Chapter 34 The Letter

• Aire grabbed my hand proudly, tugging me through the small crowd as if he were escorting me to a royal court. Theo walked beside us, his presence steady and warm, even with all the noise and excitement buzzing around.
• As we moved toward the small hall where the play would take place, I spotted Martha near the side entrance—dressed in her little gown, crown perched slightly crooked on her head, cheeks flushed with excitement. She was talking to her teacher, hands moving dramatically as only Martha could manage.
• “Mummy!! Daddy!!” she squealed the moment she saw us. She ran over, nearly tripping over her dress, and threw herself straight into Theo’s arms first.