Page 79 of The Ferryman’s Rest Inn & Grogshop

“Should we head out tonight?” Alec asked. “It would be good to get home.”

“I think we should let Coco sleep and leave tomorrow,” Benvair said, “once everyone is up.”

Coco sighed. “God, yes. I’m exhausted and desperately want a shower and a rest.”

“Timing is harder for us,” I put in. “Are we leaving now or tomorrow night?”

“I’m not going back with you,” Stheno said, her hand in Mio’s.

I turned to her, confused. She’d been so pissed off about coming and wouldn’t stop bitching about being back here. “What?”

“I’m not going back with you. Mio is just getting used to being in the open air. We need to work on a glamour for him so he can move freely in the world. We’ll rent a room and stay here until he’s ready to travel.”

I don’t think any of us missed her saying a room.

Vlad twirled my axe in his hand and walked it back to me. “You need to get that edge sharpened. Since Sam can shower and rest on the plane, I’d suggest we go now. Also, I’d appreciate it if you dropped me off in Romania before you headed home. Work has been piling up while I’ve been in the U.S.”

It may not have been love between Vlad and Stheno, but this still squeezed my heart.

“Of course,” Clive responded. He searched my expression. “Are you up for starting the journey home now?”

I nodded and looked across the room at my great-uncle. “Bracken, is now okay for you?”

He stood and brought his empty cup back to the bar. “After a shower, I’ll probably spend the rest of the flight organizing my thoughts and filling my journal. Retelling it now has helped me place my memories in order, so thank you all for that discussion.” His eyes darted to Vlad, telling me he was doing what he could to derail the previous topic as well.

Benvair stood, prompting the rest of the dragons and Owen to follow suit. “We bid you a safe flight, but we’re going to take our leave and get some rest now. Coco, you can sleep in my room.”

Coco’s gaze went to the barman. “Actually, do you have another empty room? I appreciate the offer, Grandmother, but I’m desperate for solitude right now.”

Nikolaos nodded and slapped a key on the bar.

Vlad headed to the stockroom stairs. “I’ll collect the cooler.”

“Before we split up,” I said, “thank you all for coming with me or coming to check on us. Let me just say, if you ever need my help⁠—”

“Our,” Clive interrupted. “If you ever need our help.”

“Right.” I nodded. “If you ever need our help, just ask. Safe travels, all.” I walked around the room, hugging people. Well, not Benvair because I was pretty sure she was super pissed at me for absconding with her granddaughter.

When I made it over to Mio and Stheno, I patted his shoulder and thanked him for his hospitality. He nodded while continuing to glare at Clive. Being thrown across a bar was hard to forget.

Stheno stood and I hugged her. “Are you sure?” I asked.

She nodded. “Thanks, kid. If you hadn’t nagged and guilted me to come, Mio would still be trapped down there, and my eye would still be fucked up.” Her expression softened. “I’m happy. I can’t remember the last time I was happy. If you ever need me, you call. I’ll come running. Okay?”

I teared up and nodded. “I’ll miss you.” When I hugged her, I felt her snakes nuzzling me. It made me smile.

Clive’s hands landed on my shoulders. “Are you ready, love?”

I turned to see Vlad and Bracken waiting behind Clive. I nodded. Waving to the dragons, I said, “Sweet dreams.”

Clive took my hand and we walked out to the station wagon. Vlad put the cooler in the way back and I walked with him.

“Okay?” I asked quietly. We both knew I was talking about Stheno staying with Mio.

He nodded and patted my back. “Of course. You know me. I’m always fine. Not to worry.”

I took the front passenger seat. Clive knew the way to the airfield. He didn’t need a navigator. Slumped in my seat, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift again. Bracken’s pen was scratching against the page of his journal, but it was so much white noise. I was floating in the black when I heard Clive’s quiet words.