Nyx's POV
"Yes, I feel better. Why wouldn't I?" My voice betrayed me, jumping an octave and cracking like thin ice. I could feel the heat crawling up my neck, a shameful crimson stain.
"There is no need to be mean," Father sighed, his disappointment heavy enough to sink the room. "He is only trying to be kind, Nyx."
"After the useless stunt you pulled last night? Being kind is the bare minimum," Finch added, his tone dripping with casual cruelty as he slopped a heavy dollop of porridge into his bowl. The wet thud of the food felt like a punch to my stomach.
Kael offered a small, tentative smile that looked like that of a wounded animal that might bite. "It is okay," he murmured.
"No, it is not. Apologize. Now."
