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“She’s your family,” Adeline says softly.
“Archer.” I turn to him.
“I won’t let anyone hurt her,” he says, palming the back of my head. “Or you.” He drops his arm and gives his attention back to Adeline.
“Should we be afraid of him?” Mara asks.
“That’s hard to say. Of course, you should be leery; he’s an unknown. Powerful. Yet, all of you have special gifts.” She looks at each of us and settles her focus on the owl. “I think you need to be prepared and be cautious when dealing with him. I believe it'll work out.”
Lace motions toward her dad. “What does he have to do with this?”
“Some things I don’t know,” she whispers.
“You can guess,” Mara says, lifting a brow.
Adeline smiles. “Your dad is a protector. He has been with you since you were little. He didn’t have magic as a human, but your mom gave it to him when she made him an owl. He considers everyone around you part of the family, just as you do. Birds are the eyes in the sky, and can see things we can’t. Their senses are highly sensitive, danger high on the list of things they're attuned to.” She taps her fingers on the table, and the owl moves closer to her.
“Could he sense where Griffon is?” Mateo tilts his head.
“Perhaps.” She strokes his feathers.
“We're planning to bring him to us,” I mention.
“When?” she asks.
“After my sister gets here,” I reply.
“Makes sense.” She looks at Archer. “Are you prepared to use your spells?”
“Yes,” he grits out, and I frown.
“And the aftermath?” she continues.
“I’ll deal with it.” He keeps his gaze on her.
“Does she know?”
“She does,” he says, but won’t look at me.
“What is your specialty?” she asks me, yet won’t look at me either.
“Dream-walking,” I state, and she jerks.
Her eyes lock on mine.
“I should have known,” she whispers. “Soul bonds can counteract the other. Are you prepared to help him after he deploys his gift?”
“Of course.” I hold her stare.
“Good.” She nods. “All will be well.” She smiles and looks around the table. “No one can beat this crew.”
“You’re very confident,” Mateo says, smirking.
“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m a believer in fate.” She winks at him.
“Aunt, how long are you staying?” Rome asks.
“As long as we want. Who knows? You may need us.” She turns toward Lace. “You seem different.”
