My kitchen groaned with an overabundance of testosterone when I crossed the threshold from the back hall and onto the tile. Stomach clenching ever so slightly in response to the three grinning faces of the Zornov brothers and the sly sarcasm of Simon, I crossed immediately to an empty seat and sank into it. Sassafras watched from his perch in the middle of the table, amber eyes swirling with magic, though he didn't seem agitated.
I had to take that as a good sign.
Apollo, on the other hand, almost bounced in his seat while I rubbed with tired vigor at my burning eyes. When had I slept last? The sky was just beginning to brighten, though I knew it would be full morning soon. I'd only just left the midday sunlight of the other side of the world, disoriented by the lack of the same here in Wilding Springs. Just as well. Full daylight would have made me cranky with its happy cheer.
Stupid sunny morning.