*Lena*
Elaine took a few steps forward, her jaw flexing as she swallowed.
“Lena, you and I need to talk–"
“Obviously!" I nearly shouted, rounding the table.
I passed Alma, who was standing in the doorway to the kitchen with two plates of chocolate cake, looking more annoyed than confused.
Gideon rose to his feet, glancing at Xander before he motioned for Alma to retreat into the kitchen.
Ianthe gave me a tight-lipped smile as she sidestepped around me and left the room, leaving Elaine and me alone.
Except for Xander, of course, who was standing on the other side of the dining room table looking just as shocked as I was.
“Elaine," I breathed, my initial shock ebbing away into outright confusion. “What happened?"
Elaine sighed deeply, running her fingers along the top of the c
