Here, she would be free. Here, the walls were meant to keep enemies out, not to keep her in.
Here, she had choices.
30
ESAG
Esag hung back as the group filed out of the van, watching as Tula emerged into the parking garage with Wonder's arm still around her waist. The sisters were inseparable, and he could understand that. They had a lot of catching up to do.
He didn't begrudge them their reunion. He just wished he knew where he stood in all of this.
Someone had made an effort to make the garage welcoming.
A banner hung from the ceiling near the elevator: 'WELCOME HOME' in bold letters, with smaller text beneath that read 'Tula, Tamira, Sarah, Liliat, Beulah, Rolenna, Raviki, Tony, and Elias.'
Tula stopped when she saw it, her hand going to her mouth. "They made a banner."
"Of course we did." Syssi emerged from the elevator with Allegra balanced on her hip. "The rest of the welcoming committee is up in the pavilion. Amanda thought to surprise you, but I decided that it would be better to warn you. You've all had enough excitement to last you for a while." She motioned for them tojoin her inside the elevator. "I'm Syssi, by the way. Kian's wife. And this is Allegra. We're so happy you're here."
Except for Esag, no one had luggage, and the ladies didn't even have a purse, which, he realized, must be distressing to them. But at least they could all fit into one cab.
"Hi," Allegra said as they all filed in. "Welcome home."
The ladies looked surprised to hear such a small child speak so clearly, but Esag had heard Allegra talking before, so it took him a moment to realize why the others were gaping.
"Thank you, sweetheart," Tula said. "That's very kind of you to say."
"You're pretty." Allegra suddenly turned shy and tucked her face into the crook of Syssi's neck.
"She's usually much more outgoing." Syssi caressed her daughter's back. "I guess she feels a little crowded in here."
Thankfully, the elevator ride was short, and as they filed out, they were welcomed by the rest of the committee.
"Darlings!" Amanda spread her arms, ready to embrace the newcomers in more ways than one.
Tall, stunning, with short dark hair cut asymmetrically, longer in the front and shorter in the back, she had the confident energy of someone who'd never met anyone she couldn't dazzle.
She began hugging each person in turn, whether they were prepared for it or not. "I'm Amanda, Annani's youngest daughter." She turned to Alena. "And this is my eldest sister, Alena. Our mother wishes she could be here to welcome you as well, but she can't be at two places at once."
Where Amanda was all energy and enthusiasm, Alena was grace and composure. Blonde and soft, she was the opposite of her younger sister. She was just as friendly but not as extroverted, which made her less intimidating and more approachable.
"I'm so glad you have all made it out of that horrible place," Alena said. "Welcome to freedom."
The ladies murmured their thanks, and then Tamira stepped forward, evidently taking it upon herself to be the spokesperson for her sisters. "On behalf of all of us, I want to thank you and the entire clan for coming to our rescue. It was a most impressive achievement."
Tamira knew that the clan hadn't come for her and the others, only for Tula, but decency demanded that she thank her rescuers regardless of their original mission.
"You are most welcome, darlings," Amanda said cheerfully. "Now, before we get started, I need you all to understand something very important." She paused for dramatic effect. "This little welcome committee is not the real party. This is just us saying hello. I'm organizing a grand celebration for you this weekend, and everyone will be there. It's going to be spectacular."
The ladies exchanged glances, and Esag wondered if it was all too much for them to attend a party so shortly after their ordeal.
"Don't worry about what to wear," Amanda said, reading the room much better than he had. "I'm taking you all shopping at my favorite boutique, and you each get to pick something special for the party. My treat. Well, technically, the clan's treat, but I'll work it into the budget somehow."
Syssi arched a brow. "You have a budget? Since when?"
"Shhh." Amanda put a finger to her red-painted lips. "Don't tell anyone. I don't want my new besties to think that I'm a frivolous spender."
"But you are." Alena patted Amanda on her back. "And that's okay. We love you just the way you are."
