Page 66 of Curse of Ancients

Luna took the vial to the sink and rinsed it out. “When no one shows up here looking for you. It’s one of those things that’ll take time to prove, but Erik asked Violet a lot of pointed questions, so we believe it will work.”

“If it doesn’t, I want a refund.”

Luna grinned. “Bayu’s got jokes.” She shoved the vial in a pocket of her long skirt. “While I would love to stay and play with Juni, I have a shop to open. Solara had to drive back to New Orleans, but she said to tell you she’d see you later. I’m gonna go say bye to my pops and the ‘rents.” Luna gave everyone, including Gemi, a hug, then she exited through the back door.

“Now are you ready for breakfast?” Carleigh asked.

“I could eat.”

“Lilly, what about you and Violet? Care for some pancakes?”

“We ate before coming over here, but thank you. I’m going to get in some Juni time. Vi, do you want to hang out inside or by the pool?”

“By the pool please.” Violet gave Carleigh a wide berth.

As soon as they were outside, Carleigh muttered, “Was it something I said?”

Bayu tagged his mate around the waist and pulled her close. “No, but your stink-eye did. You’re giving off some strong negative vibes, my Sayang.”

Carleigh dropped her forehead to his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to, but it’s hard for me to separate her from the cult. I’ll try harder.” Carleigh snuggled closer, and Bayu held on tighter.

“I want to tell you about my dream.”

Gemi, who was gathering ingredients for pancakes, turned. “I can go outside and give you privacy.”

“No, Auntie. You need to hear this too.”

“Very well. You talk while I cook.”

Carleigh fixed Bayu another cup of tea, poured herself a mug of coffee, and took the seat next to him at the island. He then told them everything. When he finished, he took Carleigh’s hand. “I do not wish to leave you here, but I also do not want to put Juni through another long plane ride. Not only that, but I do not know what I will encounter searching for the shack.”

“I doubt he’d be okay staying here without me for a few days. Not this soon. I will call Connor and ask if his jet is available. Since you’re familiar with Cruz and Celeste, it would make your trip easier.”

Gemi sat a plate of pancakes and sausage links in front of Bayu. “Do you think it’s safe?”

“I will take Silas with me unless he would prefer handing the duty off to someone else.”

Silas entered the house and strode to the coffee maker for a refill. “I’m up for another trip. I will need to run home and grab some clean clothes though.”

“Silas, we could have done your laundry,” Carleigh chided.

“And we still can, but if I’m going to be here long term, I’d like to have more clothes anyway.”

“Please go upstairs and grab your laundry. I’ll do it now.”

Silas smirked. “I can do it. I’m a big Goyle.”

“Then hop to it!” Carleigh clapped her hands, and Silas saluted before setting his cup down and jogging through the house. “Men.”

“Hey,” Bayu huffed.

“Not you. You’re perfect.” Carleigh smacked a kiss on his cheek. “When did you want to leave so I can tell Connor?”

“The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll get back.”

“Gotcha.” She grabbed her phone off the counter and tapped the screen while walking toward the living room.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Gemi asked.