Always.
“It’s true,” Kera’s father cut in. “Your daughter found my Kera. I felt it was my duty to bring her back home to you.”
“I hope for your sake that’s all you did,” my father growled, grabbing the collar of Kera’s father’s coat. “Lay a hand on my daughter and I’ll—”
He didn’t finish the sentence.
His eyes dropped, narrowing as he took in the robe underneath the coat.
“What’s wrong with you country folk?” he sneered. “Ever heard of getting dressed before you leave the damn house?”
“He wanted me to get home right away, so you wouldn’t worry,” I said, trying to defuse the situation.
“And how exactly did you find Kera?”
“I had a dream,” I said. “I heard her voice calling for help... so I followed it. I found her at the Ships’ Barrow.”
“You were at the Ships’ Barrow?” he snarled. “Alone, in the middle of the night?”
Before I could respond, I heard footsteps on the stairs, and my mother emerged at the bottom, her brow furrowed.
“What’s going on?”
I broke free from my father’s grip and rushed into her arms.
“That’s enough,” she said firmly, pulling my father off him. “Let him go.”
Reluctantly, my father obeyed.
“I found Kera! She’s alive!” I exclaimed.
My mother’s eyes widened, then she smiled.
“Oh, thank goodness. Where was she?”
I told her everything about the dream and the voice.
She listened closely, her hand resting on my shoulder.
“Is it true?” she asked, turning to Kera’s father.
But before he could answer, my father spoke again.
“She’s sleepwalking, hearing voices, and having visions. And we’re supposed to believe it? Act like it’s normal?” His tone was so full of disdain I could smell it.
My mother shot him a sharp look. “How do you explain her finding Kera then?”
“It doesn’t matter,” my father snapped. “She shouldn’t have been out at all. Maybe I’ll have to put bars on the doors. Make sure she can’t leave again.”
My mother let out a tired sigh. But before she could answer, Kera’s father stepped forward with quiet dignity.
“I should be getting back to my family,” he said gently. “And Licia… thank you. Truly. If you ever need anything.”
I gave a small wave as he turned to leave.
“Thank you, Mr. Edengård,” my mother called after him. “Good day!”
The door slammed shut.
