“How did the Head Guardian know? Did you watch me? Were you any of those butterflies chasing me when I was little?”
His face lit with a smile. “I wish I’d been. That’s not what I transform into. Would have enjoyed chasing you.”
She grinned and nudged him. “The truth.”
“I wasn’t informed at all. Just firmly told to be here and fit into this society. He told me the next Scribe had been born, but I didn’t learn more or meet you until you were ten and received the Book of Dragonspeir, apparently from Jean.”
“How does the Imperial Dragon know so much?”
“He’s very wise and accesses many secrets and legends with magical scrying tools and mystical astronomy.” His eyes opened wide. “Your emotions are coming to me loud and clear. Slow down! You have this quest to finish before you can learn his ways.”
“Do you think he’ll let me?”
“If you write the next Book, I’m sure he will.” He smiled at her.
If she didn’t have enough motivation already, this new information piqued her interest further. Her thoughts flashed rapidly. What did the legends tell? Would she be able to operate his tools to learn about her ancestors?
Cullen raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t have to read your mind. I know what that look means. Finish this quest first. And what do you transform into, if not a butterfly?” Lyra asked.
“That craft isn’t my strength. When in animal form, I lose most of my other skills while concentrating on the transformation. Something I practice a lot—changing to a panther.”
“A panther—cool! Kind of fits with the car image. But, I’m glad you didn’t chase me as a panther.” Laughing, she snatched up a few more bags and headed inside to the kitchen.
He got the rest and filled up the remaining counter space.
Nancy came in and attempted to find her charts. “What a load! Bet you’re happy to have his help. I sure would be since I have to do everything myself because it’s just me, and well, my cat who’s no help at all except on cold winter nights when he at least shares his body heat on top of my covers, an old one, mind you—don’t want my best ones clawed to shreds. Now what was I in here looking for? I get so sidetracked having a good conversation.”
“Charts,” Lyra reminded. “Could you finish up a bit early since we want to fix a family meal?”
The nurse nodded and reached across the bags for them.
Lyra worked to put the food and supplies away while Cullen went upstairs to check on the dragons. She smiled to herself. Trying to fit in with a Barracuda? Likely excuse. More like a personal reward or celebration. Would be fun to take a ride in it. Did he still have that wild streak thirty-five years later? Did she?
By the time she got it all stored, the nurse finished her tasks and left for the day. Lyra poked her head into Jean’s room. “Cullen’s here and fixing dinner for us, so I have time to write.”
Her aunt looked up from her book. “That’s wonderful, dear. He’s so good to you. Lyra, before you go, will you tie a kerchief around my bald head, so I look presentable?”
Lyra paused and deftly tied the scarf as she had many times before. Then, at the foot of the stairs, she called up, “You two can come down now. Coast is clear.”
In an instant, feet thundered on the steps.
As Cullen rounded the doorframe she asked, “What culinary wizard delights are you going to conjure for us?”
Before he could answer, Noba pulled on the hem of Lyra’s shorts. “Can Lady Lyra turn on TV for us? Cartoons?”
“They watch television too?” Cullen chuckled. As she followed his familiar into the next room, he called after her, “For us, chicken marsala, steamed garden green beans, and rice pilaf. For the dragons, some raw goat and root vegetables to help them keep their wild instincts.” He turned to the counter, muttering, “Kitty litter and television.”
As soon as she returned, he’d prepared almost everything. “If you’d please set the table and find me some serving bowls for the dragons,” he said.
“Gosh, you’re fast. I need to learn that kind of magic.” She reached into several cabinets and located the dishes.
“You will. You’ve already done much harder magic. This is a matter of learning incantations.”
“I’m going to help Jean to the table while you serve the food.”
From their bowls on the floor, the dragons tore at their portions of meat and gulped eagerly.
The elderly lady wheeled through the kitchen, watching the pair. “Oh, I hope that’s not what we’re having.” She glanced ahead at the table. “I see now. Looks wonderful, Cullen.”
“He’s made us chicken marsala. It even smells juicy,” Lyra said, helping her into a chair.
During the next few minutes, the only sounds were those of cutting, chewing, and slurping. Aunt Jean ate more than usual for her delicate stomach and offered, “Very good meal. Thank you.”
“Scrumptious! Love the sauce. And I didn’t have to cook,” Lyra said between mouthfuls.
“You’re both welcome. In return, get lots of writing done tonight.”
“Dear, I can help you find more time by entertaining those dragons. I can read to them,” Jean suggested. “Some of your old childhood books I saved in your room, on the closet shelf.”
“Good idea.” Lyra leaned back in her chair, her plate empty. “I’ll go up and get a few now.” Upstairs she quickly found the books and rejoined the group.
Cullen had already cleared the table, and the dishes were washed and dried.
“Fascinating to watch him do that so fast, plates moving in mid air around the sink on their own,” Jean exclaimed. She leaned forward and reached for her walker.
“Let’s get you back to your room, if that’s where you want to read to the dragons?” Lyra asked.
Jean nodded and took hold of the handle. They set her up in bed with the stack of books and a dragon on either side, peering eagerly into the picture book she opened before them.
Cullen walked toward the foyer. “That’s sweet of your aunt. She’s a wonderful lady, just like her niece. Time for me to leave, so you can write. It’s Saturday. If you get a lot done by Monday, Tuesday we’ll have our special date.” He pulled her into his arms.
Looking up at him, she desperately wanted his kiss. “I should be able.”
“Some last encouragement to motivate you…” He lowered his face and pressed his lips to hers. Several long minutes passed as they held each other close with a lingering kiss. Three days seemed like a long time, and knowing she’d have to wait so long to see him again made it difficult to let go.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Light, Lace, and Love
During the next two days, the household maintained a good routine. Lyra fixed breakfast and served it in the master bedroom with Auntie enjoying the dragons’ company. Then, she and the dragons played outside for some fresh air and exercise. Once the nurse arrived, they retreated upstairs with toys, and Lyra wrote. When Nancy left, again, Lyra and her two charges piled out into the backyard until the dragons tired and dropped in front of the television while Lyra cooked. Everyone gathered for dinner in the kitchen. Afterwards, it was story time, with Auntie reading to the Noba and Yasqu before bedtime. Lyra loved the quiet evenings to write.
Sunday afternoon, Mrs. Kendall greeted her at the door with a large bouquet of garden flowers. “Come on in. How lovely. Thank you.”
“It’s no problem at all. I also brought over a casserole, which is in my front seat. Let me get that now.” She walked back to her car.
Lyra called after her, “I think Jean’s awake. I’ll go see if she’s up to having a visitor.” She stepped into the bedroom doorway and gently knocked to not startle her aunt, who had her nose buried in a book. “Mrs. Kendall’s here to see you. She brought these beautiful flowers from her garden and a casserole to help out.” Lyra stepped nearer the bed, to let her aunt smell the sweet fragrance. “Do you feel well enough to talk with her for awhile?”
&nb
sp; Jean took a deep whiff. “Ahh, those smell so fresh. Gloria’s even put her pink roses in the bunch. Help me with a kerchief first and then I’ll see her.”
Lyra laid the bouquet down on the dresser and tied the scarf as her aunt usually liked. “There.” She held up a hand mirror. “Okay?”
“Yes. Good as can be expected. You’ll put those wonderful flowers in water?”
“Will do.” Lyra left to bring their neighbor into the bedroom.
As soon as Mrs. Kendall rounded the corner, she exclaimed, “Jean! I’m glad you’re able to visit. Lyra came by a few days ago and told me you weren’t well, and I wanted to cheer you up if I could.”
“Such pretty flowers, Gloria. And you included some of your prize roses. Thank you, dear.”
Lyra collected the bouquet to arrange in the kitchen while the two ladies talked. On her way down the hall, she overheard Mrs. Kendall say, “Your niece brought a cavalcade of butterflies to my garden. Many still linger and are so gay.”
“That’s why we call her Our Little Butterfly. They’ve always followed her.”
Lyra wondered if those butterflies remained nearby to assess her writing progress. To report she was doing well to the Imperial Dragon, or to warn his enemy she made progress and his power would soon be reduced? Was writing on the patio risky? Drawing the blinds in her room’s bay window during the day seemed depressing. Too bad Cullen didn’t get a chance to analyze the magic of those insects to determine more.
She arranged the flowers in one of Jean’s favorite cut glass vases and returned to the master suite to set it on the dresser. “There you go. Even nicer in your lovely vase.”
“Thanks,” Jean said as her niece left.
Lyra ascended the stairs and resumed her work. A butterfly floated past her window. She stood again and lowered the shade directly in front of her desk.
***
Monday, Lyra turned out many new pages. While swept up in the gripping emotions of the scene where she nearly lost Cullen in the Sea of Cogadh, her phone sounded with his ring. She snatched it up. “I’m glad to hear your voice. I was just drafting the part when you almost drowned. I was scared I’d lose you.”
“Good to know I’m important.” He chuckled.
“Very. Is our date still on?”
“It is for me. Did you arrange for the nurse to stay late?”
“Yes, she decided to stay overnight. I guess that’s okay, but it means we’ll have to either force the dragons to sleep or bring them along.”
“It’d be simpler to cast a sleeping spell since I’ll pick you up around four and that’s only three hours earlier than their normal bedtime. Be sure to feed them before I arrive.”
“I will. Where are we going? Will it be safe?”
“Yes. We’re not going far, and the Meadow area is patrolled.”
“I’d like to know how to dress, what to bring. Or will I always change clothes when I step into Dragonspeir? Seems like a different dress might be nice for variety.”
“Something I can take care of.”
After they said goodbye, she resumed writing, feeling encouraged by his call.
***
The next evening, sneaking enough food for the dragons’ dinner upstairs proved to be a challenge. A date at four suggested an evening meal, so she couldn’t tell Nancy the tray was for her. After a couple trips, she got enough into her room to satisfy two ravenous dragons.
Even though clothing didn’t matter much since she would change in Dragonspeir, she deliberated over her outfit. She decided on a flowing skirt, a spaghetti strap tank, and high-heeled sandals. She took time to tame her curls and select some pretty silver dangle earrings.
After Cullen arrived, he cast the sleeping spell over the dragons while she said goodbye to her aunt. “I’ll be leaving now, but will be back late, after midnight.” Jean took hold of Lyra’s hand. “Have a wonderful time. Don’t rush back, but do be careful. You’re going to Dragonspeir. All kinds of dangers there.”
“Don’t worry. Cullen said we aren’t going far, so it’ll be safe.” She bent over the bed and kissed her aunt’s cheek. “I’ll look in on my Big Bear when I get home.”
Cullen waited in the foyer for her. “Ready?”
She accepted his outstretched hand and caught a whiff of his cologne, woodsy with patchouli and spices—he smelled wonderful. As he opened the passenger car door for her, she said, “Our date begins with a ride in the ‘Cuda. I’ve been looking forward to this.”
He grinned. “After all the years, it’s still fun.” He started the engine, roaring and ready. “Easy to keep it in mint condition with magic.”
“Just don’t take it to a classic car show. They’ll grill you about how you get the parts.”
He laughed. “Already did that once. Never again. They all hounded me for my sources.” He backed onto the street and revved the engine. When he accelerated, the force pinned her to the seat. He sailed down a side street and cut over to the highway to gain speed.
“Wow! We’re flying.”
He beamed. “It’s fast, all right.” He drove around the shoreline highway, circling the island. The engine purred.
“This coast is a beautiful place to cruise. You’ll have to come to Florida sometime with me and see the beaches there.”
“I might be able to take a holiday during the winter.” When the road returned to the business district, he turned and pulled up behind the bookstore.
Inside the workroom, Cullen located her Book of Dragonspeir. “You’ll need this to locate the portal.”
“How do you open the portal? You didn’t always have this book.” She opened to the page with the Phoenix drawing, which slowly changed into a photograph.
“I direct a beam of power from my dragon ring, along with an incantation.”
“Pesky incantations which I don’t have time to learn now.”
He reached over, closed the book, and locked it in a desk drawer. “Let’s try. The jadestone should work. Lower it to face in front of you, then concentrate on and state the spell, ‘Pateo porta.’ Speak very distinctly.”
“Do I need to point it where the portal has appeared before or will any place do?”
“It always appears in the same position in my store, so aim in that direction. Your brooch will also open a couple other portals that are guarded by the Alliance. But not those under control of the Dark Realm.”
She faced the pale green gem toward the bookcases, cleared her mind to all except her inner fire, and focused on those two words in her mind. Then out loud. “Pateo porta!” The portal emerged as a tiny oval window. She restated the incantation. The window grew into a door.
“You did it! Tremendous first try. Let’s go, shall we?” He stepped across and held a hand to her. Like before, she stood in awe and watched as he transformed, now dressed handsomely for their date. His black trousers fit tightly against his thighs. An ornate silver buckle rested against his toned stomach, peeking out from the open placket of a white, silk shirt. He wore more jewelry than before. An ornate blue topaz pendant hung against his bare chest and matched a single earring dangling from his left ear. He fastened his cobalt cloak and beckoned a second time to shake her from her reverie.
She smiled and felt heat rise into her cheeks. “Sorry, I was lost admiring the view.” She stepped over the threshold.
“Ahh! I’ve been anxious to see…you look lovely. It’s a new gown, like you wanted. I played a bit with the magic we’d meet upon reentry, but didn’t know how it would look on you. Does it suit?”
“It’s beautiful and fits perfectly.” She ran her hands down the metallic charcoal skirt, then spun around to let its fullness fly out. Her hands traced up along the crystalline beading of the fitted, strapless bodice.
“The color is stunning with your black amber necklace.” He gave his staff a slight turn and a matching bracelet and ring formed on her right wrist and hand. New earrings weighed slightly different in her earlobes. “I couldn’t remember the style to mat
ch other pieces. Do you like them or should I change something?”
“Perfect. I feel pretty. Thank you.”
He stepped closer and whispered, “Very sexy.” He brushed his lips against hers, then covered the side of her neck with soft kisses as she cooed with enjoyment.
She swam in the spicy scent of his cologne.
Breaking away, he took her hand and led her down a path away from the direction they usually followed to the Gatekeeper’s Crossroads.
After a short five-minute walk through the wood, they arrived at a lake. Rays of the setting sun sparkled pink and orange across both the sky and still water. Lyra gasped. “That light. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
On the shore, she found a granite slab arranged as a dining table, with a wooden bench pulled along one side, which would allow them to look out over the lake. Behind it sat a tiny stucco and thatch cabin, its door hanging open and candles glowing in the windows on either side. “This is my home. Although I come and go from the other world, I still spend many nights here.” He stepped onto the wide front porch, motioning for her to follow.
Another bench and two rockers occupied the covered outdoor space. Thick vines wound along the porch railings, loaded with white flowers which reflected the light and scented the air with honeysuckle.
Inside, a small sitting area held a comfortable-looking old couch and chair, upholstered in rough brown tweed. Between them, a lamp table held a lighted candelabra. A brown, braided rug lay on a polished wooden floor. Bookcases lined every wall, filled with hundreds of volumes and numerous magical devices. She wanted to pause and examine everything. From a distance, most seemed to be references about magic.
He led her back to a galley kitchen with a table for two in a nook. Next to the back door was a bathroom with a claw-footed, porcelain tub. Ceiling lanterns lighted those rooms.
From the kitchen, a narrow staircase took them upstairs to a loft, separated from the living room below by a turned railing. “Look at all the white lace—the bed looks like a puffy cloud.” Fine linens covered the double bed. She imagined lying there with him. “And the glow from all those candles.” Wall sconces and candelabras covered every available spot. “Men don’t usually like Victorian décor.” How thoughtful—he did this for her. She tilted her head and looked at him, a smile covering her face.
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