"I told you; you had nothing to worry about!" Arlen exclaimed as she took me to her room.
I rolled my eyes. "You told me the exact opposite," I countered.
Arlen flopped onto her childhood bed with a grin, the worn wooden frame creaking under her weight. "Okay, maybe I slightly exaggerated about Dad ripping your wings off." She held up her thumb and forefinger barely an inch apart. "Just a tiny bit."
I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Tiny? You made it sound like he'd skin me alive and hang my scales as trophies."
"Well..." She bit her lip, mischief dancing in her eyes. "If he found out what you did when I first arrived in your realm, then I am certain he would."
My lips twitched. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Arlen burst out laughing, clutching her stomach
