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“I know.” I focus on him. “I know,” I mumble.

“We know more than you’ve processed. Remember, I saw everything too.” He glances at Rome and Mara as they move closer before concentrating on me. “His power is the cold. He may control the elements, but he relies on the cold. It can debilitate a body. If he’s that skilled, he could freeze someone completely.” He frowns, looks away, and drops his arms.

Rome narrows his eyes. “What are you thinking?”

“He was staring at the picture.” He tilts his head. “I could sense his love and obsession. My view was the same as Savy’s, so I didn’t see all of it.” He looks at me. “It was a woman, and she had blond hair. Is that what you saw?”

I close my eyes briefly. “Yes. Only the top of her head was visible.”

“She could have been you,” Mara says.

“It’s possible.” I shiver. “I just don’t understand. How does he know me?”

“Did it feel like he knew you or that he liked the image of you?” Archer asks.

“I—” I rub my head. “It didn’t feel like a familiar relationship.”

“One he made up in his mind,” Rome says, and I lift a shoulder.

“He doesn’t know the real you,” Archer says.

“But the me he made up in his head,” I continue his thought. “So, he’s a creep who’s watched me and wants to finally meet.” I laugh abruptly. “How? I haven’t had any problems. There haven't been any weird messages or calls.”

“Are you sure you’ve never seen him?” Mara asks, and we all look at her. “I mean, we see lots of people come through the store. He could have seen you there.”

“I guess it’s possible.” I cross my arms. “But I think I'd remember his aura. There’s something seriously wrong with him.”

“What do you think, Brother?” Rome asks.

“He’s taking his time,” Archer hums. “He knows where you are and wants you to be afraid. Your parents led him to you. I think he’s picking his moment. Just like the room suggests, he's methodical, careful, and won’t rush a meeting. Finding him isn’t what he wants, so he’s blocked any advantage we could have.” He sighs and pulls me close. “He’s powerful and old. He’s had years to practice his skills, and won’t hesitate to use them against anyone between him and you.”

“I won’t let him hurt you,” I grumble, laying my head on his chest.

“We won’t move out of the way,” he growls, and I wrap my arm around his waist. “He’s confident, too confident. I don’t think he knows about the people around you. All he cares about is you. I’m sure he knows you have power, but is cocky enough to think you won’t use it on him.”

Rome shakes his head. “Why?”

“He’s delusional,” I snort.

“Probably,” Mara says.

“Do we just wait until he decides it’s time?” I ask, hating the thought. I want this done.

“If he doesn’t know about me,” Archer starts, and I tilt my head back. “Or Rome, we could do a spell to find him.”

“And call him out.” Rome grins.

“That will piss him off,” I say.

“That’s the idea,” Archer smirks. “If you're willing.” He looks at Rome.

“Shit, it was getting boring around here,” he says. “I’m always up for teaching a bad guy a lesson.”

“You should go inside,” Archer suggests.

“It’s possible he could feel your magic,” Rome adds.

“I don’t like that.” I step back, glaring.