I dip my bread in the last of my soup and take a bite. “He said—” Gran shoots me a pointed look, and I close my mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing. “He said he was looking for Colin. I think that’s why he was downtown. But how did he know to come to Wick?”

“The real Kaden is from here, and the wraith has access to his memories,” Gran replies. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew your parents or knew of them, and thought you might come here for safety.”

“He was right,” Colin mutters. “Do you think he knows I’m at Ravenfall?”

“He does now that he’s seen you with Anna.” Gran spins one finger, and a teaspoon stirs sugar into her tea on its own. “But not to worry, he won’t be able to get past the house’s wards once it knows to keep him out. Also, does your mother know where you’ve gone?”

I grin nervously and take a large bite of brown bread, chewing extra slow.

“I didn’t think so.” Gran reclines in her chair, folding her arms.

“Who would a wraith be working for?” Colin asks, scraping his bowl for every last bit of food.

“Wraiths are spirits that have crossed over and possessed a living body,” Gran replies. “Their motivations will be attached to whoever they were in life.”

Colin’s fingers curl around his bowl, and Gran gives him a look that clearly says, Mind the dishware. He forces out a deep breath.

“Colin is sure he saw Kaden’s boss’s face, but he can’t remember it,” I say.

Gran’s brow furrows. “Sounds like a glamour. If you’re aware of it and you look hard enough, you can see through it.”

Colin looks vaguely ill. “And now that ultra-powerful being knows that I’m staying at Ravenfall. Kaden said he was coming after me on Samhain. You’re all in danger because of me.”

“Not to worry, we can handle ourselves,” Gran says with a wink.

“Yeah,” I agree. “We’ll figure out who he works for and why they’re after you, Colin. I promise.”

Gran nods. “Not to mention, you are very well-warded, so it will be difficult for Kaden to find you outside of Ravenfall. You’ll be safe inside the inn.”

We finish our soup and Colin goes for his muffin. He tries a little and makes a satisfied sound. Then he takes a giant bite out of the rest.

Gran lets out a dry laugh. “Didn’t know there was another soul alive who loves butterscotch as much as Anna. You’d best savor that muffin; it’s the best you’ll ever have.”

“I don’t know, my mom’s were pretty great,” he says when he finishes chewing.

Gran scoffs. “And where do you think she got the recipe, my boy?” She flourishes a hand.