He shrugs. “Nothing special, would have been great if I got to spend it with you. You sure you can’t come stay at my pack? I think if you were there, it would be the best gift ever.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, but we can celebrate when we return to school?” I suggest.
“Sure thing.” He smiles wistfully. I’ve already decided I’ll make the time to go. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, I’ll be there.
The weekend arrivedfast, and we are now at the Night Walkers Pack. I’m in Allie’s bedroom, unpacking an outfit I’ll be wearing. The sound of chatter is loud. Dante’s here, and so are Skyla and Royce, along with Grandpa Marcel, Winona and their twin daughters Leona and Jackie. I can hear Kaden playing with them happily.
“So, is Leo coming or not?” I ask. I have been working on a Schattenblüte design for myself, and I wanted to run the concept by him, plus I needed to show it to him in person because he would need to sign a contract that he wouldn’t use my design for anyone else.
“I don’t think so. He’s working, but I also think it’s maybe because Zu won’t want to come,” Allie says quietly.
“Grandpa Alejandro apologised, though, didn’t he?” I clarify, surprised.
“Yeah, he did, but I think it’s too soon for Azura, and with how Jayce is, she’s really upset,” Allie admits, and for once, I can see true unhappiness on her face. “Mama’s upset, too.”
I look down. “I wish things didn’t go the way they did.”
The room is heavy until I stand up.
“Look,” I begin, pausing. I glance at the open door and go over and quickly shut it before sitting down opposite her. “No secrets between us, right?”
“Yeah, that’s not even something you should be asking. No secrets. No matter what,” she says firmly, looking into my eyes.
I nod. “Alright.” I take a deep breath, my heart failing me as it skips a beat. “The only way to fix everything is to get Si back.”
“And everyone’s trying, right?” she says. “That’s the plan.”
“Yes… But they won’t succeed.”
“But you have a way that might work. Right?” she says sharply. She has always been observant.
“Yes, but it’s not something I can do alone. We need someone’s help, and he’s being an utter snob about it and refusing to help.”
“Who?” Allie asks. “I am very persuasive; I can help. Can I torture him?”
“We might have to. He’s favoured by Hades. If he simply agrees to help, I know I can do this. Will you help me persuade him?”
“Obviously. So, tell me, who am I torturing?”
“Someone you will absolutely love to torture,” I reply, my face breaking into a sly smile.
An Evening with Family
Heaven
The music is loud as Grandpa Alejandro fires up the barbecue, and I’m dragged onto the dance floor by Jackie, Grandpa Marcel’s daughter. She’s five years old.
Holding Out for A Herobegins playing, and I love a good classic, even if it’s a remix.
I take her hands as we move to the music. I feel a lot happier knowing Allie has agreed to help me.
We spin around before I let go of her hands as Leona and Kaden join us. We dance together, and I clap along as the kids go crazy.
“Magic, Heaven!” Jackie shouts as the song reaches its climax, giggling as I spin around and throw my hand into the air, letting off several fireworks.
“Heaven?” Mama calls, making me glance over at her. Itilt my head as she frowns slightly.
“Did you just use a spell right now?” she asks.
