14

‘This isn’t what I asked for.’

Pancakes. Layla had ordered pancakes. Though her voice was timid, she was very sure the waiter had heard her clearly.

Then why was a plate of oats staring right at her from the plate? Not just any oats—the most pitiable one she had ever seen. It didn’t look appetising or edible. It was more water than the oats itself, with no milk, no berries, no nothing. Just cold, watery oats with a cup of water by the side.

“I’m sorry, we ran out of pancakes, so I got you this instead,” the waiter said, wearing a smile that displayed her intention. As if to make her deceit more obvious, another waiter walked past them to a duo of faes, holding a tray with two plates of stacked pancakes, dripping with syrup and topped with berries.

“Isn’t there anything apart from this?” Layla asked, trying not to sound like she was complaining.

“Sorry, this is the only thing left in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal.” The waiter beamed and walked away before she could utter a word.

‘Lies.