, Thrystan would likely want to be present and attentive as well.

I didn’t know who this girl was or why Thrystan was so captivated by her. I had never seen him this dedicated to pursuing something—or someone—not even with Sora. He could have anyone else, yet this felt like more than just a game to satisfy his desires.

The sound of my chair scraping against the floor drew the men's attention.

"Father," I greeted softly with a bow. "Uncle," I added, turning to the spiked grey-haired man, who nodded at me sternly.

I always admired how, despite being a man with legitimate claims, my uncl