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"Where's my present?" Vladik teased.
Kaspian pointed at Zori. "I believe you have enough presents, but I can get you a framed picture of me too if you really need it."
"I'll pass." Vladik laughed and hugged his friend.
Zori placed the box on the dining table before lifting the lid. "Oh, Kaspian." Inside the box were her mother's cape of white and gold feathers and her father's claws.
Vladik wrapped an arm about her. "We will put them to rest in your family crypt as soon as you are ready to."
"Eat first, crypts later. I'm scared Irina will jump out and flay me if you don't get some food into you," Kaspian said. He didn't look like he was joking either. "I need to know all about the battle I missed." Zori placed the box safely in the bedroom before they all gathered about to eat. Vodka was poured liberally as Kaspian recounted the attack on the tower.
"The doctors and nurses were gone. There were only mercenaries guarding the place," he said, reaching for another bread roll. "Maxim must have been worried enough to move them. We did get his notebooks from the penthouse and from a records room. It's going to take a while to go through it all."
Misha's expression darkened. "As soon as we have a location of the next swan wife, I'm going in."
"What do you mean?" Vladik said, lowering his fork.
"I've already talked to Aleksandr about it. While I can't shift, I'm going to make a perfect spy. I'll be able to fool them all into thinking I am human. I can get onto their staff, learn all that I can, and rescue whoever I find," Misha explained. "I can’t sit back and do nothing, Vladik. Ineedto get them for…"
Vladik squeezed his brother's shoulder. "I know. I understand. I'm only sad not to have more time with you."
"I'm not going anywhere yet," Misha promised him.
Kaspian leaned back in his chair with a groan. "I am. Irina is sending me to Inari in Finland."
"What for?" Zori asked.
"Apparently, there's a witch there that can help you with your magic. Irina doesn't want you or Vladik leaving Kitezh, so I'm going in your stead," Kaspian said. He pulled a face. "I think she's punishing me. I've heard rumors of this witch. She's of Louhi's bloodline, and anyone worshiping the dark witch queen of Tuonela should not be disturbed."
Zori flinched. "I'm sorry. That's my fault. Grandmother thinks she will be the only one to help me be a vessel and wield the kind of magic I have."
"It would take a lot for Irina to seek outside help, so I will go and charm her into coming." Kaspian grinned. "If charm doesn't work, I'll tie her up in a sack to get her back here. That's what friends are for, right?"
"Right," Zori said, her heart glowing as she looked around her friends.
Vladik pulled her into his side as they watched Misha and Kaspian argue about something trivial. "What are your plans now while we wait for the witch?"
"I'm going to help go through Maxim's paperwork to try and find the others. This is what Morana has chosen for me to do with my mate at my side." Zori twined her fingers with his. "We'll get them back. I won't stop until everyone has come home like I have."
"I like that plan. As long as I'm with you, I'm going to be happy." Vladik leaned down and kissed her softly until the other two complained, and they broke apart, laughing.
It felt like an ending and a new beginning. Zori didn't know what her magic and her future had planned for her. She only knew she wouldn't give up until Maxim was finally stopped.
Only then, would Zori put her mother and father to rest, and at last, they would all be free.
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I believe that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. I prefer my clothes black, eyeliner winged, and books full of hot romance.
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