Vessa stood by the gate and watched Katarina walk Samara onto the estate.
It was strange to see. The last time Samara had been here, she'd been stiff and careful. She'd even hesitated to drink Brynn's guest cup, like there was a chance it would be poisoned. Now, she walked half a step behind Katarina with her hands in her pockets, sheepishly.
[She still doesn't trust it.]
Katarina stopped in the middle of the yard and waited for everyone to look at her. Seris was on the porch. Brynn was by the woodpile, still holding an axe. Ottavia poked her head out the kitchen door.
"Everyone," Katarina said. "Samara works for us now. She's one of ours. So treat her like staff, not a guest."
There was a short pause.
Then Brynn dropped the axe. She crossed the yard and pulled Samara into a hug that lifted her off the ground.
"Ha! I knew it!" Brynn said. "I told Seris, that one's got a good face under all the scowling. Welcome, welcome!"
"I can't breathe," Samara said.
