Her friend picked up on the second ring. "Are you finally awake?"
"Hello to you too."
"Hello. I have been worried about you. You were out for two days."
"Just one. The other one was a lot of sleeping, but I didn't lose consciousness. My body needed the energy for the transformation. The doctor says I am over the worst of it, and he's going to conduct the confirmation ceremony today."
There was a small pause on the other end.
"I am at Safe Harbor."
"I know."
"I cannot fly back today."
"I know."
"That's a problem. I want to be there when they cut you."
Arezoo laughed. "You really have a way with words, Drova. It's not a big deal. It's just a little ceremony in this tiny room in the clinic. I don't know how my family is going to fit in here."
"Still. When I'm back, we are going to have a private ceremony, just you and me, and I'm going to cut you again."
Arezoo chuckled. "You're so bloodthirsty."
"Anything involving blood is not a joke for me."
"I know. I'll even let you do it. Happy?"
"Yes. How are you feeling?"
"Good. Hungry. I asked Ruvon to bring me a croissant."
"A steak would have been better."
"I know, but the café doesn't serve steak."
"That's a travesty that needs to be corrected. Sugar is poison."
Arezoo laughed. "I love you. I'm going to eat my sweet croissant, shower, get dressed, and have my palm cut in front of my family. When Ruvon takes me home, I'll ask him to barbecue a couple of steaks for me."
"That's a good plan. Good luck, Arezoo."
"Thanks."
"Congratulations, my dear friend. I wish I could be there to hug you. Now that you are immortal, I don't need to be as careful."
"Right. With your insane Kra-ell strength, you can still crush me."
"I'll try to remember that." The call ended.
A few minutes later, Ruvon entered the room with a tray from the café.
"Your order is delivered, my princess." He set it down on the side table. "One coffee." He took it from its drink carrier and placed it on the table. "And one croissant." He handed her a paper bag. "Try not to leave crumbs on the bed."
"I won't," she said, pulling the flaky treat from the bag. "I'm going to eat every single crumb.”
While she drank her coffee, ate the croissant, and moaned like it was the best thing she'd ever tasted, Ruvon put the duffel bag at the foot of the bed.
