Page 58 of Moth to Her Flame

She coils closer, silver eyes curious.

“About those bets the brownies are taking? Put me down for ‘definitely glowing’.”

Her delighted laughter echoes off the crystal walls as we turn our attention to Dante’s findings. Because apparently this is my lifenow—cryptid family meetings, mate bonds, and betting pools about glowing babies.

Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Through our bond, Riven’s contentment mixes with lingering vigilance. We both know this isn’t over. Dr. Andrews’ research might be safe with us now, but somewhere in the shadows, Apex is regrouping. Their temporary facility has been flooded and their test subject data has been sabotaged, but an organization with their resources and military connections doesn’t just disappear.

“They’ll rebuild,” Dr. Andrews says quietly, as though reading our thoughts. Her hand trembles slightly as she sets down her tablet. “They have contingency plans. Their main facility at Starfire Peak is still under construction. What they lost here was just their temporary operation center. They are very… determined.”

Am I reading too much into her expression? It seems as though she knows a lot more than she’s sharing. One thing is certain, there’s more to this woman than meets the eye.

“We’ll be ready,” Dante’s tail curls protectively as he helps her stand. “They’re not the only ones who can learn and adapt.”

A quick glance at Riven is all I need to know that his fierce protectiveness matches my own determination. Let them try to rebuild. Let them scheme in their corporate boardrooms and underground labs.

They wanted to study cryptid abilities? They just learned what we can do when we work together.

Next time, we’ll be ready, and even stronger.

Chapter Forty-Five

Chelsea

The signature page for the cabin sale sits ready for signing on the great hall’s stone table. After six weeks of calling the mountain home, this feels less like an ending and more like officially acknowledging what’s already true.

“Your broadcast setup is ready for the crystal-tech integration.” Dante’s tail swishes as he makes final adjustments to the new security protocols he’s designed. “These upgrades will make our communication network practically unhackable.”

Through our bond, Riven’s warmth wraps around me before his wings do. “Having second thoughts?” His probe brushes my temple, sending familiar tingles racing through me.

“Second thoughts about selling the cabin?” The pen feels light as I sign my name. “No. Cliff’s cousin Earl has already turned it into a sourdough paradise. Besides…” With a smile, I gesture at the expanded chambers where my old life has melded seamlessly with our new one. Mom’s vintage record collection sits beside crystal formations that flicker in time with music. Dad’s ancient telescope points through a carefully carved quartz-capped shaft toward stars that feel closer than ever.

“From what you’ve told me about them, they would have loved this place,” Riven murmurs, catching my thoughts. “Your parents.”

“Dad would have gone crazy cataloging every crystal variation. And Mom?” A laugh bubbles up. “She’d probably be running an underground late-night cryptid cooking show by now.”

“Speaking of late-night activities…” Cypher materializes with his usual dramatic flair. “Has anyone else noticed Dr. Andrews and Dante’s ‘research sessions’ running longer each evening?”

Our resident Jersey Devil’s tail twitches. “The encryption algorithms are very complex.” His tone is defensive.

His skin flushes darker as Dr. Andrews enters the room, her tablet clutched to her chest. Something flickers in her expression—that same shadow that occasionally crosses her face when she thinks no one’s watching. The haunted look vanishes as Dante moves to her side, replaced by a soft smile that makes his tail curl.

Through our bond, Riven’s contentment mingles with fierce protectiveness as another message flashes across the secure line—this one from a group of selkies seeking refuge in a Scottish cryptid community in our network of safe houses and sanctuaries. Each day brings more endangered families finding their way to safety.

“Are you ready for me to test the upgrades you guys made to my system in my new permanent studio?” I ask as I run my fingers over the small wooden carving Riven made for me—a miniature microphone with delicate moth wings unfurling from its sides, their carved patterns catching the crystal light.

“Tonight’s a dry run,” Volt rumbles from his perch, electricity crackling between his feathers as he looks at me fondly. “After this, we’ll make it official.”

Through our bond, Riven’s agreement resonates as his wings ruffle with barely contained joy. I’ve been here such a short time and yet I’ve already shared so many meals and impromptu celebrations with my new band of friends. The mountain itself seems to buzz with life and purpose.

“Well then,” settling into my chair with practiced ease, “shall we let our listeners know about our exciting system upgrade?”

“With better security,” Dante adds.

“And clearer signals,” from Cypher.

“And the best sourdough delivery service in Colorado,” Marina chimes in with a laugh.

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