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.

from Joseph. She detoured and dropped Daria off at his place. Joseph had

waved at him. "Come here,

all his features, and if Daria had looked any more like his mother, Joseph doubted he'd feel much affection for the boy at

over with a

today?"

Daria's eyes shone. "Dad, is it true that once my mom beats the monsters, she'll

and their promises they just can't help

a mom," Joseph said, his voice

his mother. He figured it was all from watching

not true! Grandma Walker said my mom went to fight monsters!"

nearby nearly dropped

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

something? They were playing at

was only half the

looked at Daria.

said earnestly, not understanding the difference. In his mind, a grandma was just

and told Caterina,

sigh of relief. Thank

Night fell.

dinner at Salstrom Manor, and Anastasia

got in his car