Chapter 408

Antonia threw up her hands at the sight of us, but she didn't bandy about giant ice blocks, so this was already miles ahead of last time. "Allora. Come."

She led us into a huge kitchen painted a cheery yellow. Braided strands of garlic hung to dry on one wall and a neat row of small ceramic planters held a variety of herbs on the windowsill.

A bowl of bright lemons sat on the counter next to a pile of partially rolled out dough.

Antonia opened her freezer, withdrew a container, and slammed it on the table. "I suppose you want coffee."

Isabella, wearing these cool slouchy jeans and an off-the-shoulder top, her hair tied back in a simple bun at her neck, dried her hands on a tea towel and motioned for Drio and me to sit down.

We took the farthest seats from Antonia, who was banging around the room.

"Well?" Antonia pointed her rolling pin at us. "Did you get the demon or do I turn you into frogs?"