Chapter 122

• "My love, wake up..." The gentle voice of her mate, Noel, coaxed her from the depths of sleep. As her eyes fluttered open, her ears were immediately filled with the lively sounds of tambourines, soon joined by a symphony of other musical instruments. Startled and disoriented, she jolted upright in her seat, her eyes darting to Noel in search of an explanation.
• "What's happening? Are we under attack or something?" she asked, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to make sense of the sudden commotion.
• Noel's laughter, warm and comforting, filled the car. He reached out, his fingers gently stroking her hair as he explained, "This is actually your welcome parade that had been arranged when we found you." A wave of emotion washed over Winona. She was touched by the grand gesture, yet a hint of embarrassment also crept in.