From Leo?her dragon asked.
Yes. But not just Leo.Estelle set the box aside and reached for her phone.I need to talk to Fiona.
Her dragon hissed in surprise.Fiona?
Because she understands us in a way no one else can,Estelle said.Not even Leo.
But we don’t like her.
We don’t have to like her to need her,Estelle replied.
And you think she might have answers?her dragon asked.A way to stop running?
I hope so,Estelle said.
Her dragon was quiet for a moment.You’re really thinking of staying.
I want to,Estelle admitted.For Adara’s sake. For all our sakes.
She picked up her phone and texted Leo.
Do you have Fiona’s number?
His reply came quickly.
I can get it. Everything okay?
Estelle smiled despite herself.
Fine. Just need to ask her something.
Estelle sat staring at her phone until five minutes later, when his message came through with Fiona’s number. Only then did doubt creep back in.
What if this is a mistake?her dragon whispered.
What if it isn’t?Estelle whispered back and pressed call.
The phone rang four times before going to voicemail. Fiona’s voice, crisp and no-nonsense, instructed her to leave a message.
“Hi, Fiona. This is Estelle. I was hoping we could talk. About...” She hesitated. “About what you said when we first met. Please call me back when you can.”
She ended the call, her pulse racing.
It’s done,her dragon said.
Now we wait,Estelle replied.
She was just closing the box and tucking it back into the bag before going downstairs. Adara was still sleeping peacefully, and Estelle stood in the doorway simply watching her.
Then she stiffened. Someone was coming, and that someone was not Leo.
She pushed her senses out and locked onto the approaching car. Fiona.
That was fast,her dragon said warily.
Too fast,Estelle replied as the sound of the car reached her.
She took one last glance at Adara, then hurried to the front door, opening it before Fiona could knock.
