The big dining room glowed with warm light, countless lights shining on warm over glossy wood tables full of food and drink. But there was tension there, tension that was heavy and clung to all. Dante had called in his most loyal of friends for a special family meal, something that seemed celebratory but really was for a serious purpose.
Isla moved in close beside him, her hand on his arm, holding lightly. To the outsider, she appeared a fond partner, her skirt flowing loosely, her face calm. But inside her, her heart beat like a caged bird. Every pace towards the extended table was taking a step further into the cage she could not see but felt closing in on all sides.
