[Leif's POV — Thorenvald Estate, Frojnholm—Outside]
The Thorenvald carriage rolled down the gravel path, chaos wrapped in gold trim.
Before it even stopped moving, the door flew open.
"BROTHERRRR!!!"
And then an enthusiasm launched itself through the air—straight into my stomach, again.
"Oof—Alina—!"
Too late. The wind left my lungs as my little sister clung to me like a very emotional, very sparkly koala.
"Brother! I missed you! I missed you soooo much! Do you even know how long it's been?"
I wheezed, patting her back. "Roughly five months, sixteen letters, and two emotional breakdowns later—yes, I missed you too. I get it, Alina, but maybe next time don't use me as a landing cushion?"
She pouted, still hanging off me like she intended to fuse into my ribcage. "But that's how I show love!"
"I can feel the love," I groaned, "mostly in my spleen."
Zephyy, perched on my shoulder, decided this was the perfect time to flap his wings and draw attention to himself.
