"You have disappointed me greatly."
"You have disgraced the clan dearly."
The echoes of his father's voice, sharp and condemning, still clawed at Jorel's mind even in the depths of his sleep.
The words reverberated in a pitch darkness, twisting around him as Jorel's own choked cries could be heard, though his body remained unseen, consumed by the crushing weight of his shame.
Jorel's body jolted on his bed, a violent tremor that ripped him from the nightmare. He stared at the ceiling, the phantom sting of a slap still warm on his cheek. Sleep, once a refuge, now felt like a trap. He lay there for a long while, the rising sun painting faint streaks across his ornate room, until he finally mustered enough willpower to push himself upright.
He rubbed his eyes, scratching at his already scattered, golden-brown hair, a weary yawn escaping his lips.
Disappointed.
Disgraced.
