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“Is she having a problem with them?” I ask, moving to her side and leaning on the counter.

“Yes. She’s noticed something different.”

“Different how?” Mateo frowns.

“They never leave her alone, and have been extra cautious with her. She overheard them talking about me,” she says.

“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

“Just about my spells, and what I can do.” She nibbles on her lip and looks cautiously at Mateo.

“That’s not good,” he says, and turns off the stove.

“She doesn’t feel safe.”

“Is she coming here?” I stare at Savy.

She’s fidgeting and nervous. It seems she’s more concerned with hurting Mateo.

“Yes. I told her to come.” She holds her hand toward Mateo. “I know you and Granny thought it was best to be somewhere else, but I want her here. She’s not dangerous to me, and she’s learned control.”

He shakes his head. “You don’t have to justify it to me. I’m not doubting her feelings. As I said, I haven’t talked to them. Something could have happened to change them. I would like to talk to them and see how they sound.”

“Not until Aria gets here,” she demands.

“Is she worried that they could hurt her?” Even though she's powerful, she’s still a woman without someone there to have her back.

“She doesn’t think so, but she was afraid they would stop her if they knew she was leaving.”

“That means yes.” I meet her eyes. “Do we need to go get her?”

“I offered, but she’s determined to come herself,” she says, covering my hand. “Thank you for offering.”

“I have a bad feeling,” Mateo breathes, rubbing his arms. “Do you feel it?”

“No,” I say shortly. My life is full of bad feelings, so there’s no way for me to tell the difference. Since meeting Savy, my world is filled with color again, and I refuse to give it up.

“Are your spells telling you?” she asks, gripping my hand tighter.

“No. I just…” He rolls his shoulders. “It’s hard to say.”

“We have to wait. She’s going to keep in contact. I'll know if she has problems.” She loads a plate and slides it in front of me. “Have you heard anything from Granny?”

I stare at the food. She served me without thinking. I like the feeling of someone wanting to care for me.

“Not yet,” he says.

“Can you call her?” I ask, cutting into the toast.

“She didn’t want Savy to,” Mateo says.

“At this point, I’m willing to break all the rules.” She rolls her eyes. “Unless our parents have gained powers or are hanging with someone who is dangerous, we can handle them. I want my family together.”

“Then you can have them,” I say softly, and she smiles.

“It’s not that easy,” Mateo says dryly.

“Why not? Savy wants her sister here, so we get her here. We aren’t helpless. Rome and Mara are here. They'll help if needed. You don’t know what I can do yet.” I glance at Savy. “They should be fearing us.”