Page 46 of Blood Sanctuary, Part One

Lio bent low to kiss his sister’s forehead before helping Cassia up. Knight trailed them out of the library.

As soon as they were outside, Uncle Argyros closed the door and a veil spell behind them. “Bosko’s latest adventure has, unfortunately, coincided with Cassia’s visit. He deemed it exciting to make a clandestine excursion to the docks to see Mak and Lyros on patrol firsthand.”

“Goddess have Mercy.” Lio rubbed his face. “Kadi must be at her wit’s end.”

“Javed and I are keeping her and Lyta informed every moment,” Uncle Argyros assured him.

“Is Bosko all right?” Cassia asked urgently. “The mages—”

Uncle Argyros held up a hand. “I would not allow my grandson within sight of them. I knew the moment he set foot outside the residence.”

“But I can understand why you didn’t simply stop him,” Lio said.

His uncle nodded. “Suffice it to say, had I intercepted him in any obvious way, it would have been extremely unwelcome to him and likely to exacerbate our ongoing confrontations. I shadowed him, keeping him concealed from any mage’s notice in the tightest of veils, until Mak and Lyros had the opportunity to safely blockade him. Lyros will hold down their patrol while Mak encourages Bosko to return home.”

“It sounds like Bosko has some catching up to do, as well,” Cassia said ruefully.

Uncle Argyros sighed. “The ward stops everything at the border except what we carry through it with us.”

“As the eldest of the Eriphite children,” Lio explained to Cassia, “Bosko has the clearest memories of their elders and the best understanding of what they all suffered. He’s having an even harder time than Zoe. She gets frightened, but he gets angry.”

“He is fortunate to have such a loving and patient family,” Cassia said. “Nowhere else would he be treated with such forbearance. You are not harsh with him, in spite of his misbehavior.”

Uncle Argyros watched the path that led through the orchard to the terrace. “A heavy hand is the last thing he needs.”

Cassia studied Uncle Argyros while he wasn’t looking. “I know how much it must help him that his grandfather is a mind mage who understands these things.”

“I do understand.” Now Uncle Argyros looked at Cassia. “Alas, a similar revelation has yet to occur to Bosko. He sees me as the living embodiment of law and order.”

Mak came into view on the path with Bosko walking at his side. Willingly, it seemed, except for the petulant expression on his face. Uncle Argyros breathed a sigh of relief that Lio could feel all the way through the Union.

As soon as Bosko and Mak reached the steps, the suckling ducked his head, avoiding Uncle Argyros’s gaze. The boy made to dash inside the house.

Mak halted him with a hand on his shoulder. “Hold your horses. We agreed on this, right? We’re going to say hello to Cassia.”

Bosko halted and turned in Cassia’s direction, but did not lift his gaze. He mumbled, “Welcome to our home. We’re happy to have you as our guest.”

“Bosko,” Mak said gently. “Wasn’t there something else you wanted to tell Cassia?”

Bosko’s aura hardened with stubbornness, but he forced the words out, a testament to Mak’s rapport with him. “Thank you for what you did for me and the other children.”

“I’m so happy you’re all safe.” Cassia peered under the mop of curls hanging in Bosko’s eyes. “You know, if you wanted to visit the guest houses, you might have asked Mak and Lyros if they could bring you to see me. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

Lio felt a flicker of surprise in Bosko. The boy shifted on his feet. He glanced at Knight, a spark of interest in his aura. But then he made his escape.

Mak let him go. The door slammed behind Bosko.

Uncle Argyros looked to the heavens. “Cassia, allow me to introduce my grandson, Boskos Argyros.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I shall be the first to admit I am an utter novice with children. Especially boys. I think my brother, Caelum, was about Bosko’s age the first time he deigned to speak to me.”

“It’s not you.” Lio put an arm around her.

“Certainly not.” Uncle Argyros turned to Mak. “Thank you.”

“Happy to help, Father.” Mak huffed a laugh. “Lyros and I will take him for a round in the gymnasium tomorrow night, when we get a break from patrol. That will calm the seas.”

A wave of gratitude passed from Uncle Argyros to Mak. For all the conflict Bosko caused in the family, Lio was so glad to see his uncle and his cousin drawing closer over the boy. This was just what Mak and his father needed to help even out their own rather volatile relationship. For once, Mak was not the member of the family who had the greatest differences with Uncle Argyros. It was wonderful that Mak hadn’t needed Lio to mediate between him and his father lately.

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