Vessara's free hand flew to her chest, her heart lurching against her ribs. But the alarm dissolved the instant she registered who stood in the doorway.
Mia, her cheeks flushed a deep rose, her eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement. She spread her arms wide, a small brown paper bag dangling from her fingers.
"Guess who's back to keep your company?" Mia's voice rang through the room, bright and musical.
Vessara released Sera's wrist. She rose from the bed, her legs finding their steadiness beneath her, steadier than at dawn, though a faint tremor still lingered in her knees.
She crossed the room in quick strides, meeting Mia halfway. Their arms entwined, and Vessara felt the familiar solidity of her sister-in-law's frame press against hers.
"You were asleep when I got back last night," Mia murmured against her ear, her voice softening. "I didn't want to bother you."
Vessara pulled back, her hands resting on Mia's shoulders. "It's good to see you again."
