“This is Wade, Autumn’s boyfriend,” Cat says, sweeping a hand out toward him.
Mrs. Gilbert’s eyes take him in, assessing his situation. “You all right, sweetie?”
Wade lowers his chin, chuckling under his breath. “Yeah, I am now, thanks to Colton.”
Mrs. Gilbert grins broadly, patting his shoulder.
“I don’t mean to cut this reunion and introduction short,” Diana says, choosing her words delicately. “But we have a situation that needs to be dealt with.”
“What can I do to help?” Mrs. Gilbert asks, her face suddenly serious.
“I’m afraid it’s going to be a matter for the twins,” Diana says.
As if this makes total sense, the twins’ mom simply nods.
Diana turns to me, her face the epitome of resolve. “You consulted your grimoire on how to help your dad. Care to get everyone else caught up to speed?”
Chapter 26
In His Likeness
For the most part, Diana is stoic as I tell the group everything I know about my dad’s death. But I can tell none of it surprises her.
I explain why he died, how he became a Lemure, and why we need a biomancer like Colton to find his body and a fire starter like Cat to finish everything off. As I mention the Moirai, Diana and Wade exchange a significant glance, but neither of them says a word.
Throughout the entire conversation, each of them stares at me with rapt attention. Even Mrs. Gilbert doesn’t move a muscle. However, her dark eyes cloud with tears as she waits, listening until everything I know is now in their hands.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Dominic says, standing up and brushing off the front of his jeans. “Let’s get to work.”
“Hold up there, cupcake,” Diana says, patting Dominic on the chest. “We need to get clear on our roles and take things one step at a time.” She shoots him a knowing glance.
“Yes, ma’am,” he mutters, shrinking back and sitting down.
“Good god, call me ma’am again and we’re gonna have some problems,” Diana says, shuddering. “It’s also getting dark. We need to decide if we’re going to press on tonight or—”
“This can’t wait any longer,” I interject. After everything I’ve experienced and now know, the last thing I want for my father is to allow his torment to continue.
Diana turns to me, her expression thoughtful. “All right. Does the spell require anything specific? Or is Colton free to locate the remains as he sees fit?”
I drop my shoulders, tipping my chin to the sky. “Shit. In the rush to get out, I didn’t even think. We need something of my dad’s. The grimoire mentioned something that’s tied to him or shares his likeness.“
“I think I can help with that,” Mrs. Gilbert says, twisting around and heading inside before any of us has time to respond.
“Mom keeps everything,” Cat says, smiling as she rolls her eyes.
Colton nods in agreement. “She really does.”
After a couple of minutes, Mrs. Gilbert walks out, extending a framed photograph to me. “Will this do?”
It’s a small, four-by-six-inch photo surrounded by a rustic-looking wooden frame. The picture is old, at least fourteen or fifteen years by the looks of it. My mom, dad, and I are huddled together on the left-hand side of the shot and the Gilberts are huddled on the right. Everyone looks so…happy.
I run my index finger over my face, staring at it. Even though I know there’s still time I’m missing from my childhood, it’s strange to see photos of me when I don’t remember being there. I don’t remember my time with the twins—or having ever met Mrs. Gilbert before now.
Sighing to myself, I stare at my parents’ faces. They both look oblivious to the pain lying ahead as they huddle together, holding onto me and each other.
I look up to everyone’s expectant gaze.
Clearing my throat, I say, “I—uh, I think it will do. One way to find out, I guess.” I hold the photo out to Colton, letting him take it from me.
Diana tips her head. “Agreed.” Turning to Colton, she adds, “Are you up to giving this a try?”
Colton walks down the remaining steps from the porch and walks to Diana. “Wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”
Diana beams, patting him on the shoulder like a proud parent. Mrs. Gilbert clasps her hands in front of her chest, smiling softly.
It must be so weird for her, having the twins whisked away and staying with Diana.
“So, there’s no incantation or anything? I’m just…free to locate him?” Colton asks, staring at the photo.
I nod. “There was no incantation. It said it was in the hands of the biomancer.”
“Good,” he says, walking out into the middle of the driveway. “That will make this a little easier.”
“Don’t forget to lay the foundation of protection, like we’ve talked about,” Diana says, eyeing Colton.
He nods, turning to his sister. “Cat, can you grab me the salt? That should be all we need.”
“On it,” she says, bounding up the steps and heading into the recesses of the house.
I bite my lower lip and reach for Wade’s hand. “Thank you, guys. All of you. I…” my gaze falls to the grass at my feet and I shake my head. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without all of you.”
Wade leans into me, nudging me with his shoulder. “That makes two of us.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Dominic says, standing up and shooting him a smirk.
Colton nods, smiling in our direction.
There’s a strange duality of emotions fighting for dominance inside me. On one hand, there’s a profound sense of sadness and heartache clutching at my chest. On the other hand, I’m also filled with gratitude. After last semester, I would never have thought I’d be standing here, feeling as close to each of these people as I do right now.
Cat bursts out of the door, and in her hands is a large jar of sea salt. “Will this be enough, Colt?”
He nods and walks over to a clear patch of dirt on the driveway. Kneeling down, he sets
