Rony and Lia both froze looking at one another.
"Father…" Lia whispered.
"Go and see, Lia," Rony said quickly. "I'll start preparing in the kitchen."
Lia wiped her tears with her sleeve, her ears rising slightly as she took a breath. Carrying a tray, she walked toward the entrance. But when she stepped out and saw who had entered, she nearly dropped the tray.
A tall young man with white hair and sharp bluish eyes walked ahead of a small group. His presence filled the room. Lia's heart pounded in her chest. For a moment she couldn't even breathe.
But she shook her head quickly and bowed. "Welcome, honored guests. Please… please have a seat."
Ethan stopped and glanced around the worn-down inn. Then he crouched down slightly so he was at Lia's level, his voice calm and warm. "Girl, I'm hungry. Can you tell me what your specialties are?"
