Olive burst from the car and swept Kimi into her arms. The force of her embrace nearly knocked them both off balance.
"I can't believe you're really here," Olive whispered against Kimi's shoulder.
"I missed you too," Kimi replied, returning the fierce hug.
Olive pulled back, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I thought we'd lost you forever."
Kimi's chest tightened with guilt. "I'm sorry I disappeared without a word."
"Promise me you won't vanish like that again," Olive pleaded, gripping Kimi's hands.
Kimi managed a weak smile as they separated. She met Olive's desperate gaze and felt the weight of the truth she couldn't share.
"This place was never really home for me," Kimi said quietly. "I don't belong in the Arcane Phantom Pack."
Olive's face fell. "You want to return to City Moon Pack, don't you?"
Kimi looked away, unable to admit she'd been lying about her destination all along. The deception sat heavy in her stomach.
