[Ovelia's POV]
The words swelled in my throat, a desperate, hopeful plea that threatened to choke me. I want to stay. I want to stay here. I wiped the tears from my cheeks with the back of my hand, the saltiness of them lingering on my skin. I drew a shaky breath and looked at Mrs. Melinda and Chief Gareth, my voice trembling as I began to form the sentence that would change everything. "Chief Gareth, Mrs. Melinda, I—"
Chief Gareth moved before I could finish. Gently, he placed his large hand on top of my head. The weight of it was warm, solid, and utterly final. The gesture was so paternal, so filled with a love that understood sacrifice, that it stole the air from my lungs and the words from my tongue. He smiled, but the deep, knowing sadness in his eyes held me still. "For now," he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through his palm, "be a strong princess who will help people in need, just like you helped us."
