Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Delilah and Leticia show me a spell to seal the bottle and keep the wine fresh so I can take it home to have with the chocolate later once I decide what I want to do. I’m surprised how easily I can perform the spell. It feels effortless and natural. Leticia rolls her eyes in frustration, insisting this is basic stuff compared to the magic I have performed in the past.

The rest of the night goes without incident and we have a fun time getting to know Leticia better. She and Delilah discuss current trends in magic and explain important details to me. The more they speak, the more it feels like we are rehashing a conversation I've already had. Bits and pieces of spells and incantations formulate in my mind. At the end of the evening, the server comes over and announces that the bill has already been taken care of. Carly already called the restaurant and took care of the charges.

“Bronxy paid for dinner? Oh my Goddess, that’s so sweet!” Leticia gushes, “You know what this means?”

“That my husband is being extra controlling again?” I roll my eyes.

“Well, yeah, but we've all met him. Everyone knows he would spend every penny he has on you if you would let him, Kas. But that isn't what I was going to say.” happiness to one that is cold and calculated. She looks pointedly at

Delilah, “If Bronx paid for dinner, Delilah still needs to make up for throwing a spell at me.”

I feel myself tense at the change in mood. Lex takes notice and prepares herself in case she needs to come to the front.

For a moment Delilah looks taken aback, but she quickly composes herself. Her eyes turn a royal blue and her voice sounds like little bells when she speaks, “I am sure I will find a way, Leticia. In fact, as long as it doesn’t involve dark magic, I give you my word.”

“Oh, you gave your actual word,” Leticia raises her eyebrow. Her smile turns smug, “That’s some real magic shit right there, Kas.”

When we finish eating, the server brings out Leticia’s to-go box of chicken fingers. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and shakes Delilah’s hand before she leaves while Delilah and I wait for Marco to come let us know the car is ready for us.

“Alright, madame. Home to meditate. We need to cleanse our spirits. Then you're going to tell me how you plan to deal with the wine and chocolate situation,” Delilah lectures with a faux stern look, “I could practically see your gears churning all night. I know you've thought about it already.”

“I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

“Never,” she smiles, leaning her shoulder into me with a laugh as Marco approaches the table.

“Ladies, your car is waiting in the back. We'll leave through the kitchen,” he advises, “Kas, no stopping to talk to the chef.”

of an open book to

Delilah and I make a list of ingredients so  we can experiment with recipes all day tomorrow. Marco takes it to his makeshift office in the living room to

and I sit on the bed in her room and take an hour to meditate. Instead of actually meditating, I use that hour to go to the

open the door to the apartment and hear Leticia come running down the hall

have much time but I wanted to thank you for coming to dinner, Darling,” I return her crushing hug, “I’m so glad you and Delilah could come to a truce. Also, it

you, you already know how to do all this stuff. We just have to unlock it inside of you,”

hour. Were you able to get the meeting I asked for?” I ask, trying not to sound too

some weight. Name dropping the youngest Manae gives me some leverage. It’s making it easier to get on the inside,” she points at me with her fingers in the shape of a gun and gives me an exaggerated wink, “Give me

do this without you. How many other Mavri Magea

ready so far. Julia and Ellen are notoriously difficult to find, but I have feelers out. They will come out of hiding soon. I have put the word out for

can’t help but smile at the prospect of meeting my sisters. The ones who are actually looking forward to meeting me instead of

want to make sure ] have everyone straight

can turn people to stone. It's not permanent, they turn back but, well, the person just isn’t the same after. She hates it. The Manae seem

to have you on my side,” I smile at her warmly, “ I have to go. Delilah is waiting

I'm so proud of you,” she says, gripping me

definitely going to change, darling. For all of us,” I

my eyes, Delilah is sitting up, smiling at me happily, “Feel

are good now," I smile back, hoping she doesn't catch on that I am talking about something

feel something that is going to

brows knit as she grabs my hands and puts them on her belly. I can sense Alexander's heartbeat, but as

was pregnant with Codi, but I didn’t know what to expect with your pregnancy. I figured it would be different

means it won't be seven months after all.

at her with tears in my eyes, “So y- you can

My heart practically beats out of my chestas I lay down next to her and coo close to her belly at Alexander. I tell him how outstanding his mom and dad are and how excited I am to meet him ina few months. I watch Delilah blush as] tell him how he’s going to be a great warrior like James and, based on how person who doesn’t know about my first conversation with Zeus. I decide not to tell her. I don’t want to get her hopes up in case I don't live long enough to have a pup of