Page 55 of Gryphon’s Fire

Jima’s smile scrunched his cheeks. “Yes, but you’re already halfway there which is better than when we started this silly conversation.”

While I knew Jima was attempting to make light of the situation, the conversation was far from silly. Overdue might be a better word. Necessary might be another.

“Come on, Keir. I’m not saying it’ll be fun, but it will be satisfying when we wipe the floor with this Jaakobah asshat.”

Keir’s bark of laughter was all too short. “It will be that.”

“Good,” Jima stated before standing and heading back to his seat. “If that’s settled, is there anything else to eat on this plane besides Biscoff cookies? Shifting takes up a lot of energy you know.”

“There’s a cabinet toward the fore of the plane,” I told Jima. “Help yourself to whatever is inside.”

“Thanks, Lazarus.” Jima hopped up and took off toward the indicated snack cabinet.

While I doubted Jima was out of earshot, I said, “He’s right, you know.”

Keir’s nod was slow. “That doesn’t mean he’ll be safe…that I’ll be able to keep him safe.”

“I have a feeling Jima is perfectly capable of protecting himself. You need to trust in his judgment and his abilities.”

“Trust.” The word was spoken low and filled with grief. “That’s far more difficult now than it was before Huxley. It’s not that I don’t trust Jima. It’s that⁠—”

“You no longer trust yourself.” Keir gave another weak nod in response. “Then if you can no longer trust yourself, trust me. I won’t fail you, Keir.” I was no witch or warlock and there wasn’t a fairy close by to create a seal around my words, binding them in a way that was unbreakable. Despite that, I still felt magic spark around them. My words weren’t a curse; they were a promise.

Nineteen

Keir

It was midmorning when we landed in what was once Slovenia. My grandmother had arranged for Lulabelle to meet us, taking Lazarus, myself, and now Jima to her flight instead of my previous one.

While I was pleased I didn’t have to deal with Jaakobah immediately, I was irritated when I found Xavier standing at my cousin’s back. This constant subterfuge was draining.

“I trust your trip was pleasant,” Lulabelle asked.

“It was fine,” I answered. “Lazarus was kind enough to lend the use of his jet and pilot.”

Xavier predictably bristled. “Jaakobah was more than willing to send his own transportation. There was no need to trouble an outsider.”

“I assure you, it was no trouble,” Lazarus casually replied. “My thunder owes a large debt of gratitude to Keir regarding a recent mishap. It is the least I could do.”

Given Xavier’s presence and species-ist attitude, I was glad I’d asked Jima to transform into his ferret form and crawl back into my suitcase. The fewer individuals who were aware of his presence, the better.

Ignoring Xavier, Lulabelle stepped forward and offered a courteous bow to Lazarus. “Thank you for your assistance. The ancient, Thalia, has been in contact with Grandmother and informed us of the debt you feel you owe to my cousin and his council. Your actions are understandable and Grandmother offers you welcome and safety within our flight.”

Xavier’s mouth tightened and the muscles in his jaw ticked so viciously I was afraid he might crack a tooth. Not that I’d care if he did. “Lady Usha is too gracious.”

Lulabelle’s lips tightened. “There is no such thing, Xavier. Grandmother is simply upholding centuries of goodwill. Courtesy is rarely wrong,” Lulabelle scolded, reminding me why, when we were younger, it was always a poor idea getting on Lulabelle’s bad side. My cousin’s words were often sharper than her beak.

“Come,” Lulabelle said, not offering me her hand, but keeping her invitation warm while ignoring Xavier’s furiously silent seething. “Xavier, be a dear and carry their luggage.” Lulabelle was also good at twisting the verbal knife.

“I’ve got it.” I hastened to intervene. Given how pissed Xavier appeared, he’d be less than gentle when it came to my bag, and I didn’t want Jima getting tossed about any more than necessary.

“He could take mine,” Lazarus said with a devious grin.

“Of course.” Lulabelle positively beamed. “Xavier, if you would be so kind.”

Lulabelle didn’t wait for an answer. She simply turned and headed for a nearby SUV. Picking up my suitcase, I followed and felt Lazarus’s calm presence behind me. “That was unnecessary,” I whispered.

“On the contrary, it was very necessary,” Lazarus whispered back. “And highly satisfying.”