Charis
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of warmth and unexpected joy.
Despite all my fears and anxieties, I found myself having a genuinely wonderful time with Marcus's family.
Even though many conversations were awkward, they had an easy, natural relationship that drew me in without overwhelming me with attention. I loved how they paid just enough notice to make me feel included without putting me under scrutiny that might expose my secrets.
I still didn't understand why Marcus and his extended family had come to the academy for the induction ceremony in the first place—Marcus wasn't being inducted, and it seemed too flamboyant for it just to be a family visit.
However, I was thankful for having them here; they had given me invaluable information about myself and my mother's current situation.
