Page 51 of Spirit Storm

I run that part through my mind and…

I sit up and gasp. “Ohmygoodness.”

“What is it?”

I meet those beautiful green gemstones and my heart hammers. “I was so distracted by the fact that we can repair the lockstones I missed the importance of the last sentence I heard of that argument.”

“Which was?”

“Enough. Stop speaking about me as if I’m not here!” I run rough fingers through my hair as my mind spins. “Wylder, the key isn’t a thing. It’s a person.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

The front entryway of Hallowind House materializes around us, the familiar smell of old wood and fresh baking settling over me like a comfy sweater on a cold day.

Outside, beyond the front porch steps, another layer of snow has fallen, and it is, indeed, a cold day. The late afternoon light falls sideways through the windows, long and golden across the floorboards.

Man, it’s good to be home.

Garrison steps back from our group with the practiced grace of someone who has teleported across continents so many times it has become entirely unremarkable.

I give Wylder a squeeze. “Asher will take you straight up to my bed. I’ll bring a tray up in a few minutes and we’ll snuggle in.”

“No rush. I’m fine. Really.”

He’s not. The weariness in him is visible in the dark circles under his eyes and the careful way he’s holding himself. “Well, you will be after a few days of Hallowind TLC.”

Asher teleports Wylder upstairs, and Orion and Rowan take the bags into the living room. That leaves me alone with Garrison. "Thanks for the transport. And for everything you did for us in Ireland."

He looks at me, his gaze steady. “I’m only sorry it turned out the way it did.”

“Yeah, me too. Henrik was a good guy.”

Garrison nods. “His family deserves to hear what happened, and how he died with honor. I'll see to it personally."

The words are simple, but the weight behind them is enormous. “Thank you.”

He inclines his head once, and then he's gone.

I take off my boots, hang up my coat, and head into the kitchen. Asher is there with Rowan and Orion. When I come in, Asher gives me a hug. “I’m heading over to the apothecary to pick up the puppers. Izzy took them to work today.”

I hug him a little tighter than usual, then ease back. “Pick up burgers and pie at the diner, will you? I think we deserve a little comfort food tonight.”

He kisses the top of my head. “You got it. Love you.”

“Love you, too. And drive carefully out there.”

Orion gives me a hug. “I’ve got him, Pops. We’ll be back soon.”

I pass Rowan sitting on the island and grab the kettle off the counter to fill. “I’m making some hot chocolate and Baileys. Do you want some?”

“No, I’m good. I’m going to put my headphones on and binge Ted Lasso for a dose of feel-good fiction. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Okay. Speak up if you need anything.”

Rowan heads out of the kitchen, the stairs creaking as she climbs to the second floor.

I set the kettle onto its base and click the button to turn it on. “We’re home earlier than we expected, House. A new friend was killed in a battle this morning.”