"Welcome back, young lady," Helga said, her eyes warm with affection.
"Thank you," I replied, unsure of the protocol and of being accepted.
"What are you saying, young lady?" Helga asked, chuckling. "Ashbourne Duchy is your home. How could we not accept you? I held you when you were born," Helga continued.
I exchanged a skeptical glance with Lucifer. This woman seemed delusional. How could she have held me? I wasn't even born into this world. And I certainly did not resemble Ariana... or do I?
"Helga, please take Ar—" Lucifer began.
"I mean, Riona," he corrected with a smile. "—and get her settled. She must be exhausted."
"Yes, Father," I said, grateful for the break. "I'm so tired. May I retire to my room?"
As I turned to leave, Eros's voice cut through the silence.
"Ah, hello? Aren't you forgetting about someone?"
