Chapter 112

Although Maxi had declared that she did not wish to talk to Riftan, they still shared a bedchamber. It would be impossible for her to avoid seeing him altogether. This was why she resorted to the admittedly childish tactic of feigning sleep.

"Maxi, we need to talk."

Riftan had returned earlier than usual and now anxiously hovered by the bed. Maxi lay still with the blanket pulled over her head like a caterpillar.

Riftan tried to yank the blanket away, but Maxi clutched onto it until her fingers shook from the effort. In a desperate attempt to appear asleep, she even began snoring.

"Goddammit, I know you're awake. Stop pretending."

He must have grown irritated, for the shaking of the cover was growing rougher by the second. Maxi used all her strength to hold onto the blanket and obstinately kept her eyes shut. She could hear him gritting his teeth at the head of the bed.

"Are you going to keep this up? A while ago, I…" Riftan trailed off, suddenly sounding deflated.