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pillows arranged themselves at the head of his bed, and she quickly reclined back on them, looking as relaxed as she could on such a lumpy, old mattress. Ugh, how could anyone actually sleep on such an uncomfortable thing?
    David burst into the room, closing the door behind him. ‘Kora?’ he whispered. ‘Come out. Now!’ He started towards her globe before spotting her lounging on his bed. His eyes narrowed at her but he made no comment.
    â€˜Yes, master?’ she replied, sweetly. ‘Is there something you want?’
    He stared down at her on his bed. One hand shoved at the heavy, long fringe that fell forward across his eyes. ‘Quick, Kora,’ he said. ‘Make me a certificate.’
    â€˜A certificate?’ She lifted one eyebrow. ‘I do not know what you mean.’
    â€˜Kora, there isn’t much time!’ His breath huffed out impatiently. ‘Just do it.’
    She pushed herself into a sitting position. ‘Your bed is not very comfortable, master.’
    â€˜Then get off it,’ hissed David, ‘and make me that certificate. Mum’s waiting.’
    A flash of anger coursed through her and her power rumbled unsteadily in response. In her entire life no one had ever spoken to her in such a way. ‘Why should I?’
    David’s eyes darted nervously to the closed bedroom door. ‘Because I wish it.’
    She felt the bands around her wrists begin to tighten when he spoke the words ‘I wish’. A soft, golden glow radiated from them and her power stirred restlessly, ready and waiting.
    He moved closer to her, keeping his voice low. ‘On the first line write, “Congratulations to David Wolfe”.’ His brow creased in concentration. ‘Then on a line below that write, “Winner of the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade’s Annual Giant Christmas Raffle”.’ He stood up and paced anxiously across the room to listen briefly at the door. ‘And put a signature at the bottom. And today’s date.’ He strode back to face her. ‘And put it in a black frame.’
    Kora’s mouth twisted in distaste, but she lifted her hand and the framed certificate appeared in it. She handed it to him with a glare. ‘Surely your parents did not fall for such a stupid story?’ Her voice rang with contempt.
    â€˜The local Bush Fire Brigade holds a giant Christmas raffle every year.’ His gaze lifted to meet hers. ‘And by the way, they are not my parents.’
    â€˜Really?’ She was surprised. ‘Not your parents?’
    â€˜No.’ He shook his head emphatically. ‘Marcia’s my mum.’ He glanced at the photograph on the shelf next to her globe. ‘But Rodney’s not my father. He’s my mother’s new boyfriend.’
    Kora’s eyes drifted to the framed photograph on the shelf. Her eyes looked over the tall man standing with his arm around a much younger David. ‘He looks like you,’ she said. Two pairs of piercing blue eyes gazed back at her. The older man’s were perhaps a slightly darker blue than David’s, with laugh lines fanning outwards from the corners, but otherwise they were the same. But it wasn’t just the eyes. She could see other similarities, now that she knew. There was the same dark blond hair, although cut much shorter, and the same cocky grin. She pursed her lips. They were both good-looking, really. For humans.
    David sighed. ‘I think I’ve grown a bit taller than he was.’
    Her eyes flew back to his face. ‘Than he was? Is your father dead?’
    â€˜No!’ His face darkened as he met Kora’s gaze. ‘I’ll never believe that!’
    She wanted to ask more, but a sharp intake of breath had both their heads spinning towards the bedroom door.
    His mother stood in the doorway, an astonished look on her face. ‘David?’ His mother’s eyes roved over Kora, widening as they took in her