Page 89 of Midnight Enchantment

“Yes.” It had taken the last of his waning strength to transport himself here. Seeing the question in her eyes, he said, “The earth, the darkness, are healing to my kind. It is late,” he said, when she yawned behind her hand. “Let us talk of this tomorrow.”

“Will you stay the night with me?”

“If you wish.”

“I do.” Taking his hand, she led him into the house and up the stairs.

He turned his back while she got ready for bed and then, as he had before, he removed his boots and stretched out on top of the covers beside her. “Go to sleep, my love,” he murmured, his voice mesmerizing, hypnotic.

So many questions she wanted to ask, but her eyelids were so heavy. She felt his lips brush hers and then darkness enfolded her.

Ava looked up as Lily skipped into the kitchen, a smile on her face.

“Good morning, Granny,” she said cheerfully. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Whatever you want, dear. You’re quite chipper this morning.”

“He’s alive, Granny! Raedan is alive. I saw him last night.”

“He’s here?”

“Yes!” Grabbing Ava’s hands, Lily twirled her around the room.

“Lily, you’re making me dizzy.”

“Sorry, I’m just so happy.”

“Where has he been all this time?” Ava asked when the world righted itself again.

“He was … ”

“Was what?”

“Buried in the ground in the back yard.”

Ava nodded. “I’ve heard vampires do that when they’re grievously wounded. Did he find the dragon?”

“I don’t know. He didn’t say.”

“I guess we’ll have to wait until tonight to find out,” Ava said glumly.

“I hate waiting!” Lily exclaimed. It was hours until dark.

“Well, you might as well eat something. Fretting won’t make the time go by any faster.”

“You’re right.” A wave of her hand, a few words, and a waffle smothered in butter and blueberry jam appeared in front of her. “Do you want one?”

“Yes, thank you, dear.”

Lily conjured a second waffle. “Where’s Mason?”

“He went home.”

“Home? Why?”

“Just to check on things,” Ava said, adding butter and syrup to her breakfast. “He hasn’t been there in quite a while, you know. He’ll be back in a day or two.”

“Where does he live, when he’s not with you?”

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