Elina II

"Swing with us, El," Daniel called. At fifteen, he was tall and gangly, his form just beginning to show the promise of who he would become. Elina knew he had great courage, as well as love for his siblings. He'd kept them together after their parents had died, and when the girls were taken by the monstrous men down in the labyrinth beneath whatever city they were in, he had gone after them. She couldn't help but admire him.

"Not right now, but I have a plate full of warm chocolate chip cookies. And, Jane, I also have fresh cranberry and pistachio biscotti dipped in white chocolate."

From what she had heard from Jane, Tensel had taken the children in, become a foster parent of sorts, until the adoptions came through, protecting them with his friends and unique security system--just as he protected her. Elina was grateful to him, but she knew she couldn't stay much longer.

Daniel raced to the porch first, leaned down and brushed the top of her head with a kiss, scooped up a handful of