Chapter 16
Elenda didn't feel the chill, in the air or in her bones, nearly so much the next time she stood beside her grandmother in the family vault. Several people joining them warmed up the bedrock space more than she expected. A couple of weeks passing had let her body heal enough to not be nearly so achy and sore.
The main difference was the warmth in her heart. A settled, secure warmth. She didn't quite trust that sensation, one she'd never felt here or anywhere else in her entire life. But she enjoyed the solid comfort nonetheless.
The short crutches waited in the corner beside the elevator, but Elenda was relieved to stand on her own as her grandmother opened the massive vault door once again. Rick stood with her Auntie Kay and another cousin she'd spoken to in a row behind her
