The dining room of Mythos Academy buzzed with the usual chatter and clatter of silverware, but Rory Forseti barely noticed. Her green eyes were immediately drawn to the heavenly scent wafting from the kitchen. And there she was—her aunt Daisy Maddox, flour-dusted apron and all—busily coaxing sinfully sugary creations from the oven. Cupcakes with perfectly swirled frosting, chocolate lava cakes bubbling temptingly, and other decadent treats that Rory had learned to associate with home. Rory stepped quietly through the entrance, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “You know,” she called out, her voice carrying that trademark snarky lilt, “for someone trying to teach self-restraint, you’re really failing spectacularly.” Rory’s smirk softened into a grin. She leaned casually against the doorway, scanning the table piled with desserts. “Heaven, maybe. But if I survive second year with my taste buds intact, it’ll be a miracle. You really outdid yourself this time.” Rory’s eyes glimmered with mischief. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s because I’ll be waiting at home for dinner tonight—and you better not have replaced my spot at the table with one of these lava cakes.”