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“We don’t have secrets,” she scoffs.
“And you got on a plane hours later,” he continues.
“It was almost a day later,” she corrects him, glaring at Mavin as he moves further into the room. “He thought we should give you time, but it’s a good thing we didn’t. Margarete messaged me. I know the name, Griffon. He was in my vision.” She looks at Lace. “Nice to see you,” she says, wiggling her fingers, and Lace smiles.
“What did you see?” Archer frowns.
“Who is this?” She walks toward the table, her attention on Mateo.
“He’s a family friend,” I explain.
“Mateo.” He stands, holding out his hand, and she slips her fingers over his palm.
“Love your name. And your hair. You’ve got some years on you. I predict we will be great friends,” she says, slipping her hand free.
“Aunt,” Rome snaps.
“Give it up, boy,” Mavin sighs. “Let her get it out in time.” He walks to the table, smiling gently at Lace, and pats the owl's head.
“Mavin,” Adeline pouts.
“What? It’s true.” He nods at Mateo and takes the spare folding chair Rome gives him.
“Can we discuss your vision?” Archer asks.
“Of course, that’s why we came.” She moves around the table and sits by Lace.
Archer guides me, his hand on my back, and pulls out my chair.
“Did you know about Griffon before your vision?” I ask.
“No.” She frowns. “It was odd. I could feel his power through the vision. I think he’s very old. He’s had years and years to learn his craft.”
“Explain, please.” Archer drapes his arm on the back of my chair.
“I was asleep, dreaming of a meadow of the most beautiful flowers. Mavin was standing in the middle of them, holding a box of chocolates. Sometimes, he does do sweet things,” she sighs, and Rome clears his throat. “Right.” She straightens her spine. “Suddenly, it hit me. He was walking into the bookstore. Magic swirled around him, and I could tell he exuded spells. But they were dark and dangerous. He had an evil grin, and he was staring at Savy. There was another woman there, but I’ve never seen her before. Her gifts are shocking, but she's restrained.” She shudders.
“What did she look like?” I ask, leaning forward.
“Brown hair, delicate looking.” She narrows her eyes. “Actually, she had a tattoo like yours. Are you sisters?”
“Aria,” I whisper, nodding.
“How did you know he was Griffon?” Mateo asks quietly.
“He lifted his hand, his spells oozing from his fingertips, and Aria stepped in front of Savy.” She looks at me. “She said Griffon.”
The owl flutters its wings and hops toward Adeline.
Mateo and I jump.
“Shit,” he breathes, glaring at the bird.
I swallow hard. “Do you think Aria knew him before we heard of him?”
“I couldn’t tell,” she says.
“She tried to protect me?” I meet her eyes, and she nods lightly. “I invited her here.” I can’t handle my sister being hurt.
