Page 23 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“I will rest,” he assured.
The dragon’s expression softened. “Umm … do as Colt says, okay? It’s for your own good.”
Undoubtedly, Sinder had just said more than he was supposed to—as usual. The tip-off was well-meant but worrisome. Juuyu wondered if he was about to face Colt the healer … or Colt the swordsman.
EIGHT
Hood the Hawk
Juuyu found Akira and Colt sitting on the wide steps leading to the lighthouse’s front door.
Akira bounced to his feet to deliver his, “Welcome back.”
“I have returned,” Juuyu offered. “I apologize for the lateness of the hour.”
“It’s okay. Couldn’t sleep. Too tired. Kinda wired. Kinda worried.” He always laughed so easily, even at himself. “Pretty sure Colt has been dosing me.”
With a low nicker, Colt said, “Herbal tea. Nothing more.”
Juuyu plucked the most important element from Akira’s list. “What has you worried?”
“You.”
That startled him. “This job is not inherently dangerous.”
Akira bit his lip. “Do you trust me?”
“I do.”
“Okay, so … I did what I could tonight. And I’ll do more tomorrow. Maybe the next day, too, to be honest.” Ruffling his hair, Akira revealed, “I had a long talk with Suuzu tonight, and Colt agrees it’s best if you get into our room through the window.”
Juuyu shot a look at Colt, who radiated sympathy.
Nothing seemed to be amiss. Except the young man’s hair. Stroking it back into place and touching his cheek, Juuyu quietly asked, “Akira, what is wrong?”
Leaning into his touch, Akira closed his eyes. “Inside is a little … cluttered.”
Was that all?
But the young man’s shoulders hunched. “More like a lot cluttered.”
Colt lifted a strip of cloth and calmly said, “I prescribe a blindfold.”
“That bad?” Juuyu managed.
“Trust us.” Colt carefully covered Juuyu’s eyes, knotting the cloth.
“Meet you upstairs,” Akira hastily promised.
The front door shut, and Juuyu murmured, “Is this truly necessary?”
“Yes.”
Juuyu warbled a weary note. “You will have to guide me.”
“Oh, I’ll just carry you.” Colt scooped him up and soon chided, “Juuyu, your condition! Why are you so depleted?”
Leaning into the horse clansman’s sturdy presence, he admitted, “I have been warding for hours. The thief may already be here.”
