Lark lifted her head at a soft knock on the door.
“Lark?” Conan popped his head in. “Is this a good time?”
It had been twenty minutes since Avi had left. Lark no longer felt like she was about to explode, so she smiled stiffly and nodded.
“Come on in.” Lark stood up.
Conan was followed by Shamira and the stranger from before. Shamira ran to Lark and enveloped her in a hug, surprising both of them. She awkwardly took a step back from Lark.
“I’m so glad you’re okay!” Shamira nearly cried. “You have no idea how scared I was when you coughed up blood!”
“I’m sorry.” Lark scratched her neck. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m not exactly sure what happened.”
“I have an idea,” the stranger piped up.
Shamira stepped aside so Lark could see him.
“This is the genius little brother I told you
