40

CALIFF

“What’s happening to me?” Shadow just came out of the bathroom holding strands of her hair—her white hair. Since when did she get highlights?

I held it to inspect. When I couldn’t give her the answers, she said, “Exactly.”

“Zarah,” I called the witch.

The door flew open. Zarah didn’t come alone. My parents, Duke, Kindra, together with Zack and Lyon.”

“New hairstyle?” Duke asked with a deep line between his eyebrows.

“I wish,” Shadow answered, chuckling as Kindra launched to her in a hug.

“I have no idea how relieved I am to see you standing on your two feet.”

“With a highlight.”

“Good to see you, Luna.”

“Thanks, Zack. You okay, Lyon?”

“Yeah. What you did was a miracle.”

Her eyes widened as her gaze landed on my father. “You really look okay.”

“Beyond okay, Shadow. I feel like a reborn. I don’t feel pain anymore. And the scar was gone.”

“You’ve been awfully silent, Zarah.” I looked at Zarah. There was sadness in her eyes that she couldn’t hide it, even for a witch.