The next day, Brooklyn, Elara, and Emma drove down to the healing den to take Lunara home.
She brightened the moment she saw them, but Elara and Brooklyn's faces didn't change. No smile, no warmth. Her smile faltered a little. She looked away.
Emma pulled a chair beside the bed and sat. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," she said, flat.
"I heard your money and other valuables has been recovered."
"Yes."
Emma nodded. "I called your healer yesterday. He said you'll be discharged today."
"Yes," Lunara said, then paused. "But I don't feel like going home."
"Why?"
Her fingers curled slightly in the sheet. "I feel so lonely… It reminds me of my mother."
"No, you must go home," Emma said. "I'll send workers and guards. They'll stay with you. Help you out. Keep you company."
"Thank you, Emma. I'm grateful," she said.
She pushed up from the chair. "I have come to clear your bills."
Lunara's head lifted quickly. Her eyes wavered.
"Lunara, it's okay," Emma said, holding her hand.
