Chapter 135: Belonging, Chains, and a Gift (2/3)

The pub was crammed with people laughing and talking. The ripple of their voices blended into the raucous beat of the small band on the stage in the corner and created a pleasant cacophony. Lamps flickered on the walls, casting a golden net that drew them together for the festivities.

Someone had strung up paper decorations from the walls and ceiling in an arrangement that seemed to have no reason to it other than to splash the place with happiness. Everyone held a drink and wore a smile as they moved to and fro within the net of warmth and color.

As Wren pulled him forward through the crowd, Rowan's head spun slightly, and his chest tightened. He blew the air from his lungs and told himself everything would be fine.

They were just people. 

He was just a person.

If he could learn to walk through the shadows and battle an unknown poison, he could be here and maybe even enjoy it.