My legacy and birthright and decisions, all wrapped up in these gifts. My mother chose to fight even though she had no idea where her powers came from. She never knew about Vera. All she knew was that she had strength. That her mother had had that same strength, and her grandmother, and back even further… and that had been enough. She had been so, so brave.

I reach for Jonas’s phone without thinking, punching in my dad’s cell. He picks up on the first ring. “Hey, hey, there she is.”

His face appears in my mind so fully formed it makes my heart ache. Graying bushy brows, salt-and-pepper stubble. Broad nose in a deep brown face, lines defining his smile.

“Hey, Dad.” I hear muffled sounds of the auto shop in the background.

“Haven’t heard from you in a week and all I get is a ‘hey, Dad,’ ” he says, chuckling. As with every delayed call from me, there’s admonishment and a bit of sadness, but something like pride too. Like living my own life and being busy and happy are worth the long breaks between calls.

If he only knew.

“Sorry.” I force energy into my voice. “Been busy with school and parties and things.”

“As long as you’re all right, kid,” he replies. “Long as you’re safe.”

“I am, don’t worry.” I swallow. “How you been?”

“Busy myself,” he says. “Actually lost a couple of folks at the shop yesterday, then had two new folks show up asking for jobs this morning. Strangest thing.”

I sit up taller. Did Gill already send replacements to watch my dad? “That is weird. Are they any good?”

“Seem excellent,” he adds, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “Definitely know their way around engines. Two women. Lisa—no Lyssa, that’s her name—and Ophelia.”

My chest loosens. Lyssa, at the wheel of the Jeep. Ophelia, piloting the plane. Of course. “Lady gearheads. Love to see it.”

“And when they teach the other guys a thing or two before noon? Even better.” A voice in the background calls for his attention. “Hey, gotta run. You need anything?”

I hesitate. “Got one of your all-purpose pep talks handy?”

“Always.” He hums for a minute, thoughtful. “Knockdowns happen. People say it’s about getting back up again, but I think it’s about how you head back into the ring. Make the how count and do it on your terms. That’s what matters.”

I whistle. “You had that one ready to go.”

“That’s the job, baby.” He laughs. “I know you’re busy, but call when you can.”

“I uh…,” I clear my throat. “Might be extra busy over the next couple weeks. Exams.”

“All good, I get it,” he says. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”