Sweet Venom

She rises to her feet with effortless grace and begins walking toward me with a warm smile on her face. For a moment, I think she's going to stop at a polite distance, but she doesn't. She wraps her arms around my shoulders as though we've known each other our entire lives, kisses my cheek with complete familiarity, and before I can react, takes both of my hands in hers.

"Lyra, I'm so happy to fin