Chapter 15

The moment Elena stepped off the plane in Mastrium, Tate and Sophie surrounded her, pulling her into their arms. Even though they had only met through a few video calls before, they didn't feel like strangers. There was no awkwardness, nor hesitation—just a quiet sense of belonging. Maybe this was what people meant when they said blood was thicker than water. Tate and Sophie were like her personal guardians. She had one on each side holding onto her, laughing and crying at the same time. No matter how much they looked at her, it was never enough. Their overwhelming emotions only settled once they got into the car. "Sweetheart, we've been waiting so long for this moment. Dante actually wanted to fly over and pick you up himself, but he was in Adros for business. "The flight schedule got delayed, so he couldn't make it in time." "Adros?" Elena's eyes lit up at the mention, immediately thinking of penguins. She had always loved those chubby, waddling creatures. The one time she sa