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We’ve been eating in silence.
Archer hasn’t stopped glaring at our guests. Rome looks happy. Mara indulgent. Lace is on her way. Mateo’s attention is bouncing around the table, unsure if he should be happy he interrupted or not. He’s thrilled I found my soul bond.
“So…” Mateo leans his forearms on the table. “Have you decided which illusion you want?”
Archer rolls his shoulders. “How long does it last?”
“It depends on how strong I make it. I can come back to reinforce it every few days. I don’t know how powerful this warlock is.” He frowns. “I’ve never heard of him.”
“He’s got your parents trapped in a delusion,” Rome says, his expression sobering. “He can’t give them more power. You either have it or you don't. We can expand what we're gifted as long as we don’t suppress it.”
“He’s taking advantage of their greed.” I roll my eyes. “In one way, I’m impressed. It’s usually Betty and Travis using others. I’m curious about his motivation.”
“I can understand curiosity.” Archer turns in his chair. “But you don’t need to meet him so you can ask.”
“I agree.” I pat his arm. “I could go forever without meeting him. It’s just another way they've messed with my life.”
“He must be something if Gran is nervous,” Mateo says.
“Yeah, not much shakes her,” I murmur.
“What can he do?” Mara glances at each of us. “The collective amount of power in this room would give even the most powerful pause.”
Lace walks through the door, and I look over my shoulder.
“Umm…” I stare at the owl perched on her.
“I know. I’m sorry. I went home to feed him, talking about my day, as usual.” She moves toward us. “He wouldn’t stay there. I opened my car, and he flew inside.” Plopping in the chair beside Mara, she grabs a fry and holds it as the owl eats. “I tried to get him out, but…” She waves her hand in the air.
The owl has been with the sisters since they were little. They discovered the soul of their dead father resides in the bird. He has protected them and stays close to their homes. I don’t find it odd that he exists, just that he would come into my house.
“He must sense something,” Mara says, petting his head.
“Probably,” Lace sighs. “He’s never been that determined.”
“That’s an owl.” Mateo’s eyes widen, pointing at him. “He’s on your shoulder.”
“He’s our dad.” Lace tickles him under the chin.
“So, he’s your familiar.” Mateo tilts his head.
The owl twitches its head, and his mouth snaps shut, staring at him.
“He doesn’t like to be called that,” Mara says.
“Sure. Okay. What does he like to be called?”
“Owl.” Lace presses her lips together, I suspect, to stop her laughter at Mateo’s wide-eyed shock.
“Owl…” he says slowly.
“They’re fucking with you,” Archer says. “And as humorous as it is, can we get back to the problem?”
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” Lace lifts a delicate shoulder, and the owl drops onto her arm that's lying on the table.
Mateo watches him wearily.
“Is your sister coming soon?” Mara asks.
