“We need to leave.”

Ed said the words firmly, though his words and hands were shaky. His eyes were slightly wide as he grabbed their arm.

He had begged to come to this party. Wanted to see the noble people, to dress the part, to impress them with his stories and charm. But it wasn’t… how he imagined. They poked at him, touched his arm and laughed — their laughs, gods, it was like nails on chalkboards. And the passive aggression! His breathing was a bit ragged now.