"You're slouching," Leander murmured beside Vessara.
Vessara stood in the driveway with her family on her sides. Elio and Dantes stood behind them, posture straight, shoulders rigid, and eyes on alert.
The burgundy dress she wore hugged her body, revealing every curve of her figure; the fabric was expensive and too fitted for her liking. Thalia had spent two hours on her makeup and hair, coaxing her chestnut waves into soft, cascading curls that fell to her shoulders.
The boxes she had packed sat in a neat row behind her. All her belongings. Everything she owned. Reduced to cardboard containers and six suitcases.
"Stand up straight," Leander said, his voice stern, not looking at her.
Vessara straightened her spine immediately.
"And smile properly," Thalia added.
Three black cars appeared first, then, behind them, a mini truck rumbled forward, its back empty.
