Page 41 of Gryphon’s Fire

“I wouldn’t,” Lazarus answered before propping himself up on an elbow and staring down at me. His sapphire eyes were all I could see. Their preternatural glow filled the darkness. “While this is indeed wonderful, there are even better days ahead.”

I reached up, running my fingers through Lazarus’s inky hair. “Goddess, I wish I had your confidence.”

“I’ll be confident enough for the both of us,” Lazarus said as he leaned down and kissed me. My fingers clamped down on the back of his head, pulling Lazarus down on top of me as I groaned into his mouth. It was like chasing a campfire through the forest. Warm smoke filled my mouth, flowing into my lungs and filling my senses. Is this what kissing Lazarus would always be like? Even if it were a fraction this pleasurable, a lifetime would never be enough.

Something loud falling in the kitchen jerked us away from each other. Rolling onto his back, Lazarus ran his hands over his face. “Sounds like the girls are awake.”

“And most likely hungry,” I answered, already sitting up and swinging my legs over the edge of our bed. Patting Lazarus on his thigh, I said, “We’d better get up before they destroy the kitchen in their quest.” As if to prove my point, the sound of shattered glass indicated whatever had just fallen hadn’t survived.

Lazarus joined me, his haste increased. “We’re going to need to baby-wyvern-proof your quarters, Keir.”

“We can do that,” I answered while wondering how on earth we’d ever do that with the rest of this massive compound. Once Vi and Blu started flying, all bets were off and the compound would be their playground. Maybe that was something our ill-gotten pixie magic could help with.

“Those are some ornery young ladies.” Henry sounded proud, as if he’d birthed Vi and Blu himself. Cackling like a fiend, Henry grabbed his ankles and rolled on his rump, his tail twitching as it attempted to keep him balanced. “This place has gotten a damn sight more interestin’ as of late.”

Henry sat on the armchair beside Eldon, both of their eyes fixed on Vi and Blu as they tussled with each other. Blu had gotten better at belching out little puffs of frosty air while so far, Vi could only produce wisps of white smoke. That didn’t stop them from opening their tiny maws and attempting to battle one another. The happy trills they made in between bouts of wrestling seemed to indicate it was all in good, sibling fun.

“The flight back home would never believe this,” Eldon said. I couldn’t parse his tone. It was a strange mix of wonder and regret. Flinching, Eldon quietly added, “Not that they’d want to see it, or at least admit to wanting to see it.”

“What does that mean?” Henry asked. I feared I already knew.

Shrinking in on himself, Eldon answered, “The flight’s become increasingly isolationist. They believe gryphons are superior and highly discourage mingling with other species. Jaakobah’s even got them thinking they’re better than other gryphon flights. I’m embarrassed to say that, at first, I agreed with him.” Eldon hung his head in shame.

I wanted to go to my brother, but Henry beat me to it. Climbing up Eldon’s arm, Henry perched on my brother’s shoulder, patting his cheek with his tiny hand. “The only shame would be if you still clung to those views. It ain’t no small thing, admittin’ when you’re wrong and changin’ your beliefs. It’s a damn sight easier not questionin’ your beliefs. You took the hard road and that tells me all I need to know.”

My breath caught. “I couldn’t say it better myself.”

“Agreed,” Lazarus chimed in as he came out from the kitchen after cleaning the breakfast dishes.

“Good,” Henry said as he scrambled back down Eldon’s arm, perching on the edge of the couch to get a better view. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get back to enjoyin’ the show.” Henry proceeded to cheer the ladies on, giving them interesting suggestions on how to get the one up on each other.

I was quietly contemplating if Vi and Blu were the first wyvern young to be combat trained by a house dweller when a blue mist slid through the ceiling, coalescing in the space between the living room and main door. Grayson’s humanoid figure manifested from the mist as his wisp form dissipated.

Before I could question him, Grayson said, “Gryphons are flying in from the east. Unless there are stragglers, I counted four.”

“How long before they arrive?” Lazarus asked.

Grayson’s lips twisted into a frown as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not sure. Time kind of loses meaning when I’m in my wisp form. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. The warning is appreciated.” Logically I knew they wouldn’t be able to move beyond the barrier, that we were safe as long as everyone stayed inside the compound. “Tell Martin to spread the word that no one is to leave the compound, and if anyone is returning, to hold off until they hear otherwise.” I didn’t want an innocent getting caught in the crossfire or for whoever was coming to be able to use them as leverage.

“On it,” Grayson said before dissipating again and zipping from the room.

Henry puffed out his chest. “Handy trick, that.”

“Very handy,” I agreed, my eyes fixed to the solid door Grayson had slipped through.

“They’re coming for me.” Eldon’s words were barely audible. When I turned to him, it was to find Eldon’s shoulders rounded and his body collapsed in on itself, as if he were trying to appear as small and insignificant as possible.

“We don’t know that,” I answered. “After my conversation with Jaakobah last night, most likely they are here for me.” My gaze traveled to Lazarus. “I suppose this is our answer. Unless they’ve come to deliver something, it looks like the answer is who instead of what.”

“Indeed. Shall we go out and greet our newest arrivals?”

“Give me a minute to change into something a little less comfortable.” Lazarus nodded, and I turned my attention to Eldon. “You’ll be safe here.”

If anything, Eldon’s head lowered further. “If they’re here for me, you should just hand me over. I’ve caused enough trouble for you, Keir, and I don’t—ow!” Eldon slapped his hand over his cheek, little tracks of blood seeping through where Henry’s claws had dug in. “What was that for?”

“That was for bein’ a damn idiot.” Henry crossed his arms, leaning back and placing most of his weight on his tail. “Honestly,” Henry huffed. “As if Keir would do somethin’ like that. Stop thinkin’ and sayin’ stupid shit.” Turning his head enough that he could look at me, Henry huffed. “Go on with ya, Keir. I’ll keep an eye on this dipshit. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll sit right damn there and not move a muscle. I’ll recruit the wee ones if I need a little extra muscle.”