Page 43 of Gryphon’s Fire

“Fool,” Lazarus whispered too low for Xavier to hear.

“Much worse than a fool,” I answered just as quietly.

Lulabelle’s soft laughter sent a cold chill down my spine. Extracting her wrist from Xavier’s hold, Lulabelle stepped closer, still far enough away that she wasn’t touching the barrier. “Keir always was prone to flights of fantasy. When I was younger, I found this trait admirable. Now it is but a sad reflection of the gryphon he has become.”

Any hope I’d had that Lulabelle would see reason dissipated.

“I do not understand why one of Jaakobah’s standing would wish to bond with Keir,” Xavier said, shoulders thrown back and chin jutted into the air.

Lulabelle gave Xavier a placating pat on the shoulder. “Jaakobah still believes Keir can be redeemed. He is an optimist at heart.”

Bile crept up my throat. Had my cousin been so thoroughly deceived? How could so many fall for Jaakobah’s vitriolic lies?

Still not looking at me, Lulabelle said, “Once they’re bonded, we’ll all need to help Keir readjust and shake off the influence he’s been living under these past few centuries. Jaakobah and Keir will need our support.”

Lazarus growled low, and I reached up, wrapping my fingers around his hand and squeezing tight to reassure him. If the frown pulling at Xavier’s lips was anything to go by, he didn’t believe I was capable of redemption.

Undeterred, Lulabelle turned her focus on me. “Besides, Keir has always had a soft spot where Eldon is concerned. It is no wonder he’s been taken in by his younger brother’s lies. One time, Keir flew halfway around the world just to bring Eldon the strawberries he so desperately desired.”

Strawberries? Eldon hated strawberries. They’d been a rare treat when we were growing up, and Lulabelle and I were always happy to eat Eldon’s share. Lulabelle knew that. She…

“All this discussion is pointless,” Lulabelle said, waving her hand in the air. “Grandmother wants me to confirm Eldon’s presence. She gave me a message she wishes me to personally deliver. You have already confirmed Eldon’s presence. If you fail to allow me to see him, she would like you to know that she will return with the full support of our flight to retrieve the murderer.” Inhaling, Lulabelle’s eyes slipped closed before she continued. “Since Uncle Hunapo is too lost in his grief to currently lead his flight, he has granted Jaakobah authority to make decisions for his flight in Hunapo’s absence. Per an agreement between Jaakobah and our grandmother, should you bond with Jaakobah, Grandmother will allow Eldon safe passage back to Europe. He will be allowed to live as long as he is kept imprisoned.”

Lazarus grunted, his voice once more too low for my cousin to hear. “A generous offer.”

“Not generous enough,” I quietly answered back before raising my voice and asking, “Just where will Eldon be imprisoned? With my father’s flight or Grandmother’s?”

Lulabelle surprised me by answering, “Grandmother will gain custody.”

Lazarus finally spoke loud enough to be heard. “And what guarantee do we have that Eldon will be safe there?”

As expected, Xavier bristled. “You have the word of an honorable gryphon. That is all you require.”

Before Lazarus or I could respond, Lulabelle gave Xavier a warning glance indicating he should remain silent. Hands loosely clasped behind her back, Lulabelle said, “Grandmother is not without sympathy. Despite his actions, Eldon is still her blood. If Eldon is good and causes no further harm, Grandmother has even promised to make certain fresh strawberries are provided as often as possible. I hope you understand the importance of this gesture.”

I was beginning to dare to hope that maybe I did. There was one way to test my fragile hope.

Taking a single step away from Lazarus, I held out my hand and welcomed my cousin into our home. “Eldon isn’t well enough to meet you here. Lulabelle and Lulabelle alone is welcome within the Magical Usage Compound.”

Predictably, Xavier started to protest. Unpredictably, he was held at bay by the two still transformed gryphons as they flanked him, holding him in place. Xavier threw his head back, staring up into the golden eyes of the gryphon to his right. “You cannot expect her to go alone!”

“I will be fine,” Lulabelle insisted. “And should any harm befall me, Grandmother has given you leave to do whatever is necessary to retrieve me.” Lulabelle raised a single eyebrow. “Is thirty minutes sufficient time to find and speak with Eldon?”

“Thirty minutes is more than sufficient,” I answered.

“Good. Xavier, you and the others will give me the full thirty minutes. Should you go against this order, I will be most displeased, as will my grandmother.” Threat laid down, Lulabelle turned her attention back to me and said, “If you’d please lead the way, Cousin Keir.”

“Of course,” I politely answered as I watched Lulabelle confidently walk toward Lazarus and me, easily passing through the barrier surrounding the compound and easing a little of the pain that seemed rooted inside my heart.

With a deep breath, Lulabelle inclined her head toward the entrance. “Shall we?”

I fought my grin and managed a muted “we shall,” before heading for the door, Lazarus at my side, his questioning eyes glancing between my cousin and me. I reached out and intwined our fingers, giving him a reassuring squeeze. I may not know exactly what Lulabelle’s game was, but one thing was for certain, everything was not as it seemed.

Sixteen

Lazarus

I had no idea what was going on, but I trusted Keir and I trusted the pixie magic protecting our loved ones and home. I’d been reading Keir’s tension through the hand I had on his shoulder. His tension never dissipated, but it had ebbed and flowed.