Chapter 128

CLAUDIA. “Congratulations!” Aristea beams as we all gather around the table for dinner. “It makes me so happy to see you both so joyful. It warms all of our hearts.” Carlos raises his glass for a toast and Maia follows suit. The other villagers that are dining with us all make a toast for us. I look over at Achilles and see that the only one he’s looking at is me. It feels good, to be looked at like that. Like I’m the only one in the world who matters. It feels good to be surrounded by many amazing people. For once, I want to pretend like we’re in an enclosed space, protected by everything outside, like there is no war going on. It feels nice to have a normal life, a normal night, and every second of it is worth fighting for. We share a meal, laughing and talking to one another like a big family. We’re about to wrap things up when suddenly, Maia and Carlos reach for the same bowl and immediately stop to look at each other. “You go ahead, Beta Carlos,” Maia says, her face going red