Amashumi amabili nesishiyagalolunye

Chewing, the metal clink of cutlery and the sipping of wine and water were the sounds echoing in the great dining hall. Sammy was munching happily on his crayfish tail. Desaley was cringing at the barbaric eating of my brother while still accepting every subtle suggestion for the blonde glutton on what he should taste next. Their budding friendship was quite hilarious to observe sometimes.

I was sandwiched between two living goddesses hailing from opposite poles of the Earth. One from the glacial north and the other from the sun-kissed south. Both more beautiful than should be possible. Guess the Gods were not done blessing me yet.

Junaid was silent, Lucinda was as well. It was unusual to see my proxy parents so lost in thoughts. They looked three sizes smaller as well. They were not immune to the awkwardness of this dinner. Not between them and me, Melissa, Riley and me or the two unwelcomed guest and … well, me. My presence was definitely not easing their tension in this room.