She still wanted to believe the best, because that was simply Ophelia's nature. Her heart was too soft, and she always liked to think that people were kinder than they really were. But now even she was starting to feel that something about this healer was not right. Her sweet little face grew more uncertain with each passing sentence, and her fingers quietly moved toward Valen's hand without her even realizing it.
Valen noticed at once and held her hand properly.
That one small action grounded Ophelia a little, but it also made Zara see yet another thing she hated. Everyone here had someone. Everyone had a place. Everyone had warmth around them. Meanwhile she stood there alone, pretending, swallowing pain, and trying to keep a borrowed face from cracking.
Shelia's dislike became even clearer.
