A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

In the dining room.

Zelda sat right next to Lisette, piling her plate high with all her favorite dishes- roast chicken, cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, you name it.

Monty shot Zelda a sharp look from across the table, then nudged her gently, trying to get her to pay a little attention to Calliope too.

But Zelda couldn't care less. She was all about Lisette.

"Lisette, eat up! Look at you, you're skin and bones!"

"Is there anything else you want? Now that you're home, just tell me whatever you're craving! I'll make it for you myself! Your mom's home-cooked, just for you!"

"I made all these dishes just for you. You like them, right?"

Lisette's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Yeah, thanks, Mom!"

Calliope stayed quiet, poking at her food. Honestly, she didn't care how Zelda treated her. It wasn't like she was a big fan of Zelda, anyway.

Monty leaned in, whispering, "Honey, maybe give Callie a little, too? She's your biological daughter, after all."

Zelda shot Calliope a look. "She's got two perfectly good hands. Why should I serve her? Looks like she's enjoying her meal just fine."

I'm loving it. And, hey, I've got working hands and feet. She must think Lisette's missing a limb or two, or maybe she's just preparing for when she

at Calliope,

just calmly went back

table, exchanged a glance, then both started

"Callie, have some more!"

you like, I'll

some soup? I'll pour you a

I'll pick

see Horatio and Valerian

in a good mood,

seeing her brothers fuss over

didn't get it. Why were Horatio and Valerian suddenly treating Calliope

this nice to her?

sent Calliope a series of death glares from

her gaze, a playful challenge in

Glaring at me so hard, your eyes might pop out. Not happy with me? Oh, is it because you

about to cry

next you'll say,