Chapter 136

Maxine’s POV

I greeted everyone I saw with a forced smile, hoping they wouldn’t notice the bags under my eyes. I tried to make conversation with Varis but even that was strained and he left me alone after I assured him I was okay.

I busied myself with tasks that required little to no interaction, avoiding anyone who might ask too many questions about my health. About how I was looking. The effort of keeping up appearances was draining, but I couldn’t let anyone see the cracks in my pretence. Not yet.

Not when I didn't know how to control it. Later that day, I found myself in the office for lunch. I took out my bento flask from my pack and picked at my meal.

It was strangely quiet. I was halfway through my meal when my fingers began to tingle. Panic rose up in me, but I forced myself to stay calm, focusing on the food in front of me.

But, the feeling grew even stronger. I could feel the familiar prickle of claws pushing through my finger