“I agree,” I said airily.
Stunned, Simon jerked his head up. “Really? That’s amazing! Laila has a chance now!”
He tore the agreement and hurried me to the healing hut.
Mom and Dad also received the news. They arrived soon after, and Mom threw her arms around Laila and wept. “Laila, you have a chance now! You’ll be able to stay with me forever…”
Afraid that I’d change my mind, Dad quickly had the healer bring over the surgical consent form.
Once I signed it, my parents finally relaxed.
“Zora, you’ve finally matured,” Dad said. “You’re starting to care for your sister. Don’t blame us for being biased, okay? Laila’s been through so much—she needs our love.
“But we won’t mistreat you either. You’ll still get your part of the inheritance.”
I shook my head, swallowing the bitterness in my chest. “Just give it all to Laila. I won’t need it anyway.”
Momentarily stunned, Mom patted me and chided, “What nonsense are you talking about? Of course, you’ll need it!
