章 46: My Conviction, My Punishment (1/2) || Reyin

Ember had been right. Wherever I was concerned, news traveled hastily on the current of everyone's obsessive and analytical attention to me. So, when I returned home the next evening, I was not surprised when my brothers and I were immediately summoned into my father's office.

Ellis was present, too, when I arrived. And the way he looked at me with the utmost perplexity, like I was something alien he couldn't possibly understand, only reinforced my already prevalent anxiety. Why was it so hard for him to comprehend that I cared little for material things and would not hesitate to abandon even the most valuable treasure if it meant helping only a single person in need?

A soft squeeze came at my shoulder, and I swiveled my head to lock eyes with Ember. He wasn't supposed to be here, but my body relaxed beneath his touch anyway, my heart's shudders settling some. I was glad he was here.