The next morning, Kyva visited the Bloom Quarter.
She found Elin in the hall and the little girl's face lit up when she saw her. She rose to her feet and bowed her head.
"Morning, sister Kyva."
Kyva lowered herself to the girl's height, a gentle smile softening her features.
"And how are you?"
"I'm doing okay!" Elin replied, bright-eyed. Then, with a small tilt of her head, she added, "You said you'd come over last night, but you didn't." There was no accusation in her voice, only the quiet truth of someone who had waited and been disappointed, but now eased by Kyva's presence.
Kyva exhaled softly.
She had meant to come, but the hour had grown too late, and her new master had refused to let her leave the premises,saying that it was unsafe for her to wander alone.
