Stella let out a long, weary sigh. It was not the kind of sigh that came from a moment of inconvenience or mild frustration. It was the kind that suggested she already knew she had her work cut out for her.
She closed her eyes briefly, as though searching the darkness behind her lids for answers that continued to evade her. When she opened them again, she looked directly at Jorell, and there was something like sadness in her expression.
"I do not know how to help you, Jorell," she said, her voice quiet but clear, her head shaking slowly.
Jorell's eyes widened as her words hit him with more weight than he could bear. He stood up straighter, his posture stiffening, anger and disbelief flashing across his features.
