Page 226 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

Mama laughs. “Oh, she definitely does.”

“Come to think of it, have you finalised your outfit?” I ask Heaven.

Heaven cocks a brow. “Mine? Mama is handling the theme. I just told her what I didn’t want.”

“For your eighteenth, you’re letting your Mama choose?” I ask, surprised.

Heaven has had ideas for her eighteenth birthday for years. She had a vision, and just like Aunty Ri, she is excellent at design.

“I’m not having a birthday party; the dresses she’s working on are for your ceremony.”

Her words shock me, but from the way everyone else remains silent, it’s clear I’m the only one who didn’t know.

“Why not?” I ask.

It’s got to be because of either Theo or what happened with Endora.

“There’s too much to do. Besides, I’ve donated the money for my birthday to a few charities.” She reaches for one of her tomes that sits on the table, her expression composed. “I don’t have time for it.”

Something about her words tugs painfully at my heart.

The Heaven I know loves big parties, beautiful dresses and being surrounded by everyone she cares about. Her eighteenth birthday was supposed to be one of those nights we talked about for years afterwards.

“Trust me, I tried,” Tatum says quietly, his earlier amusement fading.

“Sienna, aren’t your brownies done?” Heaven asks, clearly wanting to end this conversation.

“Oh, yes, I’d better go take them out.” I stand up. “Want to come with me and taste test them?”

“So subtle,” Ahren coughs.

Tatum snickers as Heaven simply flicks her hair over her shoulder and rises, shutting the tome with a snap as she falls into step beside me without acknowledging either of them.

The scent of chocolate fills the kitchen, reaching our noses the moment we enter. I reach for the oven gloves before glancing at her.

“Are you sure about cancelling it? We could still donate the money and do something here. It doesn’t have to be enormous.”

“Uncle Ray already said he’d match the donation and still throw the party, but I’m not in the mood to celebrate.” She leans against the counter, folding her arms. “I need to focus on training, control and finding a way to expose Aunty Raven’s killer. I’m getting closer, Sienna.”

I open the oven and take out the tray, placing it carefully on the cooling rack. “I know, but don’t you think you deserve to celebrate such an important birthday? You’ll be shifting.”

“I’m not interested.” Her voice isn’t harsh, but it’s final. “If- when Theo returns, I want to present him with answers. So no, I don’t have time to waste. Let’s try the brownies. I don’t want to discuss it further.”

I don’t push it and instead slice the brownies.

Theo… please come visit her. She needs you.

Heaven picks up one of the squares, taking a bite. Her expression remains composed, but her eyes close for the briefest moment.

“Mm, these are good,” she says.

“Only good?” I tease

She opens her eyes and gives me a look. “Very good, but you already know that. I am going to miss you cooking here.”

I smile. “I’ll still visit,” I promise.

She nods. “I know.”