Isabel was sitting on the front steps of the palace with Gabe, waiting for her family to return. Skylar had brought them here while Luna took Naomi home. Isabel was glad to have escaped her grandparents and Esteban, even if it was only temporary – it gave her some time to think. Gabe remained with her because he did not want to leave her alone outside in the dark but Isabel did not mind his company: he did not interrupt her thought process once.

She sighed heavily and looked at Gabe. "Nothing," Isabel said. "I can't think of anything that could help Elena and Mateo."

"I don't think there's anything we can do. Everything is now in the hands of the Grand Council," Gabe said evenly.

"They won't change that law. Esteban will make sure of that."

"Your grandparents are more reasonable than he is. They will consider every alternative if they can see that Mateo makes your sister happy."

"I hope they do see it. I know that what happened with Shuriki and that other royal wizard was awful, but they do not represent all magical beings. Mateo is one of the nicest people I know."

"Yeah, I have a hard time picturing Mateo as a type of wannabe dictator. Personally, I think he'd make a lousy villain."

Isabel let slip a giggle despite herself. A carriage could be heard coming their way and she and Gabe stood on their feet. The carriage stopped in front of the steps and the royal guards opened the doors, stepping aside to let Luisa, Francisco, and Esteban get out. Isabel and Gabe glanced at each other as Luisa and Francisco ran towards them.

"Isabel! Thank goodness you're all right! Why did you run off like that?" Luisa exclaimed.

"Esteban was about to arrest us," Isabel deadpanned. "We weren't going to stick around for that."

"He won't arrest you, mija. Your grandfather and I have talked him out of it."

"For now," Esteban intervened irritably. "I still say that something needs to be done about Elena and Mateo at the very least."

"Enough, Esteban," Francisco said sternly. He turned to his granddaughter. "Do you know where Elena and Mateo went? We need to speak to them."

Isabel hesitated before replying, knowing there was no point in lying. "Migs brought them back here. They're someone in the palace," she said.

"They're most likely in Elena's room. Let's go."

Francisco ran up the steps, followed by his wife and Esteban. Isabel and Gabe hurried after them, glancing at each other worriedly. They did not stop running until they reached Elena's room, where Francisco knocked on the door. There was no answer. Francisco glanced at Luisa before opening the door and stepping inside. Isabel bit her lip and followed her grandparents into her sister's room with Esteban and Gabe close behind her.

The room was dark and appeared empty at first glance. Isabel then noticed two figures lying on Elena's bed and realised that those figures were Mateo and her sister. Luisa and Francisco slowly approached the two teenagers, examined them for a moment, and tiptoed away from the bed, motioning at the others to follow. They carefully closed the door once everyone was back in the hallway and Isabel eyed her grandparents nervously, wondering what would be their next move.

"What are you doing? I thought you were going to talk to them?" Esteban hissed.

"They're asleep," Francisco stated, raising an eyebrow at his grandson.

"And?"

"They looked so peaceful. Did you see how their hands were touching, mi amor?" Luisa asked, smiling at her husband.

"I certainly did," Francisco replied with a smile of his own.

"Have you two already forgotten that those two teenagers have broken one of the biggest laws in the kingdom?" Esteban demanded in disbelief.

"Of course we haven't, but I have always questioned that law a little," Luisa replied. "Especially after hearing what had happened with Alacazar."

"Mateo's grandfather? What does he have to do with anything?" Isabel asked in surprise.

"It's a long story, mija, and one that will not be told tonight. But I do have one question for you: does Mateo make Elena happy?"

"More than anything. He adores her, abuela."

"And she loves him just as much?" Francisco said.

"Yes, abuelo."

Luisa and Francisco looked at each other and Isabel could almost hear the cogs turning in their brains. She kept her fingers crossed behind her back, hoping for the best.

"It is too late to make a decision now. We will talk to Elena and Mateo in the morning and then decide on which route to take from there," Francisco declared.

"So you are dropping the matter?" Esteban asked incredulously.

"Only for tonight. I don't think it would hurt to let Mateo and Elena have one last night together before we make our decision. There is no point in objecting, Esteban: you are not the sole voice on the Grand Council and the majority has overruled you. I think it is safe to say that if Naomi were here, she would be agreeing with me and your grandmother."

"I should send a message to Mateo's mother so she does not worry about him," Luisa said. "Gabe, would you be able to bring it to her?"

"Of course," Gabe said dutifully, bowing.

"Thank you."

"Good. Now that everything is settled for the night, I suggest we all go to bed," Francisco said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Goodnight, everyone."

Esteban looked far from pleased but he stalked off without saying another word while Luisa, Francisco, and Gabe turned into the opposite direction. Isabel looked at Elena's room, thinking. Their grandparents' decision was better than nothing, she supposed; at least it left room for some possible change. Whatever the Grand Council decided, Isabel was going to make sure to stand by her sister and Mateo. She put a hand on the door and whispered a gentle "Goodnight" to the slumbering teenagers before making her way to her own bedroom.