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I glance significantly toward the living room.
Merri’s breath catches. “You think they’re somehow tracking the girl?”
My gaze settles on the small blond head resting on Lia’s shoulder. “If I had an important, irreplaceable item, I’d want to make sure I could find it anywhere.”
Merri shakes her head. “But how?”
I quietly explain Marceau’s theory, and her face pales.
“So, we just have to be very careful until we take care of the Bone Man,” Merri says.
Nodding, I pick up two of the mugs and carry them into the living room, offering them to Lia and Aediva.
The small being stares at the cocoa for several seconds before solemnly accepting one.
Lia smooths a hand over her head as she takes the other one from me. “You’re doing so good, honey.”
I frown at the comment before remembering how Aediva’s mother had kept the kid on a restricted food diet. Still in Marceau’s body at the time, I had paid little attention when Flint spoke about Lia and the kids.
I offer the small being a smile. “I hope you enjoy it.”
She hesitantly sips from the brim, then returns my smile, a strip of chocolate on her upper lip. “It’s good.”
Lia mouths,Thank you, over the top of the girl’s head.
I dip my chin in acknowledgment before retreating to the kitchen to help pass out the other mugs.
As I do, the front door bangs open, and Flint rushes inside, bringing with him a blast of cool night air. “Are they here?”
Before we can respond, his gaze lands on Trevor and Star in the hall, and he swoops over to gather them in a hug. “How was portalling? Any stomach issues?”
“Trevor hurled,” Star announces.
“No, I didn’t!” He wiggles free of Flint’s arms to push at his foster sister. “You’re the one who turned green.”
She tosses her black hair, flashing the streak of magenta at her temple. “I never turn anything but purple.”
“Do too,” he insists.
“Do not!” She races toward the living room. “Lia, tell Trevor I only turn purple!”
Orianna races after them, barking in welcome, and excited voices rise to greet her.
Flint follows them, checking on each of his little beings to make sure not even a single hair on any of their heads was hurt during their escape from the intruders.
I watch him fret over and cuddle them. “He really loves them, doesn’t he?”
“Every single one, even after they grow up and forget about him.” Sadness fills Merri’s voice. “It never stops hurting him, but he never stops loving them.”
I wrap a hand around her waist. “Do you ever wish…?”
She shakes her head. “I couldn’t bear to watch a child of mine grow old and die while I live on.”
We lean against each other, watching Flint with the kids, until Trevor announces, “You just need to gird your loins!”
Lia gasps. “What did you say?”
“It’s what you do before you go into battle.” Trevor raises a fist. “I’m girding my loins!”
