“ What?! ,” Laera exclaimed in shock as her widened eyes fixed on Eloise like she had just spouted something so impossible.

“ Are you serious?” Laera sought confirmation, with her eyes still widened.

“ Hm mm.”Eloise nodded.

Laera gasped, covering her mouth with her palm. Her eyes clouded with disbelief, shock, happiness, and a wave of guilt that hit all at once.

“ Are you okay?” she asked, sounding more worried as she genuinely cared for her, even though a huge ...