Page 33 of Gryphon’s Fire

“He could,” Keir hedged. “And I think, selfishly, I wanted it to just be us.”

Wrapping my arm around his shoulder, I tugged Keir a little closer. “And Henry.”

With a chuckle, Keir answered, “And Henry.”

Silence reigned as we continued staring. I noticed more than one set of eyes watering and was uncertain if it was the emotion or the heat causing such a reaction.

“Have you named them yet?” Jima asked. “Names are very important.”

“A fine point,” Tabitha agreed.

All eyes turned toward me. To be truthful, I hadn’t considered names. I dearly wished I knew if my sister had contemplated their names. If so, I would honor that desire. As it was, no one knew. If Vidia had thought of names, they went to the grave with her. As it was, I had no idea where to even start.

I believe I surprised everyone when I said, “I am open to suggestions.”

The brief moment of silence was immediately filled with a cacophony of sound. Names flew through the air, mixing and overlapping one another until the chatter became nonsensical.

Surprisingly, Henry remained silently contemplative. Eyes scrunched and chin resting on his palm, Henry sat within Jima’s head of hair. As diminutive as he was, Henry’s voice was the one that cut through the clatter. “Jima’s right. Names are important. We need to think on this.”

“I cannot believe I am saying this, but I agree with Henry.” Elvira finally spoke up. “A name conveys much, and these infantile wyvern deserve names worthy of their history.” That said, Elvira dissipated.

Tabitha let loose a weighty sigh. “I must agree.” Leaving the group, Tabitha settled within a nearby chair. “Names will come and we will know when they are right. For now, I suggest we use Violet and Blu.” Tabitha shot me an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry, Lazarus, but I fear Turquoise will become too much of a mouthful for me. Chances are, I’ll wind up reducing Violet to Vi.” Tabitha gave a self-deprecating chuckle before she looked to Keir and asked, “Might I trouble you for a cup of tea?”

“Tea is never trouble,” Keir predictably answered before heading to the kitchen.

“Blu and Vi,” Grayson said, already shortening the name. “I like it. For now.”

By way of agreement, Martin pulled Grayson with him toward the couch, settling them down together, hip to hip while Martin extended a long arm over the back of the couch, caging Grayson in. Our will-o’-the-wisp didn’t seem to mind being contained.

Crawling across the floor, Jima settled at Tabitha’s feet. Pulling his knees up to his chest, Jima wrapped his arms around his legs. The position didn’t look all that comfortable to me, but I wasn’t a limber ferret shifter either. Henry scrambled off the top of Jima’s head, settling on the armrest beside Tabitha’s hand.

Soon enough, Keir returned, a tray laden with cups of tea and cookies in his hands. Settling the tray on the coffee table, Keir handed a teacup to Tabitha. Grayson and Martin grabbed their own, as did Jima. Skipping the tea, Henry broke off a corner of Tabitha’s cookie and shoved the crumb into his mouth.

Nudging my head in the direction of the only other available chair, I urged Keir to sit, opting to hover behind him, hands on the back of the chair as I took in our small gathering. Elvira was the only one missing.

“Did anyone let Hikaru know?” Jima suddenly asked, making me wonder if I should have invited the kitsune and Warlock Holland. “And what about Frost?”

Guilty looks filled the room. “I did not,” Keir finally answered. “Perhaps I should have. I⁠—”

“Not yet,” Martin answered while making a slashing movement through the air with his free hand. “We all know what Hikaru’s reaction will be, and while I don’t begrudge him his excitement, I think it might be best to wait. As for Frost… Doing so might inadvertently inform Helios.” Martin’s eyes narrowed as they focused on Keir. “Besides, I think we have other, more serious topics to discuss.”

Keir took a sip of his tea, attempting to act casual but the tension in his shoulders spoke otherwise. “I’m not sure I know what⁠—”

“Oh, don’t you even start,” Grayson scolded, scooting forward on the couch and shaking an accusing finger in Keir’s direction. “You know damn well no one can keep secrets in this place.”

Jima’s soft voice added, “Unless your name is Huxley.”

Everyone cringed, but it was Henry that said, “Point.”

Grayson vehemently shook his head. “Psychotic shadow borne aside, secrets flow like water through this place. We all know what that asshat Jaakobah said.” Grayson huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “What a nutter,” he added with a decisive nod.

Keir’s shoulders stiffened further. His voice was low and without inflection when he questioned, “Tabby?”

Taking a delicate sip of tea, Tabitha offered no apologies. “Elvira felt it necessary to monitor the situation. And as you know, as Elvira’s medium, I know what she knows.”

“And you felt the need to inform the others,” I said.

“Naturally,” Tabitha unapologetically answered. Finally placing her cup down on the coffee table, Tabitha loosed a weighty sigh. “Keir, all of us love you dearly, but you have to admit you have a penchant for martyrdom. Forgive me for attempting to prevent that from happening.”