Bracelets

Soren POV

Ayla hadn't progressed at all, even though Victor and I had told her several times that she could do things without our permission, she still only did what we told her to.

The only evolution was in her reading, she is much better now and reading slightly more complex books, but I think she's making an effort, not because she wants to, but because it's expected of her and that perhaps she'll be punished if she doesn't. Her feelings are distant, and it's hard to understand why she doesn't want to.

Her feelings are distant, and it's very difficult for me to connect, it seems that with Strïth asleep it's even worse. Now we're in the living room, Ayla is on her tablet, reading one of the books Victor has chosen, while he and I are playing chess.

I feel the air change and become a little heavier and Ishtar appears, with a tired expression but a smile on her face and a little wooden box in her hands. I know all this is going to cost a lot, but it'll be worth it, it has to.

"That's