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"Say the word Anything I can do for you, Nadia, I’ll do And I knohat’s at stake, you know? I knohat Elizabeth can do I’m not afraid I’m with you, no matter what"

As they looked into each other’s eyes, Nadia found herself re what they said about a Steadfast--that the power she gave to a witch was in proportion to the potential for trust between the two The potential for understanding, and for love

14

"NADIA?"

"H room here the sky was darkest That was the east, the direction of the ocean All Nadia could see was the iether, surrounded by sea spray, with the power of that h her--and the look of wonder in his eyes--

"Earth to Nadia"

Startled, Nadia turned to see her father giving her a look "Sorry I kinda zoned out there"

"You’re sure you’re okay with being on Cole Patrol tonight? You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind"

"Of course I’ht?" Okay, it was past tiet her head out of the clouds She and Mateo could explore anything--everything--tomorrow and all the days after that

"Hey" Her father took a seat next to her on the sofa Already he was in work n--but his expression orried "It’s not your job You’re not the nanny If you have ho--"

"I don’t, and eren’t Seriously, Dad, your case is coot Cole"

"You’re sure?"

"Positive" Nadia knew she ought to be grateful he was so worried Lots of parents du But honestly, it was al Dad knew she helped out, knew she wanted to do it, so why did he keep being so careful with her? It was like he wanted to

Luckily, Cole was having a good night All he wanted to do atch Toy Story 3 for about the zillionth time

"I hate that bear," Nadia said as she lay on the sofa, watching Cole unk out froernails

Cole nodded "Lots-o is a douche bag"

"Cole!" It was hard to sound all strict when she was trying not to laugh "Don’t use that word!"