Page 7 - My FlipBook

O UTR UN THE WIN D

been lost. I could have grown up here, in the rolling hills of
Arkadia, with a father and brother who were proud to be mine.
Now I want to know more—how I got lost, who my mother
is—but I remind myself that I have time. I settle back into my
chair and allow myself to relax slightly. The feeling is com-
pletely foreign. I scan the room, over all the Arkadians here to
welcome me back. On the far wall, I see that the doors to the
kitchens are connected to the dining hall. Every time they flip
open, I catch a glimpse of Kahina and Nora, gathering more
food and drink.
Nora leans in closer to Kahina, whispering something, and
I see Kahina’s face melt into laughter. My heart slows—how
is she the same girl who gave me such a depressing tour? I
focus back on the food before me. It’s odd to eat meat I didn’t
kill myself.
I reach for another helping of brisket with my fingers, and
my father coughs loudly. He shoots me a glare, and I freeze.
Father nods discretely at my forgotten utensils, and I curse
myself.
He raises his hand for more wine; one of the girls closest
to him rushes forward, but when she pours her pitcher into his
bronze gauntlet, only a few drops of dark liquid come out. She
shakes the pitcher a little, but nothing comes out. He glances
past her into the kitchens, where Nora slowly shakes her head.
He flushes a little, then beckons to another girl who comes
forward, emptying her pitcher as well. I glance down at my
near-empty cup.
For the first time, I see strained unease behind my father’s
smile as he stares down the table at his Arkadian guests, silently
willing them not to ask for refills that do not exist.
As the night continues, I study Phelix. He’s older than me

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