chapter 111

Mara's POV

My jaw ticked at the sight of Talia in front of me. Her laughter echoed through the hallway as they all had her surrounded.

The elders, the guests, and other maidens of the house.

I paused for a second, watching her from a distance. Knowing she was bound to put up a show.

"Talia!" I called out through gritted teeth. Headed in her direction with a forced smile creased on my face.

I moved forward with my arms stretched out, Pulling her in for a hug.

Talia's eyes narrowed for a second as I approached her, but she just smiled and opened her arms to reciprocate the hug. "Mara, darling!" Talia exclaimed, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "It's so wonderful to see you!"

I pulled back from her embrace, my weird smile still spreading across my face. "Talia, you look good," I said, scanning her from head to toe. "I see you’re still surrounded by admirers."

Talia laughed, her eyes filled with amusement. "Mara, you know me too well. I'm just a social butterfly, you know I