Chapter 48: The Growing Rift 2
Anita barely noticed the steady hum of the cafeteria as she picked at her lunch. The weight of Kael’s warning and Max’s outburst hung over her like a dark cloud. Across the table, Max stabbed at his mashed potatoes with unnecessary force, and Claire sat unusually quiet, her gaze flicking between Anita and Jace.
“Is this what it’s going to be now?” Max finally said, breaking the silence. His tone was sharp, cutting through the noise.
Anita glanced up, startled. “What are you talking about?”
Max leaned forward, lowering his voice but keeping the frustration evident. “You shutting us out. Acting like everything’s fine when we all know it’s not.”
Jace, sitting beside Anita, opened his mouth to retort, but she raised a hand to stop him. “Max, I told you I’m handling it.”