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"It's wheat bread. You're such a spoiled brat."
They've done nothing but bicker these past few days, and it's gone from annoying to humorous.
A wave of air rushes me, filling me with the scent of jasmine, and my eyes widen with Frankie's as we both murmur in unison, "Hilly."
Rushing out the door, I stumble down the stairs, falling to my face in the cold, unforgiving snow.
Aunt Hilly laughs as she comes to help me up, her bright, blond hair glistening under the radiant streaks of sun.
"There's my girl," she says while wrapping me up in her arms. "I've missed you so much, Airis."
That name sounds so odd to hear.
"Oh, I'm so glad you're here."
She holds me tighter, and then she looks around at our unusual allies.
"I almost didn't believe Frankie when he told me what company you were keeping."
I follow her gaze, unsure if I believe it myself.
"Well, the company we're keeping is the only company that would offer us help. Light or not, they're our only chance of finding Mom."
She sighs, and then her fingers run through my hair that has grown even blonder.
"You're less than a year away from your change now. I can tell. Have you found a coven yet?" she asks, her eyes studying my new color of hair.
"Um… actually... I have a house."
"Good. Where and with whom?"
"It's in Pine Shore, and it's... just me."
Her eyes try to pop out of her head as she gapes at me in disbelief. Finally, she bursts out laughing.
"You almost had me," she chuckles out. "If you didn't have the most overprotective mother there is, I'd believe you."
I don't laugh, and Frankie walks over to join us.
"She's not kidding, Hilly. Calypso fought her on it, but Alyssa is living alone… for now."
For good, unless I decide to live with someone.
Her mouth falls back open, and then she gapes at me once more.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" she scolds.
"It's dangerous to live with a coven too. I've heard the horror stories," I murmur dismissively while walking away. "One dispute could result in an eternal rivalry. One like Mom and Shay had."
"Shay had that coming, and so what if there are rivalries. It's far safer than going it alone. Your coven becomes your chosen family. You've had a coven your whole life. You don't know how to live alone."
I turn to face her, and I pull out my phone while shaking my head.
"Do you want to know what Mom's coven - her family - said when I asked for their help?"
I hand her the phone to show her the texts I just recently received after asking them for help the day Mom disappeared.
"Let me read them aloud. I have them memorized," I snark. "Sorry, dear. It's too risky. That's from Amelia. I wish I could help, but I'm working on a spell right now. Keep me posted, love Semara. Oh and this one is great. I'm sorry I can't help, but I'm on my honeymoon right now. That's from Kenshaw, her best friend.
