In the quiet intimacy of the sitting room, Isabella, Gabriel, Celeste, Ethan, and Marcus gathered around the table for lunch. The air felt heavy with anticipation as Thorne and Aria joined them, the awkward silence amplifying the tension that hung in the room. Celeste, eager to partake in the meal, spooned a mouthful of porridge into her mouth, only to immediately recoil in horror.
Her face contorted. The sweet porridge that should have been comforting tasted like ash in her mouth. A wave of nausea washed over her.
Before anyone could react, Celeste bolted from the table, her hand flying to her mouth. She stumbled out of the room, disappearing through the nearest doorway.
Everyone stared after her, a mixture of concern and unease etched on their faces. Then, with a quiet sigh, Darius pushed himself up from his shaded spot on the veranda outside. He knew this moment was coming.
