*
Skylar Lockwood had been in her grandfather's room playing a game of chess. When it neared six o'clock, she realized her third sister, Serena, still hadn't come to call them for dinner. She went out to check on the situation and found the table laden with freshly cooked food—seven or eight dishes in all.
Their family valued frugality. Normally, they would make three or four dishes at most, just with larger portions to ensure a balanced meal. A spread this lavish was usually reserved for holidays.
"Are we having guests?"
Skylar Lockwood guessed.
"Yeah." Serena Lockwood glanced at her second sister, looking hesitant. "There's something I haven't told you yet."
"What is it?" Skylar Lockwood narrowed her eyes, getting a bad feeling.
"Stella... she got married..." Serena answered haltingly. Her second sister was always strict, and she was afraid of getting an earful.
