Khalida’s eyes widen slightly, and she sighs. “Yes I was. If that’s all, I have cleaning to do.” She resumes her cleaning of the kitchen. 

Asa’s eyes light up. “I’ve always wanted to see a boy that could fly. I knew they exist, but no one would listen to me.”

Layla frowns. “You put yourself through that pain...” When she realizes he’s getting goosebumps, she drops her hands and blushes faintly. “Sorry. I just..” she shakes her head a little with a sigh, and she tries to look away but she catches herself looking into his eyes. “Chains are a strange thing, huh? They can strengthen us, hold us together, or bind us, weigh us down,” she says softly.

The dryad warily watches the human boy approach her. She steps back once, greenery growing at her fingertips. “Can you not hear me?”