-Molly-
Laylah smiles as she walks into the library. She looks like she did in the pre-Ethan days. She looks happy and even confident. I stand and hug her.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” I tell her, holding her tight.
“I was only gone for a day,” she giggles.
She wasn’t. This girl standing before me was gone for months. But I won’t point that out. She’s here, and that’s what matters.
We sit at the table where lunch is already waiting. I can’t help but watch her manners as she properly places the napkin and cuts her food. I’m making myself feel sick after Grandma Cora told me what she went through. I’m not pointing anything out, though. I want to make sure she’s ready for the scrutiny of the kingdom.
“How was the training ground?” I ask.
She smirks. “I thought Cora was going
