The Light She Protects
As Clara opened the door to her house, warmth spilled out to greet her before the words did.
Then the words came.
Two young girls rushed toward her, skirts swaying, hair catching the lamplight.
"Welcome home, Big Sis!"
The voices overlapped, bright and alive.
The older of the two, sixteen-year-old Kary, had long blonde hair that mirrored Clara's, though hers was softer, less disciplined, falling in loose waves over her shoulders. Her green eyes sparkled with intelligence and quiet maturity far beyond her years.
Beside her stood fourteen-year-old Nira, her long black hair sleek and straight, framing a delicate face. Her purple eyes—so much like their mother's—were large and observant, always watching, always thinking.
Her serious look, usually seen at meetings or fights, simply faded away.
