Calculated Loyalty

It was better that Elora laid out her terms upfront. The directness actually took the pressure off.

"We understand," Heidi said, meeting her gaze with absolute sincerity. "After Mom died, Thad and I didn't have a home anymore. We're only here because we had nowhere else to go. But if you can cure my brother, we'll follow whoever we need to follow."

Elora studied her with mild surprise. "You're say