Chapter 49

“Mirella, my love, it’s time to go in for lunch.” Seraphine shivered in the cold air as Mirella pouted at her.

“Just one more game, Seraphine. Please.”

Torren grinned. “What game this time, Mirella?”

“Hide and seek!” Mirella clapped her hands delightedly as Seraphine smiled.

“Close your eyes and count to fifty,” Mirella demanded.

Torren and Seraphine closed their eyes and began to count as Mirella laughed and ran off.

***

“Hello, Elowyn.”

Elowyn groaned inwardly and turned to face Dorian. She had just entered the barn and was about to start shoveling out a stall when Dorian’s voice had washed over her.

“Hello, Dorian.”

Dorian stepped closer. “How are you today?”

“Fine.”

“Not feeling sick after yesterday?”

“No,” she replied.

“Good.” He leaned against the wall of one of the stalls. “Tell me, Elowyn. Do you know—do you understand—just what a gift you have been blessed with? How valuable you are?”