by Sarah Noffke
He smiled with understanding. “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.”
Sophia tilted her head to the side, getting a little fed up with the riddles. Rumi must have sensed this because he continued, offering more advice.
“Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.”
She could hardly believe it when automatically, Sophia took a step forward. She expected to fall straight down, but instead, a golden stone formed under her feet. Below it, another step formed. Carefully, she stepped down, the staircase slowly illuminating as she progressed, taking each one carefully until she was on the floor once more, reunited with her heart.
Lunis and Wilder ran to her, but Sophia paused, not wanting to hurt them with her embrace. They didn’t care because Wilder wrapped her in his arms, and Lunis folded his uninjured wing around the pair of them, pressing them in tightly to him. The three stayed like this until their breaths returned to normal, and their hearts were mended once more.
Chapter Sixty-Three
Once Sophia had ensured that Wilder and Lunis were safe and as comfortable as possible at the Gullington, she set back out, knowing time was of the essence. If Hiker was relieved she’d been successful, it was overshadowed by the fact she’d brought back one of his dragonriders shirtless and covered in blood.
He took charge of Wilder at once, an expression of concern on his face like she’d never seen him wear before. Sophia reasoned they’d spent many years together and had to be quite close.
Sophia wasn’t even sure that Hiker heard her when she told him she had the antidote and needed to get it replicated. He nodded, helping Wilder to his room where he could recover.
The fatigue that would soon take her out didn’t even register for Sophia as she stepped onto Roya Lane with the antidote to distortion and Baba Yaga’s grimoire.
It still felt strange to visit the magical lane and not run into King Rudolf. He was always striding down the streets, making a scene. Sophia had messaged Liv briefly to check in and tell her of her progress with the antidote. Her sister was proud she’d been successful, but had nothing to report about the Great Library. There’d been no signs of Rudolf or Nevin Gooseman or his men.
That was good news because Sophia had been too busy to jump in and take the evil politician out. Hopefully, the timing would work out, because she really wanted to be there when Nevin Gooseman showed up. It was time they met in person, and she got to the bottom of his agenda. She also looked forward to whatever Liv would do to him for abducting Rudolf. Sophia was fiercely protective of those she loved. The only one who was possibly more so was the Warrior for the House of Fourteen.
Sophia wasn’t exactly sure why she’d had the urge to bring Baba Yaga’s grimoire with her, but something that Rumi had said sparked the idea. She was operating based on instinct, and it seemed to be serving her well.
The door chimed when Sophia entered Rose Apothecary. Again she found Bep, the potions expert, hovering over a cauldron, hard at work on the healing potion. The dragon eggshells had been delivered to her, or what they could scrounge up since no one knew where the stock Rudolf had was located. It would have to do until he was rescued, and hopefully it was enough to get the cure for Ainsley.
“Hi,” Sophia said, pushing her hair out of her face and realizing she needed a shower…and a nap…and a burger.
“You look awful,” Bep said, glancing up at her.
Sophia nodded. “Thanks. I went on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Never again.”
Bep offered her an amused expression. “Clever pun.”
“I have good teachers on the subject,” Sophia replied, pulling the small vial from her pocket. “I have another job for you.”
The woman sighed. “Because creating a healing potion isn’t enough?”
“Well, this distortion business is pretty critical,” Sophia explained.
The store owner cocked an eyebrow at her. “Yes, and although I was hoping the healing potion would be a cure-all for that too, I don’t think it will work. It’s just too broad, and this distortion disease is very complicated.”
“That was my guess too,” Sophia said, handing the antidote over. “This is the cure for distortion, but I need you to replicate it. Do you think you can do that?”
Bep pulled the cork off the small bottle and sniffed, her eyes widening. “Indeed, it is. Where did you get this?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Sophia said dryly.
The potions expert nodded. “You doubt me.”
“No, at this point, I doubt my sanity.”
“I could replicate this, but not without some help,” Bep told her. “It’s very complicated.”
“I figured as much.” Sophia pulled Baba Yaga’s grimoire from her cloak. “How about if you had a bit of direction.”
The woman’s eyes widened with shock. “That’s not…”
“It is,” Sophia affirmed. “I’ve been charged with protecting it. If I leave it with you, you’ve got to promise that you’ll keep it safe.”
“Baba Yaga’s grimoire,” Bep said in disbelief. “I will guard it with my life. In the wrong hands, this is a very dangerous book.”
“Exactly,” Sophia agreed. “So, you can replicate the cure?”
“I believe so,” Bep answered. “But it will take some time.”
“The healing elixir is important, but I need you to devote your attention to this right now,” Sophia told her. “I don’t know what’s going on globally with those who have distortion, but we have to help them.”
“I agree,” Bep said. “And that works, because the healing elixir needs to rest for a bit.”
Sophia let out a long breath. “Good, I’m glad it’s all going to work out.”
“It always works out,” Bep stated with confidence. “It just sometimes takes some time to get there.”
Sophia nodded, appreciating the sage advice.
“Before you go,” Bep began, striding for a shelf. She picked up a small bottle of purple liquid. “Take this if you want to recover from your travels quickly. I don’t mean to be rude, but the bags under your eyes are a bit concerning.”
Grateful she could avoid resting and get right to the next task demanding her attention, Sophia smiled and took the potion. She pulled off the lid and downed it in one swallow. It was thick and sweet and instantly made her feel better.
“Oh, you look as fresh as ever.” Bep gave her a proud smile.
“Thank you,” Sophia said, feeling her eyes widen, and her mind sharpen like she’d had a full night’s rest and a big meal.
“You never need to thank me,” Bep replied. “Just be yourself and keep doing what you’re doing.”
Chapter Sixty-Four
Excited to see how Lunis and Wilder were doing, Sophia hurried back to the Gullington, grateful that Bep had supplied her with a replenishing potion. Not only did she feel better, but the potions expert also said she looked even more beautiful than usual.
Hurrying through the Barrier, Sophia paused at the sight of the Expanse. It wasn’t Lunis and Wilder lounging on the grass that surprised her. It was that around them were all the adult dragons: Simi, Bell, Tala, and Coral. Next to them was everyone else from the Castle: Hiker, Mama Jamba, Trin, Ainsley, Evan, Mahkah, and Quiet.
They all appeared to be waiting, their gazes directed at her as they stood shoulder to shoulder. Even more perplexing was the guys had their shirts tucked in, and if Sophia wasn’t mistaken, Hiker appeared to have combed his hair.
Cautiously, Sophia approached the group, aware they were all regarding her with sneaky grins.
“What’s going on?” she asked and hadn’t entirely finished the question when the singing began.
“Happy birthday to you,” they began in unison, out of tune. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Sophia. Happy birthday to you.”
Her hands flew to her mouth, and she nearly choked on her surprise. In her haste to find Rumi and the cure and rescue
Rudolf, Sophia had completely forgotten it was her birthday.
“Oh angels above!” she exclaimed as her eyes fell on Lunis, who was lying on his stomach, his injured wing covered. Beside him, against his side was Wilder, who also appeared to be bandaged. They both were bright-eyed, with wide grins on their faces. “It’s my birthday! How did you all know?”
Mama Jamba pursed her lips. “How did I know? Come on, dear. I know when everyone’s birthday is.”
“What she doesn’t know,” Evan began, “is how old you are.”
Sophia nodded with understanding. Technically she didn’t know how old she was either. It was complicated thanks to the chi of the dragon and being with Lunis since he hatched.
“She’s a unique case,” Mama Jamba stated. “Her dragon made her age rapidly and matured her, but age is a relative thing. Just ask Papa Creola about it. He’ll tell you that age isn’t just a number.”
“No, it’s a word,” Evan joked.
“Happy birthday, Sophia,” Wilder said, trying to push up from her dragon to a standing position but struggling from the effort.
“Stay where you are,” she commanded, rushing over and throwing her arms around his shoulders, squeezing him as tightly as she thought was safe. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” he answered with a smile. “I’ll make a full recovery and not even have a cool scar to show for bragging rights.”
This filled her heart with relief. “And you, Lun?” She glanced up at her dragon.
He grinned at her. Same as Wild. No cool scar, but at least I’ve got a fun story. He glanced up at Bell. Have you defeated a giant minotaur?
The elder pursed her mouth at him. That’s the third time you’ve asked me that and the answer is still no.
Well, I did and have the battle scar and T-shirt to prove it, Lunis joked.
“We have gifts for you,” Mama Jamba said, ushering the others to the side to show a table that was set up on the Expanse with beautifully wrapped presents and filled with scrumptious foods, all of Sophia’s favorites. At first glance, she noticed queso and chips and salsa, chicken tenders and ranch dressing, sliders stacked up high, French fries, and southwest eggrolls.
“Wow, you all did this…for me,” Sophia said, suddenly breathless.
“I thought it was a bit much too.” Evan gave her a wink.
Ainsley picked up a gift bag and thrust it into Sophia’s hands. “Me first.”
Smiling, Sophia’s hands shook as she reached into the bag and pulled out a familiar garment. “Are these my jeans?”
The elf nodded. “Yes, you’re welcome. I thought I’d give them back to you for your birthday.”
“Thanks,” Sophia said.
“And from me,” Evan stated, handing her a box that wasn’t wrapped. “It’s a useless box.” On the front, there was a switch and slit in the lid.
Sophia flipped the switch, and the box opened. A finger popped up and closed the button, making it automatically shut again. “Wow, I’ve never wanted something like this, and I’m sure it’s going straight into the trash.”
“You’re very welcome,” Evan said proudly.
Mahkah stepped forward, handing Sophia a small wrapped present. “This is to ensure you have pleasant dreams.”
Sophia pulled the lid off the present and found a beautiful turquoise dream catcher. “Thank you. How very thoughtful of you.”
“You’re very welcome,” the quiet dragonrider told her softly.
Appearing out of place and embarrassed, Trin pointed to the Castle. “Quiet and I made some renovations to your room. I hope you don’t mind. We outfitted it with some new magitech that will make your life easier and hopefully more comfortable.”
“That’s amazing,” Sophia gushed, smiling at the cyborg and then the gnome.
“I made you these,” Mama Jamba said, holding out her cupped hand for Sophia. She put her palm under Mother Nature’s and felt something light drop onto her skin.
When Mama Jamba pulled her hand away, in Sophia’s palm were shiny hoop earrings.
“These are beautiful.” Sophia was overwhelmed by how shiny they were.
“They are,” Mama Jamba agreed. “If they work, then one day, their sparkle will save your life.”
Sophia’s eyes widened, and she went to put them on immediately. “Thank you.”
“I’m starving,” Evan declared. “Can we cut the cake already?”
“No.” Ainsley picked up plates and began handing them around. “Let’s eat before things get cold.”
Sophia was too overwhelmed to even think about eating, although the food all looked amazing. The three-tiered chocolate cake covered in ganache frosting appeared mouthwatering.
The others moved off to the table, loading up on food. Sophia watched for a moment, her heart feeling full.
“I didn’t get you anything,” Hiker said quietly at her shoulder.
She glanced up and grinned. “That’s fine. You combed your hair, and that’s enough.”
He reflexively put his hands to his hair. “You noticed. Figured I could clean up a bit for the festivities.”
His gaze fell on Ainsley, who was telling Evan not to double-dip. “I do have something for you, though, but it’s not material. It’s advice.”
She turned, giving him her full attention. “I can always use that.”
“That’s one thing I appreciate about you,” he began. “You’re always open to information. That’s important for a leader.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He cleared his throat, pinning his hands behind his back. “Sophia, you have the power to save the world. I see that in you and think you probably will a few times over. However, the key to a good leader is to raise up others who can help. You can’t do everything, always. Sometimes you’ve got to learn to delegate.”
She nodded, thinking of her experience at Rumi’s tomb and having to stand by and watch as Lunis and Wilder fought. “You’re right. I need to know when to fight and when to let others do so.”
“Good, I’m glad you agree,” Hiker said. “Because if you run yourself into the ground trying to do everything, then we all suffer.”
Without another word, Hiker strode off to the table, leaving Sophia alone. Noticing Wilder trying to get up, she hurried back over to him. “Would you stay put already?”
He grinned at her, holding out his arm. She nestled down on the ground into his side as he pulled her in close. The pair leaned back on Lunis, enjoying his warmth.
“I’m glad you two are doing better,” she said, feeling such fondness for them. “You’re both amazing.”
“You’re the amazing one, Soph,” Wilder said, kissing her forehead. “For your birthday, I made you a Spotify playlist. I’ll send it to you later. I hope you enjoy it.”
She smiled up at him. “That’s perfect. I know I’ll love it.”
I know it will make me barf, Lunis declared.
“What did you get for her?” Wilder asked, glancing up at the dragon.
The best gift ever, he replied proudly. The one that keeps you young and healthy—humor.
“Oh, I can’t wait for this one,” Sophia said, already laughing.
My new thesaurus is terrible, Lunis began. Not only that, but it's also terrible.
Wilder groaned, but Sophia laughed, feeling suddenly giddy.
She glanced at the festivities, enjoying watching her friends eat and laugh and celebrate, although the world was a crazy place outside the Gullington. Much like Hiker advised, they’d learned when to fight and when to rest.
This was a rare opportunity where they needed to relax and recharge. Tomorrow, they’d return to saving the world, but if they didn’t take this time for each other, and for themselves, they couldn’t save anything or anyone.
I got fired from my job at the bank today, Lunis continued.
“Oh, really?” Sophia asked. “Why is that?”
An old lady came in and asked me to check her balance, so I pushed her over, he said with a s
ly grin.
“I didn’t think they could get any worse.” Wilder groaned, although he had a wide grin plastered across his face.
“They can always get worse,” Sophia said, leaning her head on her dragon’s belly and threading her fingers through Wilder’s.
Last one, Lunis promised.
“Oh, good,” Wilder teased.
Well, last one for now, Lunis corrected. What's green and has wheels?
Sophia thought for a moment. “What?”
Grass, the dragon replied. I lied about the wheels.
Feeling free and happy, Sophia laughed, grateful for the love in her life and the ones who made it so she wanted to make the world a better place. This was the planet where those she loved lived after all, and they deserved the very best. She’d ensure they had it.
Chapter Sixty-Five
The poisoned food slid through the slot at the bottom of the door at its usual time. Rudolf’s stomach rumbled with a fierce hunger that was hard to ignore, but he wasn’t going to eat the food. Not this time.
It had been three days since his last meal. That was when he figured out that the idle-minded lard spunk-bubble handlers had been lacing his food with a common drug used to strip magical creatures of their magic.
As soon as he had been abducted, King Rudolfus Sweetwater tried to escape using his powers, but his kidnappers had something that disabled him. Magitech, he suspected.
Thankfully, it didn’t work for long, and they must have known. Turning off a fae’s magic isn’t an easy feat, and as soon as Rudolf figured out what was happening, he started overcoming the obstacles.
Then he lost his magical powers once more. And again, just as his magic started to return, it diminished until it was gone entirely. Rudolf couldn’t figure out what was happening. He was the smartest person he knew, which was saying a lot because he knew an accountant, and this situation stumped him.
That’s when he realized they had been spiking his food and not with the normal roofie Rudolf preferred on a Saturday night. The kidnappers were up to no good and wanted Rudolf for more than just his good looks and rock-hard abs, so they were poisoning his food, blocking his magic.