Samuel leaps up and rushes to Zack's side, pulling him away from Laila as the three of them laugh and tickle each other.

My brother has been gone for several days, working with the Seraph Council at their request. He wouldn't, or most likely couldn't, give us details as to why, just that he had to go, and it was necessary.

"Hey big brother!" I move closer, giving him a hug as Laila continues her death grip on Zack's arm, Samuel being dragged by his leg. "It's good to ...