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“Alright.” She lays her head on my chest.

Mateo leaves the room, lifting his phone to his ear.

“Baby, we’ll find her.” I slide my hand from her head to her waist.

“I usually wouldn’t worry.” She tilts her head back. “We didn’t talk every day, and sometimes she would get preoccupied and forget to call back. But with Griffon out there, I’m nervous.” She looks around the room. “When did Aria leave?”

“She should be back soon,” Lace says.

“I offered to go with her,” Mara mentions. “She insisted on buying everyone food.”

Savy scrolls through her phone and sends her a text.

“I’ll be relieved when this is done,” she grumbles.

“We all will.” I kiss her head.

“Why aren’t we doing a spell?” Lace asks. “Is he that hard to find?”

“The location spell isn’t working normally on him,” Rome explains.

“Why wouldn’t it?” She frowns.

“He's skilled enough to block it. Also, he spent time with Savy’s parents, so he knows Savy’s magic traces. It's possible to resist if you're a witch or warlock who knows the signs to look for.” He lifts a shoulder. “Unfortunately, we don’t have the answers.”

“That sucks,” she says softly, and feeds the owl some bread.

Savy’s phone dings. “She’s on her way.”

Mateo returns, shaking his phone. “No answer. I left her a message.”

“When Aria arrives, we can do a spell for both of them,” I say.

“Yes, let's do.” Savy pulls away. “I’m going to use the restroom first.”

I watch her walk into the main area.

“Brother.”

“Mmm…” I give Rome my attention.

“Mom’s been calling,” he says, lifting a brow. “You’re ignoring her again. She wants to have a meal with Savy. I’ve been putting her off until everything is settled, but can you at least answer your phone?”

“Yeah, I’ll message her.” I want to spend every minute with Savy.

Mateo and Lace huddle together, looking at the book of her work. The owl flies to the counter beside them.

“She’s been hesitant,” he continues.

I frown. “Why?”

“She has no problem popping into my life,” he says dryly. “Yet, with you, I think she doesn’t want to interfere.” He tilts his head. “As much as she loves you, the possibility of you shutting her out is in her thoughts.”

I sigh. “I haven’t helped reassure her.” I can admit that I've kept a distance, fearing she will leave me as Mom did. I’ve resisted calling Margarete, Mom, even though that’s who she is to me. Her love and acceptance have been constant, and I need to tell her that. “I’ll talk to her.”

I glance toward the door, hearing the front door open.

“It smells amazing,” Savy says, and I smile.