Page 26 of Curse of Ancients

Carleigh responded, copying her dad on the email, telling them both about Gemi finding Kiki’s body close to Bayu’s parents’ house. He had already given them the exact coordinates of their property, so that would narrow their search. “Once I finish with the drawings, I’ll begin making copies of the journal.”

Julian responded, “I can start on that in between scanning in the designs. The quicker we get everything loaded, the better.”

A little presence appeared at Carleigh’s side, and she smiled down at a sleepy Juni who held his arms up. “Up, pease.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll take him.” Bayu scrubbed a hand down his face. Her mate was miserable, and Carleigh had no idea how to help other than what she was doing with her computer.

“No! Carwee.” Juni’s bottom lip jutted out, and Carleigh did not want the boy to start crying. She leaned down and lifted him onto her lap. He laid his head on her chest and closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh.

“It’s fine. My hand needs a break from drawing.” Carleigh pressed a kiss to Juni’s hair. “His life has been uprooted. He’s in a house full of strangers. If he wants me to hold him, I’m gonna hold him.” Carleigh reached out for Bayu’s hand. When he took hers, she pulled him closer. “Your life has been uprooted. You’re in a house full of strangers. If you want me to hold you, I’m gonna hold you too, my tiger. I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure the three of us come out the other side of this mess happy and whole.”

Kat, who was helping Juniper cook supper, sniffled. Juniper glanced over at Carleigh, smiling softly while rubbing their mother’s back. Katherine had been through hell and back when she and Julian first got together. She knew what sacrifice was, and she had taught her daughters well.

Julian rushed into the kitchen, not stopping until he was beside his mate. He didn’t have to ask what was wrong since he could hear their conversations. While hugging Kat, he said to Bayu, “We’re all going to make sure that happens.”

An alert sounded on Carleigh’s phone. “The witches are here. June, you might want to double up on supper.”

“On it.” Juniper opened the fridge, pulling out more food to cook.

Carleigh eased off the stool, careful not to wake Juni, and headed to the side door after cupping Bayu’s cheek. She stepped outside, waiting for the twins and Lilly to park. Solara had been spending more time in Atlanta since Elle had become their apprentice. It was good to see the quieter sister.

Lilly froze upon seeing Juni in Carleigh’s arms, placing both hands on her chest. “Oh, my. That one is special.”

Luna, wearing her usual flowing skirt, reached her first and bent down to see Juni’s face. At least she tried to. He had Harry tucked close. “I want one,” she whispered.

Solara, dressed in jean shorts and a Jupiter Madness T-shirt, joined her twin. “You have all the kids, and I’ll babysit.”

“Where’s Dom?” The twins’ dad, who dressed and spoke like a pirate, was rarely far from his mate.

“This is not a meeting that calls for rum, so he’s at home gathering Goyles to help Gemi. He’s been a little antsy of late, and he is ready for a mission.” Luna ran a finger along Juni’s cheek. “Seriously, I want one. Mom was right. This little one is special.”

“Let’s get inside, girls.” Lilly held the door open for them, and everyone trundled through.

Once again, Lilly froze. This time, it was when she noticed Bayu. “Oh, my dear.” Lilly closed the distance between them and placed her hands on his shoulders. Bayu visibly relaxed under her touch. “I have never encountered an aura as pure as yours, and I’ve met Elledan.” Lilly briefly closed her eyes. When she opened them, she gifted him with a smile. “Your tiger is still in there.”

“Thank you…?”

“Lilly. These are my daughters, Luna and Solara.” She pointed out which one was which as she named them. Carleigh had mentioned them but hadn’t explained what they looked like. If they didn’t dress differently, it was hard for strangers to tell them apart. Bayu would quickly come to know them by their demeanor. Lilly placed an arm around his shoulder and led him to the living room. Carleigh and the twins followed. Carleigh sat in her recliner since it rocked and set it in motion to keep Juni asleep. Lilly gestured to the sofa, and Bayu sat with Lilly next to him. The twins stood on either side of Carleigh.

Lilly took Bayu’s hand without asking, but he didn’t seem to mind. Lilly’s pure essence had that effect on everyone. “I am afraid we don’t have good news. Since this is blood magic, it will take blood magic to counteract the curse. Without knowing what the curse was, it’s a long shot we’ll be able to figure it out quickly.”

“But you do think you can?” Carleigh asked.

“Yes, with Nekoma’s help. He is most knowledgeable in dark magics. He has gone to Evyndral to visit his mother and seek her counsel. He should return in the next couple of days.”

“Please remind me who Nekoma is,” Bayu said.

Carleigh let Luna tell him since she spent the most time with Nekoma and Elle. As she was explaining all about both fae, Juni sat up, staring at the newcomers. He climbed down and toddled over to Lilly, hugging Harry to his chest.

“Hello, Juni. I’m Lilly.”

Juni raised his arms. “Up, pease.” Lilly picked him up and placed him on her lap. Juni’s brown eyes were bigger than normal. “Wiwwy pwetty.”

Lilly’s laugh was akin to tinkling bells. “Thank you, Juni. Who is this?” She touched the plushy.

“Hawwy.” Juni raised his free hand and made claws, letting out a little rawr.

Lilly giggled. “Harry is fierce, huh?”