Chapter 0896
I look over at Mark to find him likewise studying Rafe in the same way I am, confused. Jesse clears his throat and I look over to see him nodding eagerly to me, darting his eyes over at Rafe, letting me know that he, too, clearly sees that something is up.

“Well!” Mom says, smacking her leg and getting hastily up, dislodging Cora, who gives a tiny yelp as she spills to the side. “I need a refill. Who else!?”

Rafe immediately stands, as do others, and Jesse takes the opportunity to scootch over to me.

“Hey,” Jesse whispers, looking up at me from the floor with a grin, “want to go visit Midnight and talk about how weird Rafe is being?”

“Yes!” I gasp, jumping to my feet. I turn to Jackson with a grin. “You in!?”

“No, I want to have a word with Hank,” Jackson says, standing and pressing a kiss to my hair. “You go…if…” he frowns, turning to Jesse as he stands up. “You’ll keep her safe, right?”

Jesse pauses, going a bit still, and then breaks out into a laugh. “Jacks, she has full goddess-controlled fire magic now. She’ll be keeping me safe.”