Auren POV

The slow, deliberate sound of clapping as I stepped into the kitchen with Lorien at my side made a reluctant smile tug at my lips, though I tried hard to keep my composure.

“Atta boy!” Rion called out, his grin wide and mischievous as always. But my attention went straight to Lior. He sat slumped beside Rion, looking like death had swallowed him whole and spat him back out. The shadows under his eyes were so dark they almost bruised his skin, and a sickly green tinge clung to ...