Nora's POV
I shield my eyes against the afternoon sun and watch a dusty gray Jeep Wrangler bounce down my gravel driveway. Reina sits alone behind the wheel, her crutches visible in the passenger seat. She waves through the windshield as she parks, then struggles to get out and hobble toward my front porch.
"Thanks for agreeing to see me," she says as I steady her arm, helping her navigate the stairs. Her words ring with sincerity, and I know she genuinely needs to discuss a case.
My protective wards would have blocked her entry if she harbored any malicious intent.
"What can I do for you? Need a banishing spell?"
"God, I wish it were that simple. But I have a sinking feeling this is going to require much more than that."
I swing open the front door and gesture for her to enter first. My familiars have gathered on the steps, their low growls directed at our visitor.
"Easy, guys. Show some manners."
