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“Oh, no.” Kamaria limped over and gave Alessa a rib-crunching hug, while Saida patted her back.

It wasn’t the first time she’d wept that day, but this time she cried with her friends’ arms around her.

When the worst of her sobs were over, Saida ordered her to sit and bustled off to gather ingredients for something she swore cured heartache.

Alessa had no appetite, but any baker’s daughter knew how food soothed the baker as much as the recipient, so she let Saida have at it.

Kamaria seemed relieved they’d moved past emotions and began ticking off a list of non-terrible aspects of the current situation on her fingers. “One, he’s inside the Fortezza, so he won’t get chewed up by scarabeo. Two, sounds like a lot of other people will be safe, too. We can figure something out after Divorando, but first, we need to get through it.”

“Seriously?” came an indignant male voice from the doorway. Kaleb, clutching the doorframe. “You’re having a party without me? Almost dying wasn’t enough to earn me an invitation?”

“We’re planning, Kaleb,” Kamaria said.

“And baking!” Saida called from the kitchen.

“Using our brains and our skills.” Kamaria smiled like a cat about to pounce. “What could you possibly contribute?”

“Ha ha ha,” Kaleb said. He turned to look at someone in the hall. “Couldn’t stay away, huh? Help me in, will you?”

Alessa stood as Josef helped Kaleb totter inside. “You aren’t supposed to be here. I promised Nina I’d scratch you off the list.”

“In exchange for a secret,” Josef said. “The secret’s out, so the deal is off.”

“Was it her?” Kamaria asked. “Didshetell Ivini?”

“She says she didn’t.” Josef stopped, forcing Kaleb to stop with him. “She was scared and trying to protect me before, but she’s not evil. Dante in prison doesn’t help anyone.”

“Then, if she kept her side of the deal…” Alessa said, a question in her voice.

“I’ve made my choice.” Josef helped Kaleb sit on the couch. “Whether she likes it or not, I’m here to help.”

Saida brushed flour from her hands and came over with a tray of teacups. Kaleb sniffed his, grumbling about adding something stronger.

“Any more distractions before we get on with it?” Kamaria asked. “Anyone need to use the restroom? Everybody got a snack? Your beverage of choice?”

“No,” Kaleb grumbled, eying his tea.

“Aww, does baby need a nap?”

Kaleb stuck his tongue out at her.

“If we’re all settled, then it’s time to decide who’s taking Kaleb’s place. I may not be in the best shape of my life, but you find me a better pair of crutches, and I’ll be there.”

“Any of us would,” Saida said. “It’s up to you.”

Alessa’s idea came fully into focus as they all volunteered once again. For days, the pieces had been just out of reach, but watching so many people step up to give their safety away forged the final connection. “I think the texts are wrong.”

“Care to be more specific?” Kamaria said.

“Sorry,” Alessa said. “I’m still sorting through it. Okay, so, out of everyone on Saverio she could have chosen, Dea gave this gift tome, knowing who I am. How much I hate to be alone. How badly I wanted to be a part of a community. To make connections and have friends.”

“Aw, group hug.” Saida stepped forward, arms outstretched.

Kamaria hauled her back by her skirt. “Let her finish.”

“The holy doctrine says I needed to lose my identity and beisolated to form the kind of connection a Finestra and Fonte need, but I think, maybe that’s bullshit.”

“Finestra,” Kaleb gasped in faux horror. “Suchlanguage.”