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“I’ll find another one.”

“There's a problem with that,” I say slowly, and her nose wrinkles.

“What? Do you have lots of hot dates stay the night?”

“No.” I glance at my left hand. Since I went to sleep, I’ve felt Archer holding it. “I met my soul bond.”

“What?” She yanks me forward, releasing my hands, but hugging me. “It took this long to tell me? We had to talk about them before the good stuff.”

“You asked for the bad.” I pull back. “He’s in my house now.”

“No shit,” she gasps, looking around as if she can see him. “What does he look like? Is he a warlock? Did he fall passionately in love with you? When did you meet?”

“Slow down,” I laugh. “We met today. It’s new, and we have barely had time. He’s the hottest man I’ve ever seen. He has black hair and dark blue eyes. He’s hiding a lot. I don’t think he’s had an easy life. Something happened in his past, something bad that has made him shut himself away. I want his trust. I want to be his safe space.”

“Damn,” she gasps. “I know you can be that.” She holds her arms wide. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Me too.” I pull her arms down. “Goof.”

“This is the best news. I’m moving close to you, and you met your soul bond.”

“Alright, wait. Shouldn’t we think about it? We shouldn’t jump into it.”

“Why? I don’t have lots to pack. I live simply.” Her expression falls. “I’m lonely, Savy. I want to be with family.”

“Oh, Aria.” I swallow thickly. “I thought you were happy there with Evander and Clara.” Mateo’s friends have helped her with her spells. She always considered them to be an aunt and uncle.

“They’re great.”

“But?”

“They suffocate me,” she cries. “I think they have good intentions. Every day, they stop in, question what I did that day, and if I used my magic. I would never cause you, Gran, or Mateo pain. Why would I stop time? I’m tired of being lectured.”

“I’m sorry,” I sigh.

“It’s not your fault. It was an adventure when I was younger. I loved living in a little bubble, learning the aspects of my gifts. I felt special.” She shakes her head. “I don’t feel special anymore, just a witch in a cage.”

“Shit, Aria.” I kneel. “Move. Pack your shit tomorrow, and leave. We’ll find a place for you. I’ll talk to Granny and Mateo. If Mom and Dad find us, we’ll tell them off. They can’t force us anymore.”

“Do you mean it?” she asks breathlessly.

“Yes.”

“I’ll have to get away from Evander and Clara,” she mumbles.

“Why? Seriously, do they keep you locked up?” I hiss.

She’s never expressed her reservations. As far as I knew, she loved being with them. Granny didn’t know. She would have told me if she had heard how Aria feels.

“They moved to the same apartment building.” She leans forward. “Right next to mine. I think they have a tracker on my phone. I went on a date, and they showed up. They know every move I make. I mean, I appreciate their support. I did feel out of control when I was younger, but I’m good now. I believe the universe wouldn’t give me my spells if I couldn’t be trusted with them.”

“I can come get you,” I offer. “They can’t stop me.”

“No, I’ll take care of it. I’ll get a new phone, leave the old one in my place, and send you the new number.”

“Do you think they would hurt you?”

“No,” she says faintly.