Ember Frost’s POV

I wandered a short distance away and found a patch of grass to settle on. Around me, laughter rose, friends teasing one another, voices trading silly jokes that meant nothing yet filled the air with warmth. It was such an ordinary moment, so simple, yet as I sat there surrounded by their joy, I felt an ache swell in my chest. My eyes stung, and I had to blink hard to keep the tears from falling.

I felt a surprising lightness. The constant gnawing inside no longer had to ...