I have this pang in my heart because I want to be a part of this, but I feel I’ll have to earn it. My hunch is confirmed when Vincent glances up and gives me a polite nod instead of a smile.

Now that we’re outside, in daylight, I see that Odette has large green eyes and strawberry blond hair. It’s pulled up into two short ponytails on either side of her head, which is how my sister wore her hair at the same age. The pang in my heart flares and I look away.

“Hi, Siaka,” says Odette, solemnly lifting her face to let him kiss her cheeks, left then right. She looks at me. “You live upstairs now. I tried to go in your room, but Mommy said no.”

“I’m Louis,” I say and lean over so that she can plant soggy kisses on my cheeks.

“You are kindred,” she announces. “Bran and Siaka are kind of kindred. They are our most special friends. But if you live in our house, that means you are kindred. Right, Daddy?”

Vincent looks uncomfortable and tries to distract her by fixing one of her ponytails, but she won’t let the subject drop. “Right, Daddy? Louis is kindred.”

I try to let Vincent off the hook, and ask Bran, “Should we go check on Arthur?”

He stands and slips his glasses back on. “Yes. I was out here waiting for you when I was joined by such pleasant company.” He ruffles Odette’s hair, but she’s digging in for the win with her father and pays him no attention.

As we walk toward the front door, I hear her say, “BroBrose says if someone lives in La Maison they’re kindred, and BroBrose is always right. He told me that.”

Bran chuckles as we pass through the front door. “Looks like you have a powerful ally, Louis. Vincent doesn’t stand a chance when Odette makes up her mind about something.”

“She’s really something,” I agree.

“She’s more than you think,” Bran says. I look at him quizzically. “I’ve told Vincent and Kate already, but I imagine they kept it to themselves. Odette has a role to play. An important one. But it will come later. That’s all I know.”

“But how?” I ask.

“Her aura.” And that’s the end of that. I’m getting used to Bran spouting mysterious prophecies, but with this one, I wish I had some spoilers.

We enter the house, pass the foyer and a sitting room, then through a series of doors. Bran leads the way, with Siaka standing stiffly aside to let me through first.

“Go ahead,” I offer, but he shakes his head and waits for me. Things could not be more awkward. I give up. Once we’re in Arthur’s room, I try to forget about my failure with Siaka and watch Bran.