Page 48 of Relentless Pursuit

The natives lined the streets, and a procession honoring San Giorgio entered our area on a float. The crowd chanted prayers and tossed flowers at a statue covered in ribbon and festive jewels. Penelope was awestruck, watching them celebrate and basking in their joy. A local approached her with flowers, and she smiled, thanked them, and offered them to the statue, embracing the culture.

Slowly, we strolled through the throngs of people, and in my periphery, I witnessed my capos shift to keep us in their eyesight. I understood Dameon’s reason for wanting them here, but I was well equipped to spot a tail a mile away. If I wanted, I could shake them and do my own thing. But for now, I remained willing to allow them to secure us.

I drew Penelope to me, and she turned, her eyes fluttering to mine.

“I feel the spirit of this place.” She inhaled deeply. “It moves through you, into your soul.”

I nodded. “It becomes stronger the closer you get to a chosen one.”

Her brows arched. “How do you know who’s a chosen one?”

“Are you ready to meet my grandmother?”

“What’s her name?”

“Nonna.”

She smirked. “Okay. And I’m guessing Nonna is chosen?”

“Very much so.”

* * *

Nightfall caught us as the sun set in the distance. I led Penelope down a narrow cobblestone street into a quaint village. At the end of the street, we climbed a few stairs and entered my grandmother’s home through a screen door. The inside door was open, and the smell of aromatherapy and incense hit us as we entered.

“Nonna,” I called.

Silence stretched for a few seconds when a silhouette appeared at the entrance of a doorway.

“I wondered how long it would take you to arrive,” my grandmother said in her language of choice—Arabic.

“But you knew I was coming soon, right?” I responded.

“Of course. The eye keeps me in the know.”

I nodded as she floated into the room, drenched in shadow. My grandmother was legally blind but spiritually awake, and she preferred to keep her home eclipsed in darkness, to better connect with the spirits.

A black cloak covered her body, but long silver hair draped past her shoulders. She held her arms out, and I fell into them, hugging her tight as she squeezed my back.

“How are you, my child?”

“You know how I am.”

“Just because I know doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear it from you.”

I turned to look at Penelope, who stood timidly beside me.

“I’m doing as well as can be expected.”

She smirked. “I guess that will do.”

Her eyes turned to Penelope, and I heard Penelope gasp.

“Don’t be frightened, child. My eyes are white because I do not see with earthly vision. But also, I am not the one you should fear.”

My brows dipped. “Who should she fear?” I asked, my tone guarded.

My grandmother sniffed and wiggled her nose. “You two stink with love.” She peered at me and then turned to Penelope, who blushed intensely.