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“Perfect timing,” Liora beamed.

“Are there games?” Korinnae asked.

“There are.”

“Food?”

“Lots.”

“I’m definitely ready,” she hurried over to Liora, practically vibrating with excitement as the adults exchanged amused smiles. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” Liora replied with a wink. “But I will tell you this, Maldenis has promised to show us somewhere special.”

“Really?”

“Really,” the basilisk nodded. “Think you can keep up with us?”

“I can run faster than both of you!”

“We’ll see about that.”

Korinnae giggled as she slipped on her coat.

Liora turned back toward Asterion and Ria. “Oh! You two should come by Zara’s tonight.”

Asterion frowned. “For what?”

“My sister and her mate are hosting a karaoke night.”

“Oh, fun!” Ria smiled.

Asterion looked between the two women. “Karaoke?”

Maldenis chuckled. “It’s an Upperworld thing. You sing into a machine while it plays the music.”

“You sing…with a machine?”

“It provides the music,” Liora clarified with a grin. “Trust me, it’s fun.”

“Can I dance to it?” Korinnae’s ears perked.

“Why not?” Ria laughed. “Every karaoke party needs someone dancing.”

The girl clapped excitedly. “I can do the moves you showed me!”

“Well,” Asterion sighed, glancing at Ria before looking back at Liora, “I suppose we’ll see you there.”

“I’ll text you the address,” Liora said with a smile.

Asterion nodded.

Liora took Korinnae’s hand, and the girl looked back over her shoulder. “Bye, Uncle Asterion! Bye, Ria!”

“Have fun,” Ria called.

“And stay out of trouble,” Asterion added.

“I’ll try!” Korinnae answered, already halfway out the door.