"We should probably get dressed," Fenric noted as the meal wound down.
"Back to reality," Zane sighed. "Back to cultists and Harbingers and whatever fresh hell awaits."
"But we face it together," Milo's optimism was infectious. "That's what matters."
I looked around the circle at these four men who had become my anchors, my keys, my everything. "Together," I reached out to take the nearest hand, Milo's and Fenric's.
They squeezed back, and the blue markings pulsed once with brilliant light before settling back to their normal glow.
Chapter
Fifty-Four
Winter
Iclutched Frank's bowl carefully to my chest as we walked down the hall to our new apartment. Horrace was wrapped around my neck like a living scarf, his tentacles occasionally patting my cheek in what felt like reassurance.
"Here we are," Fenric announced, stopping at a polished mahogany door with our names engraved on a small plaque beside it. Not just mine, but all of ours - Winter, Fenric, Zane, Rook, and Milo. The sight made something warm unfurl in my chest.
Fenric swiped a keycard, and the door swung open.
"Holy shit," I froze in the doorway, my mouth dropping open. "It's enormous."
The apartment wasn't just bigger than the old one. It was practically a mansion compared to the cramped quarters we'd been sharing. Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a spacious living room that flowed into an open kitchen with gleaming countertops. Multiple doors led off to what I assumed were bedrooms and bathrooms.
"Bureau housing regulation 472-B stipulates that accommodations must be suitable for the number of occupants," Fenric explained primly, but I caught the pleased look in his eyes as he watched my reaction.
Horrace trilled happily and unwound himself from my neck, dropping to the floor with surprising grace. He vibrated with excitement, his colors flashing through a kaleidoscope of bright hues. The mini-skeletons emerged from Milo's pockets, joining Horrace as they scampered off to explore their new domain.
"Be careful!" Milo called after them, though his grin suggested he wasn't actually concerned.
I set Frank's bowl down on a side table, making sure he was secure before turning to take in more of our new home. My fingers brushed against the small bone shard in my pocket, its surface cool but somehow alive against my skin. The Oracle's mark on my forehead pulsed gently in response.
So much had happened so quickly. Just weeks ago, I'd been a nobody assistant librarian with a messy apartment and student loans. Now I was a prophecy vessel with the power to reshape reality, living with four incredible men who'd somehow become my everything.
Zane whistled as he explored the kitchen. "This is nicer than most luxury hotels I've stayed in."
Rook grunted in agreement, though I could tell he was already cataloging potential security risks and escape routes. Old habits.
The guys had started moving boxes in from the hallway, their movements efficient and coordinated even in this mundane task. I watched them, feeling unexpectedly emotional. These four impossible men had become my family, my anchors in the storm of prophecy and magic that had engulfed my life.
"Winter," Milo called from down a hallway. "Come see this!"
I followed his voice, navigating past stacked boxes and bags. Milo was standing in the doorway of what looked like the master bedroom, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
"Look at the bed!" he gestured wildly. "It's enormous! We could all fit with room to spare!"
He wasn't exaggerating. The bed was practically the size of my old living room, covered in plush pillows and a comforter that looked sinfully soft.
"I figured most nights we'd all end up in here anyway," Fenric appeared beside me, his ears tinting pink. "Though I've ensured everyone has their own room as well, for... private time if needed."
I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Thank you. This is perfect."
His arm settled around my shoulders, squeezing gently. "There's more. Come see."
He led me through the apartment, pointing out features with barely contained pride. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study lined with empty bookshelves waiting to be filled, and a balcony with a view of the park.
"And this," Fenric stopped in front of a small door I'd missed, "is something special."
