Page 78 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
That rang a bell. Living at Stately House meant Akira was privy to random secrets. “You mean like the Eldermost Islands? A protected place in an undisclosed location?”
His brows lifted. “How would you know about such things?”
“I’ve visited a place like that. Suuzu’s home is on a hidden island.”
“Suuzu?”
Akira was a tiny bit mortified. He’d been so eager for Tabi-oji’s stories, he’d skimped on those he could have been sharing. “My best friend. We’re nestmates.”
“An avian?”
“A phoenix.”
“Can this be true?” Astonishment had overtaken Tabi-oji’s features. “You have ties to a phoenix clan?”
“Close enough that I can wear Suuzu’s colors and crest. At least, when I’m not wearing Argent’s. I guess it kind of depends on the event. Sometimes, I fill in for Sis. Kind of … represent the family. You know?”
Tabi-oji slouched back in his chair, one hand covering his eyes. “How are you here? And why now? I cannot decide if this is a blessing or a curse.”
Akira asked, “Was there a dragon in the lobby when I arrived?”
“Him? Yes.”
“Did he see me?”
Tabi-oji dropped his hand to consider Akira. “Why would a dragon be looking for you?”
“He’s a friend.”
“Dragons are dangerous.” He sounded genuinely concerned.
And the pieces fell into place. This could actually be really bad.
Heart drumming, Akira asked, “Are you having dragon problems?”
Tabi-oji seemed to have made the same connection. “You are with these sigilcasters and sentinels.”
“Yeah.” And because he didn’t know if things were about to go from bad to worse, Akira asked, “Are you going to try to use me against them?”
He shook his head, looked away, muttered something in Old Amaranthine, and sighed. Finally, Tabi-oji said, “Naoki saved me once. We ran away together. Made a home. But in time, they found us and took him back.” He pulled his kimono coat close and hugged himself. “He saved me once. I will do anything to save him.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Unsuspecting Prey
For the second day in a row, nothing untoward had happened at the Amory. No signs of tampering or trouble. As much as Juuyu appreciated the reprieve, since it put them another day closer to Moon’s waking, he didn’t understand why the Gentleman Bandit had left off.
Had their sneakthief given up?
Juuyu thought it more likely that it was a strategic retreat—withdraw and watch. So they were varying the patterns of their patrols, and Juuyu had spent much of the day adding additional layers of protection to every corner of the museum. The expenditure had taken its toll. One look and Colt banished him from the premises, prescribing food, rest, and tending.
He’d given in. Partly because the change-up in routine would keep their quarry guessing. But mostly because Colt was right. Juuyu’s focus was flagging. He should go to Portia.
Though he’d rather spend another night with Fumiko in his arms.
The unguarded honesty of that thought was flustering. Juuyu really needed to pull himself together.
As he passed through the crystal gate, Hallow signaled from the guesthouse doorway. “Come and see what your darling nestmate has wrought!”
