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I’m not here—”
    â€œCould you all please give us some privacy,” Patricia said with another regal wave of her hand. Even as the staff surrounding her quickly scurried to honor her request, Paola noticed a tremor in her grandmother’s hand that had not existed before and the trivial action seemed to tax her.
    When Rey headed for the door as well, Patricia called out, “Not you, my son.”
    Rey nodded, and, after the last person had left the room, he closed the door and then leaned back against it, his arms across his chest. His features were etched with concern.
    â€œYou should not have gone out tonight,” he admonished.
    â€œI was worried about you both. I needed to know you were safe.” The tone of her voice was strained, as it if were costing her a great deal to speak.
    â€œYou need to rest, Grandmother. We can talk later,” Paola said and patted the hand she still held.
    â€œNo,” Patricia said forcefully, but then lay back against the pillows and peered past Paolo to Rey. “Please. You explain.”
    Rey walked to the side of the bed opposite Paola and sat on the edge. He took hold of Patricia’s other hand in his large ones. Tenderly, he rubbed it, offering consolation. When he spoke, his voice was pitched low, so only the three of them could hear.
    â€œYour grandmother has sensed for some time that her spirit is waning. She has patrolled the space for far more years than any Guardian Priestess before her.”
    â€œBut you told me you could not visit too often or stay too long,” Paola said.
    Rey nodded. “It is only because of the strength in the Lopes blood that Patricia has been able to lead and guard for all these decades. But it is time for another to assume her place as the leader of the Guardians.”
    When he looked at Paola, it all suddenly became clear. The Lopes legacy was not about money or even this plantation. It was about protecting the sacred space. It was about being in charge of the Guardians, whoever they might be.
    â€œMe?” she croaked and pointed to her chest with her free hand. “What do I know—”
    â€œWhat you need to know we can teach you,” he replied evenly as if it was the equivalent of teaching her to ride a bike.
    â€œBut I have a life in New York. I can’t stay here,” she argued, shaking her head to emphasize the point.
    â€œYou must,” her grandmother said softly and closed her eyes, clearly taxed.
    Paola glanced at Rey. “Tell me why I must stay.”
    Rey shrugged those massive shoulders and inclined his head in the direction of the door. “Emilio is waiting outside, eager to hear that you’ve refused.”
    â€œWhy? What does it matter?” Paola pressed.
    â€œThe Guardian spirit is strongest in certain families. The Lopes and Ribiero families possess the most powerful Guardian spirits and because of that, the leaders have been chosen from their lines for generations.”
    â€œBut the Lopes family now holds the reins of power,” Paola said, finally beginning to understand.
    â€œFor centuries the Lopes family has led the Guardians. If you decide to return to New York, Emilio and the Ribiero family will assume leadership.”
    Since not one of her encounters with the man had been pleasant, she couldn’t imagine what would happen to the paradise she had visited if it came under his protection. His anger and jealousy would be like a poison in that pristine place. Like the sin which had destroyed the Garden of Eden.
    â€œAnd if I stay?” she asked, the lawyer in her wanting to understand all the terms and conditions so she could make an informed decision.
    â€œIf you stay you will need to choose from one of the Guardian men, marry and have children with them—”
    â€œBut my father didn’t choose a Guardian. He chose my mother.”
    Patricia chimed in at that moment. “I feared for him with that choice. With a