Lysandra had meant to confront Nereus about what he'd said to Ismene to cover for her, but the day after their confrontation, she felt too awkward to approach him. She avoided making eye contact and escaped the dining room as soon as she could. She didn't even check her windowsill to see if Zephyr had left her a note - she just wanted to get out.

She showed up at the spot where she and Zephyr usually met. At first she didn't see her friend, but she decided to wait there anyway. A few ...