Page 34 of Gryphon’s Fire

Head hanging, Keir stared into his own teacup. “It’s not that I don’t understand, Tabby. It’s⁠—”

“Keir,” Martin interrupted. “Our nosiness comes from a desire to keep you safe. Such actions would not be necessary if you were more forthcoming.” The scolding tone wasn’t lost on me.

“But this doesn’t concern you,” Keir attempted to argue. The effort fell flat.

“Concern us!” Jima’s head shot up, eyes narrowed. “Ohh, you did not just say that.” Turning his head, Jima stared up at Tabitha and said, “Tell me he didn’t just say such an asinine thing.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Tabitha calmly answered.

“You’ve done it now, Keir.” Henry cackled, rolling around on his back, tail flicking wildly. “I swear, all of ya are idiots.” Sobering, Henry pointed an accusing finger in Grayson’s direction. “Didn’t I tell ya? The taller ya are, the stupider.”

Grayson’s mouth opened. I could see him struggling for words. I could also tell when he gave up and turned his attention back to Keir. “You might as well spill. You’re fighting a losing battle with this lot.”

I placed my hand on Keir’s shoulder, offering what support I could. With a deep inhale, Keir’s shoulders went lax. “Fine.” Keir spent the next ten minutes filling the group in. Many nodded along, his words a repeat of what they already knew. What they didn’t know was what Keir and I planned on doing about the situation.

Silence filled the air, broken by the snaps and pops of the fire. Martin’s mouth was drawn into a thin line, his facial muscles taut. Grayson leaned into his bonded, his lips slightly parted, again struggling for words. Tabitha’s teacup hovered somewhere between her plate and lips while Henry’s cocked head tilted his dirty fluff of white hair.

Jima was the first to find his voice. “You’re really going?” Jima’s eyes glistened, one blink away from shedding tears. “I mean…isn’t there another way? This sounds dangerous and…” Jima’s voice faded as his eyes scanned the room, looking for either support or denial. Finally, he asked, “Martin?”

Martin’s cheeks looked like they could crack walnuts. “I do not like this, Keir.”

Keir’s response was immediate. “I don’t like it much either. Can you think of an alternative?”

Martin’s expression was mutinous before falling into bitter acceptance. “No, I cannot.”

“Martin!” Jima sounded scandalized. “You can’t⁠—”

“I don’t want to,” Martin cut in. “But what I want and what is right are two different things.”

“We should go with you,” Grayson said, leaning forward. “I don’t trust this Jaakobah jackass to fight fair during a challenge.”

“Nor do I,” Keir answered.

“Then what the fuck do you plan on doing about that?” Grayson asked. The edge to his voice was powered by fear and concern but radiated anger.

“I am uncertain,” Keir honestly answered. “But it is the only way to save my sister, avenge my mother, and clear Eldon’s name. I’ll admit, it’s risky. And no, you’re not coming along. I need the rest of you here, taking care of the council.” Keir’s gaze traveled to Vi and Blu. “Taking care of our baby wyvern and keeping an eye on Eldon.”

Jima groaned, throwing his head back and smacking it against the chair. Honestly, I was surprised he was still in his humanoid form. “I’d rather go with you,” Jima said.

“I know.” Keir’s words gentled. “And I’d rather have you with me, but as Martin just said, we don’t always get what we want.”

“We’ll take care of the wee ones,” Henry confidently stated.

“Thank you,” I answered. “I know they will be safe here, behind the barrier and with all of you.”

“Damn right they will be,” Henry said, arms crossed and chin thrust forward.

Clearing his throat, Martin asked, “And when do you plan on leaving?”

Keir tilted his head back, staring up at me and giving me a view of his gorgeous amber eyes.

“We have a few days,” I answered for Keir. “Jaakobah was kind enough to give Keir a week.” I considered relaying my previous conversation with Thalia. Knowing Keir had the support of my thunder might ease everyone’s minds, but Thalia still needed to speak with the thunder, and the outcome of that conversation wasn’t certain. I had faith my thunder would back Keir’s claim and actions, but no one wanted a war, especially an interspecies one. Thalia was right. Attracting Fairy’s attention wasn’t in anyone’s best interest, and an interspecies war was bound to do just that.

“I’ll send the notification soon,” Keir said. “Jaakobah would be suspicious if I immediately agreed. He’ll expect me to exhaust all other avenues.”

Martin’s lips pulled into a frown. “But he won’t expect you to challenge him? Why?”

“Arrogance,” I answered, and Keir agreed.