“There’s more, but that’s enough for now. Each had a sad story, and a tragic end. And each left a legacy. A child who would bear a child who would bear a child, and so on. There would come a time, it was said, when a descendant from each of the sisters would be on the island at the same time. Each would have to find a way to redeem and break the pattern set three hundred years ago. If not, the island would topple into the sea. Lost as Atlantis.”

“Islands don’t topple into the sea.”

“Islands aren’t created by three women, usually,” Mia countered. “If you believe the first, the second isn’t much of a stretch.”

“You believe it.” Nell nodded. “And that you’re one of the descendants.”

“Yes. As you are.”

“I’m no one.”

“That’s him talking, not you. I’m sorry.” Instantly contrite, Mia reached out and gripped Nell’s hand before she could rise. “I said I wouldn’t pry, and I won’t. But it annoys me to hear you say you’re no one. To hear you mean it. Forget all the rest for now if you must, but don’t forget who and what you are. You’re an intelligent woman with spine enough to make a life for herself. With a gift—magic in the kitchen. I admire you.”

“I’m sorry.” Struggling to settle again, Nell reached for her wine. “I’m speechless.”

“You had the courage to strike out on your own. To come to a strange place and make yourself part of it.”

“Courage had nothing to do with it.”

“You’re wrong. He didn’t break you.”

“He did.” Despite herself, Nell’s eyes filled. “I just took the pieces and ran away.”

“Took the pieces, escaped and rebuilt. Can’t you be proud of that?”

“I can’t explain what it was like.”

“You don’t have to. But you will, eventually, have to recognize your own power. You’ll never feel complete until you do.”

“I’m only looking for a normal life.”

“You can’t forget the possibilities.” Mia held out a hand, palm up. Waited.

Unable to resist, Nell reached out, laid her palm against Mia’s. And felt the heat, a painless burn of power. “It’s in you. I’ll help you find it. I’ll teach you,” Mia stated as Nell stared dumbfounded at the shimmer of light between their palms. “When you’re ready.”

Ripley scanned the beach scene and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Someone’s toddler was having a tantrum, and the high-pitched cranky sound of No! No! No! blasted the air.

Somebody missed his nap, she thought.