Page 124 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Ginkgo grinned. “I’ve learned a thing or two from wolvishballads.”
Zisa looked heartbreakingly hopeful. “Do you love me?”
“Are you surprised?”
The tree stole a kiss.
Ginkgo let him.
“People usually work harder to resist me,” said Zisa. “You donot even try.”
“You and I have something in common. I love the attention.” Ginkgorubbed their cheeks together. “Zisa, you have become my home away from home.”
With a happy little croon, Zisa said, “You are lovely.”
“Andyouare distracting. I’m supposed to be findingSinder. Any chance you know where I should look?”
Nodding toward his little house, Zisa said, “He is resting.”
“Really? He shouldn’t have needed more sleep.”
“Timur captured him and will not let him roam.”
Ginkgo pricked his ears and smiled. “My kind of challenge.I’m going to steal Damsel back.”
“Should I let you?”
That was an interesting idea. “Could you stop me?”
Zisa’s smile turned sly. “Anyone under my branches is at mymercy.”
“He’ll thank me,” promised Ginkgo. “Trust me.”
“I will allow it. For your brother’s sake.”
“Do you knoweverythingthat happens under yourbranches?”
With a finger to his lips, Zisa whispered, “Usually.”
Easing out of the tree’s embrace, Ginkgo jogged to the houseand let himself in. From within the circle of Timur’s arms, Sinder reachedpleadingly. With a jaunty salute and a sound-dampening sigil, Ginkgo crouchedbeside Fend, whose tail lashed the floor in silent annoyance.
“Work with me, Fend,” Ginkgo bargained. “I get Damsel. Youget your usual spot.”
The big feline rose and stretched lazily.
Ginkgo used a bit of foxish finesse to deepen Timur’s sleep,then lifted his arm. Sinder slipped free and minced toward the door, givingFend a wide berth. The panther hissed softly, then sprang onto the bed,inserting himself into the vacancy at Timur’s side.
Even before Ginkgo had them tucked in, Timur had burrowedinto his partner’s fur. Ginkgo’s grateful bow was lost on Fend, who turned hisback on the rest of the world in a feline snub.
Back outside, Ginkgo drew up short at the sight of Sinder inZisa’s arms.
“I’mfine,” Sinder sighed. “And I know why I’m fine.Thank you for sheltering us.”
“Good dragon,” crooned Zisa “Brave boy.”
“Up for a bit of a puzzle?” asked Ginkgo. “Kyrie’s waitingon us.”
Sinder took a gratefully receptive posture. “I’m yours untilthe dawn patrol.”
