Page 62 of Dance in the Stones

“I wonder where he gets that from.”

Damon grinned, pulling Redford into a kiss that started gentle and deepened into something heated. They made love on the couch as afternoon faded to evening, taking their time, reconnecting on every level. Through their bond, Redford felt Damon’s love for him and knew that even if he lost everything else, he would still have that.

When they were sprawled together in comfortable exhaustion, Redford noticed the light through the windows. Sunset painted the Highlands in shades of orange and pink, and as he noticed, the cottage door clicked softly.

“We’re free,” Damon murmured against his shoulder.

Redford didn’t move. “Do you think we passed?”

“Probably. You can feel how satisfied the castle is now.”

“It would help if I knew what it was testing us for.” Redford sighed quietly.

/~/~/~/~/

The next morning, Redford went down to the crystal chamber alone while Damon checked on Finn and Kara. The massive crystals pulsed with their usual gentle light, but Redford sensed something different - a satisfaction radiating from the stones themselves.

He pressed his palm against the largest crystal and impressions immediately flooded through the contact - yesterday’s locked doors, the conversations it had witnessed, and the intimacy it had observed. Proof – at least to the magic that powered the crystals - that the bond between its keepers was genuine, unshakable, and capable of weathering stress and conflict.

“You needed to know we wouldn’t break,” Redford said quietly.

The crystal warmed beneath his hand. More images flickered past—the castle’s original purpose, those centuries of protecting paranormals, and then something darker. A betrayal. Someone attempting to use the sanctuary network for personal gain, leading to deaths, compromising everything the castle stood for.

And rather than be used as a weapon, it had shut down entirely.

“We won’t betray your purpose,” Redford promised. “Every decision we make will honor what you were built to do.”

The crystal blazed briefly, then settled back to its gentle pulsing. Through the stone, Redford felt acceptance, but also caution. Words were easy, as his mom had once said so many centuries before, but the castle needed proof through consistent choices over time.

“Fair enough,” Redford murmured. “We’ll earn your full trust.”

/~/~/~/~/

That evening, a familiar presence appeared in the cottage doorway - Kolton, with Simon carrying Warner on his hip.

“Surprise visit,” Kolton announced, pulling Damon into a hug that lifted him off his feet. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Never.” Damon extracted himself, grinning. “Warner’s gotten bigger already.”

“He’s seven months old now.” Simon shifted the baby, who immediately leaned over, reaching for Damon with demanding hands. “And into everything. We figured he’d enjoy seeing the castle now you’re done.”

Warner grabbed Damon’s finger, babbling happily. Then, without warning, the baby twisted in Simon’s arms, pointing insistently toward the east tower.

“What’s wrong?” Simon asked, but Warner just kept pointing, his little face scrunched in determination.

“He wants to go somewhere,” Kolton observed.

Warner’s pointing grew more insistent, and Redford realized what he wanted at about the same time Damon did. “The crystal chamber,” they said simultaneously.

They led the way down to the undercroft, Warner bouncing excitedly in Simon’s arms the entire descent. The moment they entered the chamber, the baby squealed with delight, reaching for the largest crystal with both hands.

“Should I let him?” Simon looked uncertain.

The crystals pulsed with welcoming warmth. Through the stone, Redford felt the castle’s affection - recognition of the baby gargoyle-hellhound hybrid as someone to protect and cherish.

“It’s safe,” Redford confirmed.

Simon approached carefully, letting Warner touch the crystal. The baby’s palm pressed against the stone, and light bloomed beneath his skin. Warner giggled, patting the crystal like it was a beloved pet, little light spots flickering and dancing with every touch.