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."

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 does,

glared at

calmly went back to

and Valerian, sitting further down the table, exchanged a glance, then both started dishing food onto Calliope's

"Callie, have some more!"

what you like, I'll get it for

I'll pour you a

I'll pick

Valerian acting like

had been in a good mood, because Zelda hadn't

But seeing her brothers fuss over

and Valerian suddenly treating Calliope like she was golden child? Weren't

this nice to her?

throw a fit. She just sent Calliope a series of death glares from across the

a playful challenge in

might pop out. Not happy with me? Oh, is it because

wrong, about to cry

me guess, next you'll