The Worst Pain

ROWAN

The waitress sets our plates on the polished wood without a word. The rich aroma of wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, and seared lamb fills the tight space between us. I watch the waitress spin on her heel and march away. Elara won that unspoken battle, claiming her space at our table. I take a slow drink from my water glass, letting the quiet settle over the booth.

I have spent my entire l