Page 39 of The Howl
I left my room and went straight for my chocolate stash, tucking two bars into my purse before heading downstairs.
I briefly considered taking a bite of one just to rid my mouth of the lingering taste of brownie lust then decided against it. The last thing I needed was Mrs. Quill telling Adira that I was eating chocolate for breakfast. I didn't want to lose my stash. My steps slowed right outside the dining room as I realized just how important the chocolate would be to me now.
With Piepen’s arrival, I’d momentarily forgotten what had happened last night. Mrs. Quill’s abandonment stung all over again. I thought of our morning routine of her fixing me human food I didn’t really need. Why keep the pretense?
“Don’t hover in the hallway, Eliana. Get in here and give your mom a hug.”
The sound of my mom’s voice propelled me forward. She sat at the table with Mrs. Quill. Both had cups before them.
Mom smiled at me, her blonde hair perfectly lying over one shoulder.
“Baby, you have no idea how good it is to see you. Come sit by me. Tell me about school. Friends. Your life. Anything.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked instead.
She waved her hand negligently.
“Just a Council misunderstanding that I’m sure they'll clear up in a few days. Though, I wouldn’t mind if it took longer. Just look at you. You’re getting so big. Not much in the way of curves, but if that’s working for you, embrace it.”
She patted the chair beside her.
“Sit. I made you a fun breakfast that I think you’ll enjoy.”
“Council misunderstanding?” I looked at Mrs. Quill. She knew why my mom couldn’t be here. What could the Council possibly—
“They think I’ve been killing trolls,” Mom said with a laugh. “Can you imagine?”
“No. I can’t imagine how the Council would possibly jump to that conclusion.” I continued to stare at Mrs. Quill. “What game is Adira playing now?”
My mom’s gaze shifted between Mrs. Quill and me.
“What games has Adira been playing?” Mom asked, her tone turning dangerously serious.
I looked at my mom, torn. If I admitted everything, she would never trust me in the Quills’ and Adira’s care again. Yet, if I said nothing, I would continue to suffer Adira’s manipulations, which after last night, were getting worse.
“Eliana?” Mom prompted.
“When you brought me here, I was naive to so many aspects of our world.”
“Which is why it was time to bring you here.”
I nodded.
“And you allowed me to stay so I could learn at my own pace.”
“Because you asked.”
I could see her growing curiosity as to where this conversation was leading.
“Why does this preluding explanation feel like you’re trying to protect Adira?” she asked, a hint of humor returning to her tone.
I couldn’t help but smile a little. Though we’d only spent a small amount of time in each other’s company since she’d left me here, we’d talked often. Because of that, she knew me well.
“I am. Until recently, I’ve been allowed to set the pace.”
Mom’s eyes darkened.
“Until recently? What happened?”
