Talya
I was so incredibly tired because I hadn't slept since Ivan left. I'd stared up at the ceiling above Ivan's bed each night. It was all I could do to drag myself through the following day. I barely met anyone's eyes. I didn't think my shame could exceed what I felt the past few days. Hearing Ivan's words to Alba tipped the scale.
The cabin remained silent over the next hour. Then I heard the rattle of a pan. A while later, the smell of chili reminded me of my first meal with Rondy. Why couldn't my beast call to a human boy and find peace? Everything would be so much easier if the Goddess didn't play with our lives.
"Come to the table and eat, Talya."
I lay on the bed for a few more minutes. Ivan didn't ask again. My stomach growled, which had me pushing back the covers and taking a seat across from him.