Page 106 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

Taking out my phone, I quickly send them a text.

SIENNA: Hey, sorry for the delay. Something came up, but I’ll be calling in ten minutes, if that works?

ALLIE: Of course it works; I’ve waited long enough.

HEAVEN: See you in ten, Xx

I slip my phone into my pocket and head downstairs where Uncle Liam is standing in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in one hand, the other in his pocket as he leans against the counter, his eyes fixed on the window, staring out at the glowing moon.

“Sorry for intruding,” I say softly, not wanting to startle him. He hadn’t noticed me until I spoke. He looks up and smiles, a smile he’s still able to wear despite the pain I know he’s in.

“Not at all; it’s quite late. Not heading to bed?” he asks.

I shake my head. “Not yet, I wanted to make something…” I hesitate. I wanted to ask Grandma Red, but she’s already gone to bed; maybe Uncle Liam can help with some insight.

“Do you want something to eat? I can make you something.” He turns, as if ready to take out some food and put something together for me.

I shake my head. “No, not to eat – not for me, anyway. I wanted to make something for the warriors after training tomorrow morning. Earlier this morning, I saw the training sessions going on. There were a lot of warriors.”

I had kept myself hidden, but I was impressed by the number.

“Ah, yes, we do require everyone to train,” he explains, taking a gulp of his coffee.

I nod. “So, if it’s ok, I wanted to make some protein balls and shakes? Would that be ok?” I ask. “Maybe with a touch of healing acceleration and an energy boost?”

His eyes soften, some of the tiredness fading from them, and he nods. “That would be nice, but there are a lot of people. Would you like my help? I can follow instructions well.”

I smile. “I heard you’re an incredible cook, too; your Victoria sponge cake is well known.”

He looks down, chuckling softly. “Yeah, I haven’t baked in a while, though…”

I walk over to him, placing my hand on his forearm in silent comfort. “Maybe someday you will; I’d love to try it.”

He looks at me and nods. “Of course.”

I smile and look around the kitchen. “Am I ok to begin on the protein balls? I’ll cast a spell so I don’t disturb anyone with the noise. I’m going to need to freeze them. And I thought I’d get the base for the shakes prepped, so I’ll just need to add milk in the morning. That’s something I will need more of. Would we be able to get it?”

“Of course, I’ll let the packhouse know to deliver it. You really want to do this, don’t you?”

I nod, and he smiles.

“Yes, I do. I want to make some brownies, too, but I’ll make those in the morning.”

“Alright. Then do whatever you want; this is your house, too. Just let me know what else you might need, and I’ll get it for you, plus if you need anything in a larger quantity, I can get it from the pantry.”

I’m about to tell him I’ll be ok, but he could do with the distraction, even if it’s a short one.

“Thank you, I’d appreciate that. Let me make a list.”

He opens the top pull-out drawer and hands me a pen and a notepad.

“Thanks.” I write everything I need down, and he takes it. In that time, I quickly get the food processor set up and cast a privacy spell a meter around myself and then set up my phone on the counter before I video call the girls.

They answer instantly, clearly waiting for me. They’re both in bed, Allie in all black, and Heaven in pale pink and red, printed satin pyjamas.

“Hey! How are you?” Heaven asks, leaning forward.

“I’m good. How are you two?” I ask.