A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Calliope didn't hold back at all. She walked into Monty's place and started picking things off the shelves like a kid in a candy store.

"I'll take this one, and this one, oh and definitely this one too!"

Monty just stood there, his jaw practically on the floor. He tried to keep it together, but watching Calliope go on a spree through his treasured collection was like watching someone eat the last slice of his favorite pizza right in front of him.

"Callie, you know, that's a lot to carry all at once. Why not leave some here? They're all yours anyway, you can come back for them whenever you want. No need to rush, right?"

"Really?" Calliope glanced at Monty, her eyebrow raised.

Monty nodded so fast he almost gave himself whiplash. "Absolutely! I'm serious, all yours!"

But Calliope just chuckled, "I don't believe you.”

And with that, she grabbed a few more things.

Monty watched helplessly as his cherished items dwindled down to a sad-looking half-empty shelf. Calliope definitely had a knack for picking out the best stuff, leaving behind only the items Monty could barely muster any affection for.

do it," Calliope said, dusting off her hands.

now?" Monty's eyes

planning

is that a problem?" Calliope shot him a look. "I can just take

fine!" Monty quickly interjected, stepping in front of what remained. "This is plenty for now. We can sort out the rest next time! Hey, do you want this stuff in your room, or

I'm taking it with me. If I leave it here, it'll be Lisette's the moment she gets

turned to Valerian. "Mr. Valerian, would you mind helping me pack these

title, but he obliged, gathering packing materials to help Calliope

while Calliope stood by, directing the operation like a maestro conducting an orchestra.

could curdle milk, like she was witnessing a vampire in the middle

a feather, ready

and the others watched her go, their emotions a tangle of confusion and reluctant acceptance. They knew they relied on her, and despite everything, there was a part of them

the way,

sometime soon!