Page 17 of From the Edge

Rowan picked up one of the surviving muffins. “Because, like an idiot noob, I sealed my body under magic so no one could hurt me, but every cycle I have bounced against the barrier and reflected back against my skin. I have trapped myself in a microwave, and every heat makes it worse.”

Ted blinked. “Can you let it go?”

“Nope. It is thick and calloused, like a gnarly toenail. I can’t get out, but I am still protected. No one can get in.”

Mell looked at her. “Toenail? Really?”

“It was the fastest comparison.” Rowan smiled.

Ted looked at her. “Why do I think you are not just a witch?”

Rowan shrugged. “Because you aren’t stupid? You don’t look stupid.”

Ted snorted. “I am currently trying to figure out with the mage that has attached to me.”

Lucia smiled. “What’s his name?”

“Ormyet. He’s a lovely conversationalist and a pretty good kisser. The tusks don’t get in the way.”

Lucia smiled. “Yorwell is waiting until I am comfortable with my body. I am still getting over the fact that I am moving in a statue.”

“And how does he feel about your body?”

Lucia sipped at her tea. “He’s in favour of it.”

Mell chuckled.

Ted nodded. “He’s smitten. He let me drive his car. That shows a profound lack of self-preservation.”

Lucia smiled. “He wanted to make sure that your car didn’t die under my weight.”

“You aren’t that heavy.”

“I know, but he knows I am sensitive about it. It’s only been two days so far.” She smiled. “He’s very sweet.”

Ted chuckled. “No kidding. That little salon he set up for you is perfect.”

Lucia touched her cousin’s hand. “How are the little guys holding up?”

Ted grinned and tapped her nails against the table, whispering, “Get me some sugar.”

To Rowan’s delight, small robots left the nails and scampered over to the sugar bowl, pulling out a sugar cube and hiking across to Ted’s teacup. “Come on back, guys.”

The micro robots hiked back to the nails and settled in place.

Rowan smiled. “Oh, that’s cool.”

Lucia smiled. “Thank you. Oh, Mik is coming to do an assessment with Arwell on your aunt. Achilles is working on a statue.”

Mell smiled. “That will be interesting.”

What’s new, pussycat?

Rowan smiled. “There is a lot new. Buckle up, Auntie, I will be seeing your face soon. I just have a feeling.”

She looked at Mell. “Your stuff is in your room. Up the stairs and down the hall. You will know when you reach it.”

Mell smiled. “I remember. Where’s my phone?”