I left the Flora Whelp in the garden, giving it instructions to continue working on restoring parts of the derelict, overgrown flowerbeds. Shaking my head in amazement at the new abilities I was uncovering, I walked slowly back up the path toward the mansion.

The grounds really were huge, and the walk back gave me a chance to think for a bit and process everything that had happened. I was fully committed now, I thought, particularly now that my conversation with Uncle Phil had erased the last of my doubts. That commitment meant that I could press ahead with my adventures without the burden of self-doubt which had been plaguing me.

It felt good.

As I approached the looming pale bulk of the mansion’s ornate corner, I wondered if I would have to knock this time, or if the door would just open for me. I didn’t have to wonder for long. As I came up the massive white marble steps to the imposing double doors, there was a creaking noise and the doors swung inward as if they were operated by a motion sensor.

“The mansion is yours, Jeremy,” said Kyrine’s voice in my head. “You will never need to ask permission again.”

“Selena is on her way,” I said to Kyrine, sending the thought to her along the bond of magical connection we shared.

“Yes, I overheard. My awareness stretches right to the edge of the grounds, and my connection to you let me know everything that passed as you sat by the pond.”

I was not sure how I felt about that. “You can read my mind by default?” I asked.

“Does that make you uncomfortable?”

“A little. Not that I have anything to hide from you, I just… well, a man needs his privacy, you know?”

There was a pause. “I understand,” she said. “This is something my previous Keeper also required. If you would prefer, I can place a limit on our connection, so that I can only read your thoughts when you desire it?”

“I think I would prefer that, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course,” she said, sounding a little regretful, but also respectful of my desires. After a moment, I felt a change in our connection, and I suddenly felt that I was much less aware of her now too. Without my being aware of it, the connection between Kyrine and I had grown strong, and her presence in my mind had become almost as constant and unnoticed as my awareness of my own heartbeat.

I was shocked by the change, and instinctively reached along our connection and wrapped her presence with my mind. We held that mental embrace for a moment, and I could tell that she was pleased to feel my affection for her so strongly.