Chapter 32

"How can you be sure?" Mateo demanded, pain flashing in his eyes. "How do I know they won't decide I'm too uncontrollable and just cut me loose again?"

"Because we're not like that," Sofia insisted. "This isn't just about power or control. It's about banding together, supporting each other through the highest highs and lowest lows of being what we are. Please, Mateo, give them a chance to show you."

Mateo stared at her a long moment, the desperate sincerity in her eyes slowly eroding his rigid defenses. Finally, he gave a slow, begrudging nod.

"Okay... I'll try. But I'm not making any promises."

Sofia smiled, relieved. "That's all I ask. Just come meet with them, see what guidance and acceptance they can offer."

Mateo finally agreed to return to the place that he had met Juan and Miguel, and hear them out.

"I am going to follow you once more b