Lara personally came that afternoon to fetch the three children. Reya stood with them by the gate, their small luggage bags neatly arranged beside them — each one handcrafted by Lina and the women of Gabriella, lovingly stitched with colorful thread and charm pendants to ward off misfortune.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed down the gravel path before the carriage came into view. It was a modest horse-drawn carriage, its wooden panels polished to a soft gleam in the sunlight. When it came to a stop, Lara stepped down gracefully, her eyes scanning the area, searching for a familiar faces.
"Sister, you finally came!" Pamela and Ivy cried out in unison, their voices full of excitement. They rushed forward and wrapped their arms around her waist, laughing breathlessly. Lara's expression softened; she bent down, brushing their hair tenderly with her hand.
