Page 26 of Starfall

He laughed and got out of the car, walking around to help her out. They walked toward Orla, Hunter, and Snowball. They had about an hour before the sun set and the party started. Time to finish getting organized.

Chapter Five

Emery stroked Snowball, and Orla was still staring. “You are staring, Orla.”

“You look... pretty. Like something has softened.”

“I am stuck.”

“What?”

“I can’t get into my other form. I think I am just tired from yesterday. I can’t get the old me back.”

Yinmar finished arranging flowers on the table and came up to them as Emery was speaking. “You embraced your blood yesterday and killed your father. Your ogre is very close to the surface right now.”

“How do I put her back?” she asked Orla’s mother.

“You don’t. If it chooses to retreat, it will, but if not, you are stuck with her.” Yinmar stood beside Orla. “I am sorry.”

“Fudge. I have introduced myself as my own cousin Emma a few times. I am my own silent partner.”

Orla paused. “I think I can find a spell for it. It will make those who knew your other shape accept this one as the new one. It helps that you are the same person and that your personality doesn’t change with your shape.”

Emery blinked. “Thank you. I am going to have to do a lot of shopping. I don’t have much beyond jeans, sweat, and t-shirts for this one.”

Yinmar smiled. “I need to do some shopping of my own. Hunter helped me get back into the rolls of the living today. I should be an actual person again in a few weeks.” She paused. “I have also contacted my family. They are... shocked that I am back.”

Orla snorted. “You could say that. When I talked with them, they were still happy with the funds they received when you married into the ogre family.”

“Yes. I reminded them that those funds were mine, and the moment I could put a suit against them, I would have it if they had to sell the clothing on their backs. I am starting over, and living with my daughter and her fiancé isn’t appropriate.”

Emery blinked. “Fiancé?”

“It isn’t official, but I can’t see life without him.” Orla smiled. “He’s... I dunno. He fits.”

Emery nodded. “Congratulations.”

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