“See?” I said to Crispin, leaning back against Gabriel. “Now that’s a proper compliment.”
Crispin pouted, but it didn’t last long as we all walked toward the estate and he started discussing with Mistral the best point to create the next pathway from. Soon they agreed that they should find the location of the previous pathway, and that maybe the guardian would know where it was. Since the estate existed for travelers, it probably wasn’t far. Then again, the pathway point to the Bogs wasn’t exactly close.
So questioning the guardian it was. Only, I didn’t see any vaguely feminine creature made of swirling blackness and stars anywhere around.
We reached the main part of the estate, and still no sign of her. We all stood looking up at the grand house, curtains covering all the windows. It was just as still and abandoned as before.
Mistral handed me an insulated water bottle from one of our packs. I could hear ice clinking inside as I took it. We had come much more prepared than the first time, when we had been in a rush fleeing from my grandfather.
“You should rest,” Mistral suggested. “Gabriel will stay with you while Crispin and I look for the old pathway.”
My eyes slid beyond him to Sebastian, knowing it was no mistake he had been left out of the equation.Imight have forgiven him, but I didn’t think he and Mistral would ever quite be pals.
When Sebastian ignored all of us and just looked up at the house, my eyes slid back to Mistral. “Are you sure it’s such a good idea for us to split up?”
He inclined his chin, acknowledging my worry, but countered, “We are likely safer here than anywhere else, and would you really like to continue walking?”
I gripped the insulated water bottle with both hands. “Point taken.” I started to turn toward Gabriel, but only made it partway before he scooped me up and started carrying me toward the door. “Hey!” I couldn’t help laughing. Sore feet were never much of an issue with Gabriel around. Of course with my traveling, I also prevented my share of sore feet.
Ringo was a blue streak darting in front of us toward the door, reaching it first then having to wait for Gabriel to open it before we could all go inside. I wasn’t sure what Sebastian would choose to do, but after a moment he strolled through the door behind us.
Once again there were no shoes or coats, no signs of life at all. A few strange but lovely glass sculptures that were actually meant to provide light sat forlornly around the room. With the sun still high, we wouldn’t need them. But if we ended up staying the night, well, hopefully we could find that candle.
Gabriel led the way past the kitchen into the sitting room, where I couldn’t help but take a peek out the window. I’d been standing in the same spot the first time I’d seen the guardian, right after it had stolen each of the guys.
“Is there food?”
I looked over at Ringo now perched on a sofa arm.
“We’ve barely been gone a couple hours,” Gabriel grumbled.
I knew we had packed enough rations for a few days, which hopefully wouldn’t be needed. In theory, we could just pop back home if we got hungry.
I turned toward Gabriel, pouting and rubbing my tummy.
His expression didn’t soften, but he huffed, “Fine,” then slung the pack down from his shoulder.
Sebastian wrinkled his nose at Gabriel. “It’s amazing that such pathetic tactics work on you.”
Ignoring him, Gabriel withdrew a square container from the pack, setting it on the low table. Next he withdrew a thermos.
I felt my eyes lighting up. “Tell me that’s what I think it is.”
Gabriel handed me the thermos so I could remove the lid—which doubled as a cup—and unscrewed the secondary lid underneath. The mouthwatering scent of coffee filled the small, cozy room. “You’re a saint.”
Gabriel zipped the pack then slung it back over his shoulder, kneeling to open the square container. “The rest of the rations won’t be nearly as nice, but Mistral thought you’d enjoy a proper lunch.”
The lifted lid revealed an array of sandwiches on perfectly baked rolls, their domes just the right amount of crusty, chewy, brown.
I reached for a sandwich as Ringo hopped over for a peek. “Remind me to thank him later.”
Sebastian had moved past us to peer out the window. He hadn’t even looked at the sandwiches. “You’re returning him to his home realm. A few sandwiches are poor payment.”
I took a bite of my sandwich—turkey, cream cheese, mayo, avocado, and sprouts—then spoke around the sinfully good bite, “What’s got your panties all in a twist?”
He continued looking out the window. “The guardian should have shown itself by now.”
Gabriel joined him at the window. “I agree. It might be waiting to get Eva alone.”
