Chapter 14: The Deal

Aeris wasn’t sure what to expect when they arrived at the scaled banquet. Reks was a wild card. Even if she doubted he would be nasty to her again, it didn’t assuage her fears. It didn’t help that every eye was on her. Marshen, Glee, and Citadel were there. They recognized her as well, but other than a small nod in her direction, they didn’t acknowledge her. She supposed it was for the best and did the same.

She wanted to relax but knowing that many used these banquets as a means to eliminate their competition had her on edge. Everyone who approached her was a potential enemy. Every smile hid a sneer. The food looked poisonous and unappealing. The drinks sizzled and bubbled. Even the music seemed a little too loud as if to cover up the sound of someone approaching her from behind.