Page 51 of Dark Princess: Shadows

The device was stored in the drawer of her night table, and she pulled it out and hung it around her neck.

"The marvels of technology," she murmured as she headed back to the living room.

Through the windows, she saw the golf cart stop in front of the house, and a moment later, Kian stepped down and walked up to the front door.

Without waiting for her son to ring the bell and then one of her Odus to open the door, Annani opened it herself.

Kian's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then he laughed. "Now I know that you're truly excited about meeting Morelle. You never come out when I arrive to pick you up."

It was true. A lady, let alone a goddess and a leader of her clan, never rushed to the door, but today, Annani was making an exception.

"I admit, I am excited."

"Of course, Mother." Kian helped her into the passenger seat at the back and climbed up to sit with her.

"Hello, Anandur," she greeted the Guardian.

"Clan Mother." He dipped his head. "Today, we celebrate."

"Indeed, we do. I am ready to welcome my sister into our clan."

As they drove through the village, Annani's mind raced with questions. What would Morelle be like? Would she be like their brother, gentle and mellow, or more like their father? Would she recognize traces of Ahn in Morelle's character?

"The princess doesn't speak yet," Kian said. "Bridget says that there is nothing physically preventing her from talking, but she might be afraid to use her voice because she hasn't used it in so long, or maybe it hurts to talk. She believes that she will say something soon."

Annani nodded, remembering how Ell-rom had struggled at first. "The important thing is that she is aware and is not cognitively impaired. We were all afraid of that when she was not waking up."

"Bridget performed a few basic tests, and then Ell-rom walked in, and Morelle immediately recognized him. According to Bridget, they had a very emotional reunion."

Annani could just imagine the state Ell-rom was in. Her brother needed someone to hug him right now.

As Anandur stopped in front of the clinic, Kian jumped down and then offered Annani a hand to help her down.

When they entered the clinic's waiting room, Ell-rom rushed toward her and embraced her, having to bend nearly in half to wrap his arms around her tiny frame.

"Annani," he whispered, and the emotion in his voice brought tears to her eyes. "I'm so relieved, so happy."

She hugged him back fiercely. "How is Morelle?"

He chuckled. "Concerned about her lack of hair." Ell-rom straightened up but kept hold of her hand. "She can't speak yet, but she communicates with her eyes. She was even able to lift her hand." His voice cracked slightly. "She remembers, Annani. She'll be able to tell me about our past."

Annani squeezed his hand. "That is wonderful news."

As they settled into the waiting room chairs, Ell-rom held on to her hand, and Kian took a seat on her other side.

"While we wait, we might as well discuss arrangements," Kian said. "Bridget told me that Morelle won't need to stay in the clinic much longer. As soon as she is able to hold food down and is stable enough to go to the bathroom by herself, she can go home and just come in for checkups and rehab."

Ell-rom leaned over Annani to look at Kian. "Gertrude mentioned that Morelle will need to come for regular sessions on some special rehabilitation device."

"The Pilates Reformer," Kian said. "It will help her get on her feet faster. After that, we will probably move the device to the gym, where it belongs."

"I would like to see it." Annani rearranged the folds of her gown.

Kian arched a brow. "Are you considering exercising, Mother?"

"Fates forbid." She huffed in indignation. "My morning walks are all I need to maintain my physique."

Kian chuckled. "That's what I thought. But back to the living arrangements. I assume that you will want Morelle to stay with you?"