When we get to the door, Leila hugs me around the head, slobbering a few more kisses my way, unwilling to let me go without a shower of love and garbled sentiments. Daniel expertly disentangles limbs, so I can get free before carrying her off toward home, which is only fifty yards away.

I wave her off with a relieved sigh at finally being free, turning back inside when Arrick grabs my hand, blocking my route with his body and a crazily serious expression on his face that stuns me. He ...