Autumn and Aria sat at the dinner table with Heidi's family, a nightly tradition now anytime Autumn's mother was out of town. Lucinda had slowly acclimated to the new arrangement, even joining in conversations occasionally. Mrs. Rockwell was overjoyed to have the two of them at her house so often, clucking over them like a mother hen. Mr. Rockwell would often engage with Aria regarding her latest lyrics, occasionally offering a suggestion. It was obvious that Aria had taken to the nightly ritual like a water-starved plant. She soaked up the attention and affection hungrily, and the result was a stark contrast to her former state of lonely solitude. With her bright-red hair and vivacious personality, she was the life of the party wherever they went.
Part way through dinner, Heidi suddenly froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. Her eyes suddenly blazed with intensity, though she remained immobile. Everyone at the table stared at her as she entered full god mode. She just sat there, radiating power as her eyes remained distant.
After almost five minutes of silence, her eyes slowly refocused, and the intensity faded away.
"Sorry, I spaced out," Heidi said as if nothing had happened. "What were you saying?"
"Uh, welcome back?" Aria said with a small smile.
Everyone at the table laughed and the tension in the room deflated. Autumn didn't miss the small nod Heidi directed at her father. She had a feeling he knew more than the rest of them about Heidi's abilities.