Chapter 29.2

As dawn was reaching her fingers out across the sky, Nyla arrived. She stood at the front gates that blocked her path and contemplated what to do. She knew she looked a mess; her hair must be a rat’s nest after all the flying. It’d be rude if she flew over the wall. Without any other option, Nyla pressed the buzzer.

“Yes?”

“This is Nyla Bra- just Nyla. May I come in?”

She heard a scurry of movement and then a muffled, “Oof,” before a bell chimed, and the gate swung open. Taking it as an invitation, Nyla started up the long drive. About halfway up it, she was met by Madame James, who flung herself at Nyla, hanging onto her by her neck.

“Nyla! We’ve been waiting all night for you!”

Michael loped over, his pace much more sedate. “Mom was about to go out looking for you herself if you didn’t get here soon.”

“How did you know I was coming?” Nyla asked,