Page 47 of Dryad’s Treasure

Gray shook his head. “Not as much as you probably think. It’s just… Do you remember when I mentioned Alethia’s name and then Huxley’s?” Gray flinched with the memory. “The wyvern within aren’t fully developed, but they are sentient. They know things.”

I didn’t like the laser-focused attention Lazarus aimed Gray’s direction. “Interesting that the eggs would speak with you when only a female wyvern can understand them.”

Gray shook his head so fast that Henry almost fell off. Colorful curse words flew from Henry’s mouth as he stabilized himself. “They don’t talk to me,” Gray said. Holding up a hand, blue flames licked up Gray’s fingers, dancing along their tips. “It’s more emotions that come through in a treasure’s song. The eggs didn’t mind when I mentioned Alethia’s name.”

“Alethia’s quarters were where the eggs were found,” Keir supplied, filling Lazarus in on why that name was important.

“However,” Gray continued, “when I said the other name⁠—”

“Huxley,” Henry grumbled.

Gray immediately flinched and extinguished his flame. When I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, he reassured me by saying, “I’m all right,” with a tight smile. Turning his attention back to Lazarus, Gray said, “They really don’t like that name. Their song is, for lack of a better word, pissed.”

Mimicking Keir’s stance, Lazarus gripped his hands behind the small of his back. His clawed nails clicked as they tapped one another. “That is an interesting ability you have, Mr. Delarue.”

Gray shrugged. “Not really, at least not for a will-o’-the-wisp.”

A low glow emitted from behind Lazarus’s eyes, lighting up the deep blue color like sun shining through stained glass. “Curious how our two species haven’t been more…cooperative through the years. It seems we might share similar interests.”

Gray’s nervous energy returned. Sliding closer, the entire side of Gray’s body connected with mine. “Probably too similar,” Gray answered, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper. “Will-o’-the-wisps don’t like giving up the treasure they find.”

“Pity.” Lazarus didn’t sound like it was all that unfortunate. Thankfully dismissing Gray, Lazarus turned his attention back to Keir. “As we were discussing before your…associates arrived, I will withhold judgment until Thalia’s arrival.”

“Thalia?” Tabitha inquired. Jima had long since hidden completely within Tabitha’s shirt pocket.

“Thalia is considered one of our ancients. Having birthed eggs and raised wyvern young, Thalia can communicate with the wyvern young within. She will speak with the eggs and learn their wishes.”

Gray and I shared a concerned look. Swallowing hard, I asked, “So, if the eggs want the Magical Usage Compound razed to the ground, then⁠—”

“Then I shall see their desires fulfilled,” Lazarus emotionlessly answered. “Along with all those who were complicit with their capture and enslavement.” Lazarus wasn’t so dispassionate stating the last. “It is no small offense, stealing wyvern eggs from a slain mother.”

“Sweet Gaia.” I hung my head. “So, it’s true. Huxley really⁠—”

“It appears so,” Keir answered, those three words harsh as if they’d been forcefully ripped from his throat. “Although it seems Huxley did not murder the wyvern mother.” Keir glanced in Lazarus’s direction, as if waiting for clarity that wasn’t forthcoming.

Gray tensed. “But none of them knew what Huxley was doing. They’re trying to fix this mess. That’s why I’m here.” I truly appreciated Gray’s defense of everyone in the room.

“The wisp boy’s right,” Henry agreed, as if that was the end of the argument.

Lazarus didn’t completely agree. “As a newcomer and the finder of our lost offspring, you shall be spared, Grayson Delarue.”

Gray’s mouth opened, snapping closed with an audible crack. “That’s supposed to make me feel better?”

This time, Lazarus appeared truly confounded. “It is my experience that most creatures wish to continue living. Are will-o’-the-wisps different?”

“What? No, that’s not it.” Arms crossed, Gray’s chin tilted up, his nose held high. “I want to live. Everyone in this room wants to live.” Gray flinched when his eyes tracked to Elvira. Our resident ghost gave no indication how his words had affected her. “If you harm those within this room, you’re punishing the wrong individuals.”

Lazarus was unmoved. “As I stated, the eggs will decide. They are the injured party. Is that not fair?”

Gray tensed, gearing up for more of an argument. I have no idea what he might have said if Keir hadn’t stepped in and said, “We will abide by the egg’s decision. That does not mean we will not fight for our lives.”

“I would expect nothing less from a gryphon defending his nest,” Lazarus answered, almost sounding proud of Keir.

A low, rumbling growl shook Keir’s chest. “Do not underestimate a cornered gryphon, especially when we are defending our family.”

A slow, pleased smile stretched Lazarus’s lips, exposing dangerously sharp teeth. “Never,” he said, a wisp of smoke accompanying that word.

“I definitely peed my pants that time,” Gray leaned in and whispered.