Book 16: Snap

Lexa

I keep my hand tucked in the crook of Kaleb’s arm as he guides us through the crowd, ignoring the glances, the underhanded comments in a language I don’t understand but know he does. Most people give us a wide berth. Many of the women hide their mouths with fans, their jewels sparking in the light of dozens of crystal chandeliers. I can’t help but notice the copious amount of food going to waste on long, opulently decorated tables, not so much as a bite taken from several dishes.

My stomach curls at the thought of the kids who race into the pack house every morning to collect their family’s daily rations of grains, milk, and meat. It’s never enough. The people of the Glade have never had enough.

I nearly trip over my own feet when Kaleb comes to a rough stop, like he didn’t expect it, and turns to a tall fae man–a trio of them, actually–the only seemingly friendly faces in the ballroom so far.

“Alpha King,” says one of them–a man who loo