Stone Circle needless to say, I keep her in check

"To your home," Alya gently reminded him, leaning her head forward to lick his nose. "We'll come back. I just want to see everyone and catch up with my sisters -- and for you to get to know my family a little. Daddy probably thinks you've stolen me away and hidden me in a cave somewhere."

Her dark eyes sparkled with humor and hope. It had been hard for her to adjust to this new place. Not as hard as adjusting to Morningside, but difficult enough. She felt deeply that she was needed at home, and while a quick visit would have to do, she wanted to do it now.

"I think it will be easier coming back," she added. "We got here and my season came and everything was insane, and even now that it's over, I can't seem to get back into the swing of things. If I could see the mountain again, it'll help me reset, and then I'll be all fresh and ready to be an Easthollowian."