The Bound Between Us

Chapter 904

To keep Daria quiet, Autumn bent down and said softly, "This is our little secret, just between you and Grandma. We won't tell anyone else, all right? Not even your dad."

"Why not?" Daria looked up at her, confused.

Autumn smiled and spun another story. "If the secret gets out, your mom won't be able to come home. She has to beat the monsters first, and she can only do that if no one knows."

Daria nodded solemnly. "Okay then."

"Pinky promise?" Autumn held out her finger, delighted that Daria was warming up to her. "Pinky promise-if you break it, you have to be a silly puppy!"

Daria giggled and linked her pinky with Autumn's.

Today, Daria was happier than she'd been in a long time. It was the first time someone had shared stories about her mom with her.

Autumn told her tale after tale about Julie. She painted her as heroic and kind, all the things a child would want to hear-even though, in truth, Julie had never spent a single day taking care of Daria.

Soon, it was time to leave. Caterina came to collect Daria.

As they headed out, Autumn called after them, "Bring her back the day after tomorrow. I really enjoy having Daria here."

"Of course, Mrs. Walker. You can see her anytime you want." Caterina smiled, her mind already on Autumn's generosity.

dropped Daria off at his place. Joseph had been caught up

waved

he had passed on all his features, and

Daria ran over

you go today?"

went to the amusement park!" Daria's eyes shone. "Dad, is it true that once my mom beats the monsters,

they just can't

Joseph said, his voice flat. He hated

figured it was all from watching

Grandma Walker said my mom went to fight monsters!" Daria

nanny nearby nearly dropped her

darkened. He turned to Caterina. "What's going on? Who's telling him this

amusement park, maybe another kid said something? They were playing at the ball pit, pretending to fight monsters. kids

was only

Daria. "Which

understanding the difference. In his mind, a grandma was just

He picked Daria up and told Caterina, "Don't take him to those

sir." Caterina breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Daria was too

Night fell.

dinner at Salstrom Manor,

in his car to