Chapter 83: The Word on the Tip of Her Tongue

*Zariah*

I storm inside of the house and slam the door so hard, the wall shakes. My parents come running out of the living room. My mom is crying, and I’ve never seen my father look so relieved.

“Thank the Goddess,” Mom says, flinging herself at me. “We’d heard you were home and safe, but that you were busy helping the others. I wanted to run out there and find you, but I didn’t know if it was a good idea.” She’s hugging me so tight, I think my bones are going to break.

I can’t breathe, so I can’t say anything. Eventually, she lets me go, and then it’s my father’s turn to hug me. I have so many things to tell them. I need to ask Dad why he resigned as Beta. I need to tell them about the moonstones. But most importantly, I have to tell them about Micah before they hear it from some rando.

I can’t get my mouth to work, though. “I’m okay,” I tell them. Dad stares at me at arm’s length, just holding onto my upper arms. “I really am.”