Mirael stares at me, her big, nervous eyes silently pleading for me to say something, to tell her what to do.
I smile warmly and lean down so I am perfectly at her height. "My brother is the 4th smartest man in the entire world," I tell her gently. "But the choice is entirely yours.
No one decides your future for you anymore. Not even me."
Mirael looks back at Aerynthar, her small brow furrowing in deep thought. "Will… I still be allowed to stay with you?"
I reach down and lightly flick her forehead. "Obviously. Who else is going to help me with my project?"
A ghost of a smile tugs at her lips before she looks back at Aerynthar.
I know exactly how my brother's mind works. He definitely sees the massive, long-term benefit of taking her in.
