The mention of Jaegar's name sent a sharp pain through Diana's chest. Images flashed through her mind: Jaegar as a child, eyes wide with wonder as she taught him, held her finger with his tiny hands.
"Stop," Diana said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, Thomas. Not here. Not now."
Thomas looked stricken, realizing too late the wound he'd reopened. "I'm sorry," he said, reaching out as if to touch her arm but thinking better of it. "I only meant to—"
"I know," Diana cut him off, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "It's alright. But perhaps we should rejoin the party. I believe Megan was about to make a toast."
As if on cue, Megan's voice rang out, calling for everyone's attention. Diana used the distraction to slip away from Thomas, making her way to the edge of the room where she could compose herself.
