Page 73 of Dark Rebel's Fortune

Fenella wandered over to a case containing a small bronze figurine that reminded her of artifacts she'd seen in museums in Greece. "Seems risky to keep valuable artifacts in glass boxes."

Ingrid's perfect smile didn't falter. "No one in our village takes what doesn't belong to them." She frowned. "Well, except that whole episode with Drova, but that was just teenage rebellion." She turned to the girls. "Despite all the mischief, Drova is a good kid. You've met her. She was part of the rescue team that got you out of that horrible place."

"I don't remember much," Arezoo said. "Was she the one with the wounded shoulder?"

"Yes." Ingrid smiled. "That's the one."

"We owe her a big thank you," Arezoo said.

"Oh, well. I'm sure she will appreciate it." Ingrid headed toward a pair of sliding doors. "Let's continue our tour, shall we?"

As they stepped outside, Fenella was struck by the perfect temperature—warm without being hot, with a gentle breeze that carried the scent of pine and something floral.

"This way to the square." Ingrid led them along a path paved with natural stone.

The path opened onto a plaza surrounded by several buildings and meticulously landscaped gardens.

"This is our village square," Ingrid explained, performing a graceful turn that somehow incorporated a sweeping gesture toward the surrounding structures. "That two-story building over there houses our administrative offices. Next to it is our clinic. And that," she pointed to a charming outdoor café with wrought iron tables and chairs, "is where many gather for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. When it is closed, you can still get all those things from the vending machines in the back." She motioned behind the small structure that was the service center of the café.

There, along a green wall, stood four vending machines. One for hot drinks, one for cold, one with sandwiches and pastries, and the fourth with an assortment of snacks.

Several people were seated at the café, sipping from steaming paper cups and engaged in conversation. They glanced up as the group passed, offering friendly nods and waves.

Ell-rom leaned over to whisper something to Jasmine, and when she nodded, he turned to the rest of them. "I'm going to leave you alone to continue your tour. I want to visit my twin sister."

Oh, that was sweet of him. He was such a nice guy.

"Perhaps you can invite Morelle over to the café later," Jasmine suggested.

He nodded. "I'll offer. Perhaps Brandon would like to join us as well."

"Of course." Jasmine kissed his cheek.

After he left, Ingrid kept walking. "We keep the village pedestrian friendly. Most of the time we just walk from place to place, but we use golf carts for transporting goods or luggage. They're quiet and don't disrupt the peaceful atmosphere."

As they continued past the square, Fenella noticed a playground where several children were playing.

"Most of the younger kids in the village are from recent arrivals," Ingrid said, following her gaze. "Aren't they marvelous?"

Several mothers were supervising the kids from nearby benches. There was something different about their appearance that was evident even from a distance. They too offered nods as the group passed, but no smiles.

Fenella remembered then where she'd seen people who looked like them. The warriors that had saved her, Kyra, and the girls had those enormous black eyes and willowy bodies.

Their kind didn't smile much, and she'd noticed that already.

"Are these mothers and children the same people as the warriors who rescued us?"

Smiling, Jasmine laid her hand on her forearm. "They are."

"Does everyone here know each other?" Fenella asked. "Seems like a fishbowl."

Jasmine nudged her. "The village is larger than it appears. There are several different sections."

"Precisely," Ingrid said. "But we do know each other despite having nearly five hundred residents at this time."

"That's not so many," Azadeh remarked.

"Quality over quantity, darling," Ingrid said with a wink. "Now, let me show you the residential area where we have homes available for your family."

---