Page 67 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Are you all out of children?”
“Not entirely.” Waaseyaa offered a cup of milk to Gregor.“But my youngest grew up and left Wardenclave several years ago.”
“Ask Uncle Argent.”
He searched her face. “Pardon?”
“For a crosser. Or a bunch of them, if you want a big family.This is a safe place, and you’re nice. They’d like you for their papka.”
Waaseyaa stared at her for so long, Lilya thought he didn’tunderstand. But then his chin trembled. And he looked like he wanted to sayyes, except he’d lost his voice. And Lilya knew she was right. Some of theircrossers were going to besohappy here.
She asked, “Do you know where Kyrie went?”
“Yes.” When she stared pointedly, he bowed his head. “Yourfriend Sinder was injured last night, and your brother is the only other dragonin Wardenclave. Timur seemed to think having Kyrie close would be a comfort.”
Lilya couldn’t believe it. This was their first free day,and she and Kyrie had planned to chase the scent of strange flowers into themountains. She opened her mouth to offer her help, but closed it. Mum and Timurwere both healers, but Lilya’s usefulness in that arena ended in the herbgarden. She could weed and water. Stuff anyone could do.
“So they’ll be busy all day.” Lilya had no idea what to do instead.
Waaseyaa scooped up Gregor and beckoned for Lilya to follow.At the front door, she stepped into her boots and followed him outside. He circledto the back of his house, which was tucked close against a steep hill, andpaused at the foot of a stairway. Every step was a slab, touched by lichen andmoss, weathered by enough seasons to give the stairs a magical feel.
“Go to the top,” he directed. “There is a door, and it isunlocked. Pay a visit.”
“Whose house is up there?”
“Glint and Radiance are my closest neighbors.” Waaseyaa proppedGregor on his hip. “She told me you found the Kith shelter and asked me toteach you the way to her door.”
Lilya hesitated. Was it really all right to do something funwithout Kyrie?
“Am I correct in assuming that Kyrie is capable of trackingyou, should he return earlier than anticipated?”
She nodded sheepishly.
“Go on, then. And enjoy your visit.” He lowered himself tothe bottom step and turned loose a squirming Gregor. “We cannot anticipate yourreturn until you find the courage to go.”
Lilya bent to kiss Waaseyaa’s cheek. “Thank you, Uncle,” shewhispered.
He laughed a little and waved her off.
With a spring in her step, Lilya hurried toward the unknown… and felt quite daring on her own. Not at all like her usual self.
When Lilya arrived in a wide, sunny room at the back ofthe large house atop the hill, she was immediately surrounded by threefloppy-eared Kith pups with curling golden fur. They were hardly more thanbabies and innocent in their curiosity. Lilya knelt and accepted their interestand adoration, giggling when their little tails whipped the way Ever’s did whenhe was at his happiest.
“What a lovely surprise! I’ve been wanting to see you again!”Radiance sauntered over and joined the muddle on the floor. Hauling one of thebig pups into her lap, she remarked, “You’re used to Kith, I take it?”
“Mum is partnered. We’ve had two litters. Cubs. The felinekind.” Lilya tugged silky ears and addressed the little ones, “But I like dogsjust as much. Even better. What are your names, you rascally pups? What shouldI call you?”
Radiance laughed and handled the introductions. “These threeare from Myth’s latest litter, and they’re here because Glint dotes. I’mholding Lyre, who is the only female. Her brothers are easy to tell apart. Luteis the blue-eyed one, and Lore’s eyes are silver.”
Lilya greeted them with her best manners.
With a widening smile, Radiance said, “Join me in a game,Lilya of Stately House?”
“I have all day.” Lilya was glad to have found such a warmwelcome.
“I want to play a little trick on my bondmate, and you mustcooperate.” Radiance leaned forward. “Let’s see how long it takes Glint torealize who you are.”
“I won’t lie to a dog. I couldn’t. And I wouldn’t want to.”Lilya softly added, “Then he wouldn’t trust me.”
