I saw Martinus three yards away from the portal stone. He stood there, looking at the stone, waiting. As soon as I appeared, his eyes started intently scanning my face, and I could see how he almost didn't recognize me. I did look quite different.
"Amy! What happened to you?" he asked, walking toward me, examining my face with his palms. "You changed so much in a single day."
"I went to Morad House," I said. "And got accepted into the family. By blood and magic right. Formally, as well."
"I can see that," Martinus said. "Before, there were hints. Now, it's as clear as day. You're a Morad."
"Yes," I said. "I am."
He sat on the bench, the one in front of the flower garden. I sat next to him.
"Does this change anything for you?" I asked Martinus, who seemed to be shocked.
"What?" he sa
