“It’s in the name of science!” Amber defended.
Jabir groaned. “We’re in trouble.”
“Always! We can’t do it without you, bro,” Bálint said, slapping his shoulder.
The palace garden shimmered in the golden light of late afternoon, the leaves whispering in the warm breeze. A short distance away, laughter rang out like music.
Zohar was mock-wrestling with Roam. Spring was arguing with Amber and Jade over how their inventions caused more destruction, not if they caused it at all. Alice conjured floating bubbles with Adaline while Bálint playfully tried to pop them. Jabir and Asahi were having a quiet discussion off to the side.
Bálint loudly declared that if they somehow survived their upcoming grounding, he couldn’t wait to come back and explore all the isles in greater detail.
Phoenix laughed at the hopeful chorus that agreed with Bálint’s suggestion. The sound wrapped around her like a blanket. She sighed as she turned to face the man standing quietly beside her, his massive form as still and powerful as stone.
Drago.
His golden eyes softened as they met hers. A muscle twitched in his jaw. His hands, battle-scarred and strong, were folded loosely at his sides. There was so much in his gaze—respect, pride, and something almost paternal, but mostly… quiet understanding.
“I hope your parents realize,” he said, his voice gruff with unspoken emotion, “just how special you are.”
Phoenix blinked hard, then grinned through the burn in her throat. “You better remember that,” she said playfully, “when Roo, Stone, and DJ turn everything upside down.”
Drago let out a warm rumble of laughter. “Already been warned. Carly and Jenny swear the boys are coming up with their own name to call themselves. Some mischief-maker alliance.”
“Let me guess,” Phoenix teased, “the Roo Warriors?”
“Goddess help us. She’ll plaster posters everywhere—and charge me for just looking at them,” Drago groaned.
Phoenix burst out laughing. “She is pretty creative.”
“Yeah. She gets that from Carly,” he retorted affectionately before he sobered. “I hope we get to meet again. It’s been an honor, young Guardian.”
Her throat tightened with emotion.
Phoenix pulled in a deep breath and threw her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”
Drago’s arms wrapped around her in return, strong and grounding. “If you ever need me,” he murmured, “I’ll find a way.”
She sniffed, gave a watery laugh, and nodded. “Can you please tell Roo, Stone, DJ… Carly… and your parents goodbye for me?”
“I will.”
From across the garden, Zohar cupped his hands around his mouth. “Phoenix! We’d better go before Amber and Jade steal some sea monkeys to bring home!”
“Snitch!” Amber groaned.
“Weasel! James and Leo would love them,” Jade whined in mock disappointment.
Phoenix turned and grinned when she saw several sea monkeys peering out from the twins’ duffle bag.
“I’m coming! I guess this is goodbye.”
She gave Drago another big hug before she stepped away, her boots silent on the soft grass. Several feet from the others, she paused, drew a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused on home.
The treehouse.
The golden-leafed branches.
The palace garden.
