Page 113 of Lost

“But wait, that’s good, right?” Stevie Rae said. “Kev found her, and she has to be on our side or she wouldn’t have saved those people.”

“Exactly,” Anastasia said firmly.

“The only side Aphrodite is on is her own,” Dragon said. “We all need to remember that.”

“Not to be mean or anything, but that’s what we used to think in our world too, and we were wrong,” said Stevie Rae. “Without Aphrodite I’d be as gross as all the red vamps here in your world. Well, all the red vamps but Kev.”

“There’s a lot more to Aphrodite than what she shows the public,” Zoey said.

“If my opinion counts I’d like to say that even though she takes some getting used to, and I don’t like that she calls me Bird Boy, Aphrodite has far more Light in her than Darkness.”

Dragon stared at Rephaim for several long breaths, then said, “Your opinion counts very much, as I believe you have known Darkness intimately.”

“I have, Swordmaster.” Rephaim bowed his head slightly to Dragon. “As have you, though perhaps not in this world.”

Dragon bowed back to Rephaim. “There is much you and I could discuss.”

“I look forward to it,” said Rephaim.

“See! I knew you and Dragon would’ve been real good friends!” Stevie Rae said, resting her head on Rephaim’s shoulder and yawning loudly.

“I look forward to hearing the story of your courtship,” said Anastasia. “But I imagine Stevie Rae would like to be shown to a sleeping chamber first.”

Stevie Rae tried unsuccessfully to stifle another yawn. “That would be awesome. I can stay awake when the sun’s up, but it’s not easy.”

“Hey, go ahead and sleep. I’ll fill Dragon and Anastasia in on our plan and then grab a few hours of sleep myself,” said Zoey. “Um, can you guys tell Kevin I’m here? I don’t think it’s smart for me to just walk into the House of Night and start looking for him.”

“Tatsuwa can help you! Can’t you, handsome?” Anastasia cooed at the big bird, who actually purred back at her as he rubbed his head against her cheek. “Sweet boy!” she laughed softly.

“The bird knows Kevin?” Zoey asked.

“Oh, absolutely. And he can get your brother a note from you,” Anastasia said.

“Like a carrier pigeon?” Stevie Rae asked.

“More like a Saint Bernard,” said Dragon. “Anastasia will show you.”

“But first, are you hungry, darlings, or would you like to be shown to your rooms?” asked Anastasia.

“I’m pretty full of cookies,” said Stevie Rae, rubbing her eyes sleepily. “Rephaim, do ya need something to eat?”

“All I need is to have you sleep in my arms.” He wrapped his arm around Stevie Rae’s shoulders and held her close.

“That sounds better than a Kenny Chesney love song,” she said.

“If Zoey and Sylvia remain here with Bryan, I will show Stevie Rae and Rephaim to one of our empty bedchambers,” said Anastasia. Then she stroked the raven’s head again and told him, “I would like for you to remain here as well, my friend. Zoey will need you to get her message to Kevin.”

“Redbird Boy!” Tatsuwa croaked.

“Wait, y’all cantalkwhen you’re ravens?” Stevie Rae said, butting Rephaim with her shoulder.

“I had no idea,” said her shocked-looking mate.

“We’ll need to work on that,” said Stevie Rae. Then she hugged Grandma Redbird and Z. “See y’all at dusk.”

Z hugged her back before saying, “Hey, you guys wouldn’t happen to have any brown pop, would you? Anything with caffeine and sugar in it will work. I need to stay awake and focused.”

“Yes, there are several coolers in the main hall of the cave,” said Anastasia. “It’s just inside here and on the way to the sleeping chambers. I can show you, and you can return here.”