Reeve’s eyes narrowed playfully. “No need to continue to over-inflate that ego.”
Another stepped through the Portal behind them, a familiar face he’d shared many a drink with, one whose presence next to Antony wasn’t surprising at all.
Alphard Mavros stepped forward and addressed Reeve at once. “How could you have let her take all that power? She’ll be truly insufferable now.”
Maeve’s eyes slid to him, a friendly warning that harbored no real threat. He flicked his brows back at her.
He turned back towards the Portal and held out his hand. A third figure entered, holding a small baby in her arms. Her bright-red hair stood vibrant against the cool-toned crystal palace.
The Portal cycloned to a close behind her.
“Hello, Alphard,” said Reeve, grateful to see the man in solid condition. “And I suppose congratulations are in order,” he said, addressing Victoria Damario and the infant in her arms.
Reeve stepped forward and offered his arm to Antony. As their hands joined and the forearms pressed against one another’s, Reeve could feel just what his kitten had done. She hadn’t merely altered Antony’s Magic—the Magic that bound him to his wolf form—she had transfigured it. Now, Antony could move freely between his forms.
He shook his head in proud disbelief and let go of their embrace.
“How’s two legs feel?” asked Reeve.
Antony laughed softly. The sound was Ambrose through and through. “Bit weird,” he admitted.
Maeve watched them with casual triumph.
Antony tossed his head towards her. “This one just can’t ever let things be, you know?” There was no bite to his tone.
Reeve’s eyes widened. “Trust me. I do know.”
Maeve rolled her eyes, never dropping her smile. “All of you quit complaining.”
Another blissful moment passed between them. And while Reeve was certain Antony would want to see his other sister soon enough, he didn’t hesitate to answer when Antony asked where Roswyn was being kept. Alphard’s face dropped at the mention of his name.
Antony looked at Maeve. “I’ll be back.”
She nodded, and Alphard followed Antony at once.
Victoria’s eyes met Maeve’s as Zimsy appeared. Maeve sighed with relief at her appearance.
“Goodness,” said Zimsy. “Look at this angel.”
Victoria smiled at Zimsy, her chest heaving a sigh. “You look. . .well, Zimsy,” offered Victoria.
“As do you and your precious child,” said Zimsy, stepping closer and placing her arms beneath Victoria’s. “May I?”
“Of course,” she said at once.
As she transferred the swaddled infant into Zimsy’s arms, she looked up at Maeve with gratitude in her eyes that Maeve wanted none of. Victoria’s lips parted, but Zimsy saved her once again.
“Let’s find you a room, Victoria,” said Zimsy. “Little Lyrux will be so thrilled to meet this young babe as well.”
Zimsy escorted her farther into the palace, leaving Maeve and Reeve alone.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, looking up at him.
Reeve stepped closer to her and disregarded her question.
“From now on, you tell me when you are planning to do something so reckless as draining yourself within an inch of your life. When you are putting yourself in such danger willingly, I want to be aware. I will never coddle you, and I will never control the choices you make where your Magic is concerned. But I want to be able to help you should you need it. You do not have to hide from me. What you did for your brother. . .even I couldn’t achieve.”
“I know,” she said with a smile.
