Page 173 of Griffin Food

Atlas and Darrion are waylaid by the town’s mayor, who steps forward with eager deference.

“Come on,” Fenix says with a conspiring wink.

I’m not sure what to expect, but it is not a small bakery with its windows warmly lit, golden light spilling out onto the street.

A small wooden sign hangs above the door.

Molly’s Bakery.

My breath catches.

Fenix grins and pulls me along inside. “The young proprietor is her granddaughter, and the image of her namesake.”

A little bell chimes as we enter. There’s a queue of customers, the shop bustling with warmth and chatter. Behind the counter stands a young serving woman with flaxen hair neatly braided and dimples. Two younger girls and a lad are beside her, likewise serving. A man emerges from the back with a tray of fresh pies and begins unloading them onto the shelves.

The moment the young serving woman spots Fenix, her face lights up. “Lord Fenix!” she calls.

The rest of the customers all turn to face us, dipping their heads when they see who is in the queue.

“Just Fenix, lass,” Fenix says with a grin.

“Aye, what a pleasure. I’ll be with you in just a moment.”

Molly, I presume, hurries through the remaining customers, quick and efficient, before she rounds the counter, throws her arms around Fenix’s neck, and plants a kiss on his cheek.

“You’re looking well, lass,” Fenix says with a broad grin that takes in her waistline. “Very well indeed.”

She laughs, patting her round belly—which must be close to full term—and sending a sly smile toward the man loading pies onto the racks. “That’ll be my husband’s fault,” she teases.

He laughs and waves a hand. “I get no say in it! Plan to keep her plump with child for as long as the Goddess blesses us, and happy for the rest of our lives.” He nods toward the display. “Aye, Molly-love, best get our lord and his queen one of your famous griffin delights.”

“Ha! So I will,” Molly agrees, beaming.

She’s already moving, pulling out a paper box and loading it from the nearby display… which is when I notice the cakes in question.

Sweet cakes loaded with jam and cream… each one of them garnished with an adorable griffin-shaped chocolate cookie.

My heart swells. My mouth waters.

Six sweet treats are loaded into a box. One for each of us, it would seem.

Fenix reaches for his coin.

“I won’t hear it,” Molly says firmly. “Adam, tell him.”

“Put your coin away,” Adam adds good-naturedly. “Her nana always had a soft spot for you. Not about to change that now.”

We take our bounty with us, followed by their cheerful waves, and step out into the cool evening air. I barely make it a pace before I’m opening the box and claiming my prize.

Fenix watches me with a smirk. “You won’t regret it.”

I take a bite. And groan.

It’s rich, delicious, and sweet, the cream melting on my tongue.

Darrion arrives at my side, already stealing the box from Fenix and opening it without ceremony. “Thank you,” he says, unrepentant, before stuffing the cake into his mouth… whole.

Fenix chuckles and snags one for himself.