Page 101 of Mostly Shattered

Mortimer looks around the penthouse, his face set in his customary scowl of disapproval. He glares at the sight of the flowers and gifts that crowd the room.

Chester’s expression closely matches my uncle’s. Only his face is flushed and tight with anger. His eyes narrow when he looks at me. I think it’s safe to say that he did not come here to celebrate my survival.

The intercom buzzes to indicate that the front desk is calling again, and Rosemary disappears to answer it.

“I don’t suppose these are engagement gifts?” Mortimer almost sounds hopeful.

“No,” I say. “They are thank you gifts for me.”

“Right,” Mortimer drawls. He looks at my amulet, unable to contain his scowl.

I cross my arms, already feeling the tension gathering in my stomach. I’ve had enough of Mortimer’s superiority to fill a lifetime. “If you have something to say, just say it, Uncle Mortimer.”

“Zephronis is on his way up,” Rosemary announces.

The news seems to spark Mortimer into action. He approaches me and grabs my arm to escort meseveral feet away. I’m not sure why he bothers with trying to give the conversation privacy. When he speaks, his tone is loud and annoying. “What is this I hear about how you’ve been spending your time? I thought we were clear. You were to end it with the vampire. That cannot happen.”

Astrid frowns and looks almost embarrassed. Chester smirks and gives me a superior look.

“Uncle Mortimer!” Anthony appears and stops at the sea of flowers. His easy smile is meant to defuse the tense situation. “I wasn’t told we had company.”

My brother is pale but determined to look at ease. He’s clearly still recovering. Considering he’d been imprisoned and drained in the labyrinth as one of my trials and then had to outrun a dragon while caving in a tunnel with every bit of magic he had left, he looks remarkably well. It’s good to see him standing upright. He crosses the flower maze, his steps careful and measured, but his gaze never leaves mine.

My brother looks at Chester and belatedly greets the annoying man with a monotone, “Chester.”

“Anthony,” Chester returns just as unenthusiastically.

“Anthony, sit,” our mother orders as she urges the maids to clear more room for the guests.

Anthony ignores her, instead choosing to come by me. He drops his arm around my shoulder insupport. He leans against me a little heavier than usual as if needing me to stay on his feet.

“Uncle Mortimer,” Anthony says. “What brings you here so early? Did you come to congratulate Tamara on completing the labyrinth? It’s quite an accomplishment, wouldn’t you say? Not many mortals can make the same claim.”

Mortimer appears flustered. “Yes, yes, of course. Well done, Tamara.”

“Chester, did you congratulate my sister?” Anthony presses. I see his lips curl mischievously, and I give him a slight nudge on the side to tell him to stop. “She saved the world. Not many people can brag that they defeated an ancient fire dragon.”

He might be taunting Chester, but I see the respect in my brother’s eyes when he looks at me. He’s proud of me.

When Chester doesn’t congratulate me, Anthony pulls me into a half hug. “You did good, sis. Really good.”

The elevator dings again, and we all turn to greet the wizard. The door is open, but the inside is empty.

“Zephronis?” Mortimer calls out, going to look inside. He frowns, shaking his head.

“It’s nothing,” Astrid dismisses. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Tamara, if we may have a word.” Chester stepsforward, and I’m immediately struck by the desperation in his movements. “In private.”

“Ah, come on, ole chap,” Anthony denies him. “No side parties.”

Chester’s hands clench at his sides, and his face is flushed an unhealthy red. His breath comes in shallow, angry bursts. He’s barely holding himself together.

Anthony steers me away from him toward the couch. I duck my head and suppress a laugh.

“You didn’t think I’d leave you to face the wolves alone, did you?” Anthony whispers.

I slowly lower next to him on the couch, supporting his weight. He lets out a small sigh of relief to be off his feet.

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