Upon waking, a voice pulls me from my sleep. As I turn, I notice we're back at the mansion.
"Are you feeling better, love?" Leonard asks Fayna, taking her hand.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, darling."
We step down from the carriage, and the mansion doors open: my siblings come running out, with my grandmother close behind.
"You're back!"
"Did you miss me, my little ones?"
Fayna hands me over to Leonard, takes each of them by the hand, and kisses their cheeks.
"How did you behave?"
"We were good!"
Seriously, how do they time these responses so perfectly?
My grandmother approaches Leonard.
"How did Hana do?"
"I'd love to tell you all about it now, but it's a long story. How about we discuss it in the living room?"
"I understand; it seems she surpassed my expectations."
Grandma, I'm telling you, I exceeded them by miles. Though honestly, I didn't understand a thing they were talking about.
"Fayna looks downcast—something happened, didn't it?"
My father stays silent for a few seconds.
"It's best if she tells you herself."
"Daughter, come here for a moment; I need to talk with you. My grandchildren behaved very badly." She covers her mouth with her right hand.
"What did you do to your poor grandmother?!"
"We didn't do anything!"
I almost feel sorry for them—they're scared of a scolding. Such weaklings. I was never afraid of a little scolding…
"It's a joke; they behaved wonderfully. I just wanted a reason to talk with you."
"Don't scare me like that, Mother."
While my grandmother laughs, Fayna lets out a small sigh.
We head to the living room. Once there, my parents each take a seat on the couches, while my grandmother sits on another. For a few seconds, silence fills the room.
"Since no one's planning to speak up, how did Hana do?" my grandmother finally asks.
"She did very well, Mother."
"Then why don't you look happy? Are you afraid of drawing attention from your father?"
Fayna jolts slightly, starting to fidget with her hands.
"It's not that, it's just…"
"Daughter, how much longer do you plan on lying to me? I knew you were worried the moment you left," my grandmother cuts in, her tone serious.
Fayna looks down.
"I'm sorry for keeping it from you; I didn't want you to worry."
You need more practice lying, Mother. I'd teach you myself if I could talk.
"It's alright, but tell me what happened."
"It'd be easier if you just see it yourself," Leonard says, handing the scroll to my grandmother.
As she studies it, her eyes widen in astonishment.
"I see. Leonard, could you hand Hana to me for a moment?"
My father obeys, placing me in my grandmother's arms. As she holds me, her pink eyes meet mine.
"You're amazing! Your potential will be greater than your grandmother's," she exclaims with a smile. Gently, she plays with my hands, and I giggle without meaning to.
She mentioned I'll have even more potential than she does, so her name must be Stella.
"Mother, why are you so happy? She's definitely going to draw my father's attention," Fayna says, her brow creased in worry.
"That was going to happen anyway."
From what I understand, my grandfather is going to be a problem.
"It's not just my father; the church has its eyes on her too," Fayna states, clenching her fists tightly until they tremble. "No matter who it is, I won't let anyone take my daughter away."
"Don't worry about that—your father wouldn't allow it either. As for him, it's almost certain he won't do anything," Stella adds, holding me close and touching her nose to mine.
I still can't believe she's my grandmother; she looks more like Mother's sister. She's way too young and well-kept for a grandmother.
In a calm voice, Leonard replies, "Excuse me, but what makes you so certain he won't do anything? As her father, I also won't let anyone take my daughter from me."
Thank you, God, for giving me such amazing parents! Maybe my life's all set if I stay with them.
"Leonard, if I end up being wrong, I promise I'll stand up for Hana."
"But that would break—"
"I'm aware, but if I step in, he won't do anything. And the church has no jurisdiction in any country, so they'd be left with nothing."
Great! More questions than answers again. It's the worst being a baby and not understanding anything.
"Daughter, do you feel more at ease now?"
"Thank you, Mother!" Fayna steps forward and hugs Stella.
"Thank you so much, Mrs. Stella," Leonard adds.
"Don't be so formal, Leonard—she's my precious granddaughter, after all. If I were you, I'd be more worried about Alaric," Stella replies with a playful but pointed smile.
"For now, I'd rather not think about it, Mother…"
The mood shifts completely, and now everyone is cheerful, showering me with kisses and hugs.
I have a terrible feeling that my life won't be an easy one, but as long as I have these people by my side, I'll be safe. Louis, no matter what it takes, I'll find you—I swear.