Despite the angry glare from Wyatt, Raith didn't flinch.
The golden light of the grand hall shimmered off the crystal chandeliers, casting fragmented glows across polished marble. But it was too bright for Aster.
He flinched and squinted his eyes, looking down at his lap. His fingers curled against the seat handles as his gaze darted. The crowd, the light, the noise, the attention… he was trying to stay composed, but the overstimulation was too much.
Vyan instantly felt a wave of guilt wash over. He didn't want to bring Aster in front of this sea of monsters. But it was crucial to show the physical proof of his existence and what the emperor had done to him.
His unfocused eyes, trembling limbs, and shattered composure was enough for anybody watching him to know that he was mentally broken. He wasn't the sharp, confident boy who used to proudly stand beside his father and strike up intelligent conversations in the parties. This was a tormented man.
