66- THE CONFERENCE

BLAISE

In the muted light of dawn, I awoke, disoriented, on the cold floor in front of my bedroom door. Memories of the previous night flooded through my mind, each one a sharp reminder of my foolishness. Lila had banished me from our room, a justified measure for my inexcusable action of striking her in a moment of unbridled anger. Despite my relentless apologies since last night, a chasm of guilt and regret yawned within me.

I couldn't shake off the remorse for having let my rage overwhelm me. It was her accusations of my infidelity with Amanda, and of slanderous gossip that had ignited my fury, leading to that unforgivable slap. But even as I regretted my actions, a nagging suspicion about her knowledge of Erick's master lingered in my thoughts. I would apologize for striking her, but I wouldn't let that matter rest.

Running my fingers through my dishevelled hair, I reached for the door handle, bracing myself for another round of apologies. To my astonishment, the