I grew increasingly uncomfortable. I was doing exactly as he wished—being patient and accommodating at every turn. Why was he still dissatisfied? 

The most excruciating moment was having dinner with them. 

The table was laden with a feast of delicious foods. 

My brother carefully placed choice morsels on Selene’s plate, making her beam with delight. 

Meanwhile, I sat quietly with lowered eyes, gnawing on a cold, hard piece of bread. 

“Why aren’t you eating any meat, Skye?” Selene asked, pushing a plate of lamb toward me. 

I didn’t touch it, silently pushing it aside. 

“Does Skye have some problem with me? She won’t even eat the food I specially prepared for her.” Selene’s face crumpled with feigned hurt, and my brother’s expression instantly hardened. 

“Skye! Eat the food Selene prepared and stop this attitude right now!” he snapped. 

I raised my head, my chest tight with an indescribable pain. 

“I can’t eat this,” I said quietly.