A soft, yellow glow of interior lights streamed across the yard. Inside, Cullen walked around a bare pine tree in the family room, obviously a surprise to please her. She rested a hand over her heart, where she felt a glimmer of the magical warmth of their love.
Finding the door to the enclosed back porch locked, she tapped to get his attention.
He held the door open. “Come in. You must be cold, although I know you’re happier. I hear you thinking about a snow angel. Not really sure what that is.”
She stomped snow off her boots on the mat. “I do feel much better. Jean and I made snow angels at Christmas—our tradition. It felt good…like her.”
“I know you’re disappointed. There will be a way to do what you intend. It’s hard now; you’re still a guest in Dragonspeir, only permitted to come and go in accordance with your lessons. The important thing is that we’re together for now.”
She unzipped her down jacket and hung it on a hook. “I love this house, but you can’t really live in this world. What will it take for me to be able to live in Dragonspeir?”
“A resident is either born into that land, or like me, must show ability and dedication to serve after an extended time.”
She wrung her hands, head down. “Another ten year waiting period, I imagine?”
“Usually, or longer, unless someone in the High Council grants you an apprenticeship. That was what I did. I met you while I studied under the former Imperial Sorcerer.”
She looked up at him as she sat on a wicker lounge and pulled off her boots. “Can I be your apprentice?”
“I would have already appointed you if that was possible. The fact you’re placed under my care prevents me from accepting you, or any, as an apprentice.”
“That makes no sense. If you’re assigned to me, you can teach me at the same time.”
“Rules of the High Council, formed centuries ago.”
“Is there anyone else who might take me on? Except Eburscon of course.”
“Yes. That would end badly. Which leaves Oasth, the firedrake warlord—you aren’t a candidate for warlord. And the Imperial Dragon himself.”
“Would he?” Lyra asked eagerly.
He leaned against the door frame to the family room. “I already broached the topic with him after your lesson. I couldn’t persuade him. He claimed he had no time, which is likely true since he must run the Alliance. I beseeched him to make time because I wanted you with me.”
“We’ll continue to find ways, day by day.” The snow angel reminded her what was important, following her heart. She stepped close to him and placed her arms around his broad shoulders.
“I know we will.” He pulled her close and pressed his lips hard onto hers. They were so warm compared to her chilled skin. His hand worked the zipper of her soaked jeans. While his tongue flicked inside her mouth, the pants dropped in a soggy lump at her ankles. His hands cupped her butt, and she pressed close into him.
She stepped out of her wet socks and jeans. Hearing Christmas cartoons showing in the family room, she quickly grabbed a couch throw and wrapped it like a sarong around her hips.
Cullen led her by the hand to where Noba and Kenzo were mesmerized the television.
“Thank you for the tree.” Lyra squeezed Cullen’s hand. “That’s so nice of you. I think I know where the decorations are.”
He smiled. “We can do that tomorrow morning. Kenzo and Noba are content with the shows now. I already fed them and conjured sandwiches for you, if you’re hungry.”
“Thanks, but I don’t feel like eating.” She walked around the tree. “What are those? There are presents already under the tree!” She exclaimed with a smile. “I didn’t have a tree last Christmas. No Christmas at all. My parents passed away, and my ex left me, all just before the holidays. I was in too much shock to travel here.” She stretched to ease the stiffness in her shoulders from today’s lesson. “I’m glad to be home with you.”
“Time for bed. I’m certain the Phoenix wore you out. I was spent watching.”
“Will they sleep here?” Lyra nodded toward his helpers.
“Eventually, when they can’t keep their eyes open any longer,” he said with a chuckle.
Again, he took hold of her hand, and they walked up the stairs to her bedroom.
Cullen applied more healing to her arm and massaged her sore shoulders. His touch intensified the intoxicating sensation of warmth around her heart. He slid his hands down to caress her breasts.
She let out a soft moan as he pulled gently on her nipples. “This is different…and wonderful,” she murmured. The new sensation at her heart oozed over her whole body, slow and smooth like the flow of honey.
“It is.” His mouth circled every curve until she cooed.
With that bond fusing them as one, they rolled together, entwined with limbs and tongues, not allowing any space to interrupt the euphoria of the magic.
She clung to his body, wildly stroking and kissing all of him she could reach. When he pressed inside her, Lyra was startled at how the familiar feeling had changed. She directly felt his emotions—excitement, anticipation, and need. And after their climaxes, as he rested on top of her, she also sensed his fear of losing her.
During the night, they huddled together, keeping that magic bond covering them like a shield against unknown dangers.
***
Well before sunrise, Noba and Kenzo assaulted them. Jumping on every free inch of the bed, they often missed and toppled over feet, knees, and each other.
“Merry Christmas,” Lyra greeted the pair. She ran a hand along the owl’s wing. “We’re going to have fun today. But first, some breakfast. I’m starving.” She prodded Cullen and pushed off the covers. “Will you start breakfast while I shower?”
“Sure,” he grunted. He sat up, hair sticking out in all directions. He clearly hadn’t slept well. Every time she woke during the night, his breathing sounded like he was awake. His concern worried her. He shouldered too much responsibility for her safety.
Regardless, she wanted to make the day a happy one. “After we eat, let’s decorate the tree.”
When Lyra made her way downstairs with a stack of wrapped packages, she found Noba and Kenzo wound up and playing a game of chase through the kitchen and family room. “Stop! You’re making me dizzy,” she declared as she laid the presents under the tree. While Cullen sneaked upstairs to shower, she diverted them with her CD player. “These are special tunes for Christmas. We’ll listen while we trim the tree. Let me eat, and then we’ll find the decorations.”
She nearly choked on her bagel, watching the pair hop about on the rug to Frosty the Snowman.
Cullen quickly reappeared and helped her carry boxes of Christmas things from the storage closet under the stairwell.
She located the miniature lights and handed the end of the last strand to Kenzo. “A job for you—fly carefully around the tree and drape this on the branches. Start at the bottom and work up.”
He proudly took it in his beak and set off.
The little pseudodragon danced from foot-to-foot, almost on top of her. “Lady Lyra, what can Noba do? Noba wants a job too.”
“After Kenzo has finished, hang bits of this tinsel on the ends of branches.”
He grabbed a clawful and skipped to the tree, so excited little clouds of smoke puffed out of his snout.
“You won’t be my familiar much longer if you burn down Lady Lyra’s tree. Keep that fire under better control,” Cullen called out with a laugh.
Lyra was glad to see Cullen relax and enjoy himself. She handed him a small box of delicate ornaments and a collection of unbreakable ones for his helpers.
Kenzo dropped his lights and flew backward. “Watch where you’re flying, Noba! You nearly hit me with your poison tail.”
“Noba sorry. Tinsel sticks to claws.” He tucked in his tail while trying to shake off strands of silver foil wound around his talons.
Lyra sat back and laughed at the three of them colliding as
they decorated.
“Come join us,” Cullen called.
She picked up a lid of ornaments, mostly ones she made as a child with Jean, and was soon lost in happy memories as she hung each one.
When they finished, tinsel lay everywhere on the floor, stuck to Cullen’s sweater, in her hair and Kenzo’s feathers. But Noba fared the worst—his spines and wing joints were plastered like they’d been glued in place. Lyra sat on the floor and drew him alongside to pick it off.
Cullen chided, “That’s too slow. I want to get to the presents. Allow me.” She leaned back and Cullen spun his dragon ring. “Abstergo!”
Free of tinsel, the pseudodragon wiggled all over. “Presents!”
“I never thought to try my magic. Will it work here?” Lyra asked.
“It should, but may be harder to control. Mine certainly is.” He stood to flip on the tree lights and sat back down beside her.
She extended a hand toward the carpet. “Abstergo!” The strands gathered into a single clump. “Not quite what I envisioned, but close.” She rolled her fingers and repeated, “Abstergo!” The tinsel disappeared. “It requires twice as much focus.”
“Time for presents!” Kenzo announced and clapped his beak. “Noba and I got Lyra something special.”
The familiar crawled below the bottom branches, turned around underneath, and stuck his brown-scaled head out with an angel ornament resting on his forehead. Everyone chuckled.
“You’re no angel!” the owl hooted. “Give Lyra the gift.”
Noba laid a large package at her feet.
It was soft, without a box, and wrapped in rough burlap. Lyra untied the twine around the parcel. “I can’t guess what this might be.” She hoped nothing flew out at her, something they might consider an edible delicacy. Inside lay a white wool cloak, trimmed with gold embroidery. She held it up. “It’s lovely. Thank you.”
Kenzo blinked one eye, then the other at her. “Try it on—it’s magic.”
She stood and draped it across her back. It felt very cozy, like an ordinary wool cloak. “I can’t tell what it does.”
“Go outside,” the owl encouraged.
She stepped onto the front porch. A gust whipped at her face, but the cloak remained unusually warm, like an electric blanket. She returned to the group, and the fabric cooled. “This is great! It changes temperature according to my body and the surroundings.”
“It’s good all year round to keep you warm or cool, using a special advanced charm. And it will shrink for storage if needed,” Kenzo explained, chest feathers puffed out.
Lyra reached over and gave each a loving touch. “I have gifts for you, too.” From under the tree, she produced a package for each wrapped in Christmas paper.
Noba dug in and clawed his way through the wrapping. “Shoes? There’s a picture of shoes on this.” He lifted one of his clawed feet and tilted his head.
“She wouldn’t get us shoes. Look inside,” Kenzo quipped.
“What is this?” Noba asked with a blank look. “Not shoes.”
“Mine is similar, but gray and yours is brown. Ah, to match our colors. We wear these.” He leaned down and poked his beak through an opening in the garment. “How do I get it on?”
Lyra chuckled and pulled it over his head. “It’s a neck warmer I knitted for you. Your feathers are thin when you spin your head. This will keep you warm in the winter.”
He flapped up to see himself in a wall mirror. “Wonderful! It’s perfect with my earring. Thank you!”
The familiar wrestled with his. “Is Noba’s a neck warmer too?”
“Yours is a sweater.” She held it out for him. “Stick your arms in the holes.” Once he did, she popped it over his head and admired how it ended just above his spines and wings. She tried hard to remember that measurement when she knitted it.
“Careful with your fire,” Cullen cautioned him.
“Noba careful with Lady Lyra’s pretty gift.” He trotted to her and hugged her knee.
“You’re welcome. Now my gift for your master.” She located a bigger box and handed it to him.
“Another sweater?” he guessed as he opened it. “Indeed, a special handmade sweater I can use to keep warm. Did you make all these cables without magic?”
“Yes. And there’s more. Try it on,” Lyra said with a smile.
He rose and buttoned the cardigan around him. “It fits well. Thank you.” He dipped his hands into the patch pockets. “Another present?” He held the item up for everyone to see. “A pocket watch? I remember these from when I was a boy. Let’s see what’s inside.” He opened it, but remained speechless. Slowly, he looked up at her, his eyes shiny with moisture. “These pictures of you…in your family’s magical wedding gown we found in Jean’s closet…and you in the gown I created for you for our first night together in my cabin. But how?”
“I posed for a photographer. The watch belonged to Brigid’s husband. I found it in the inside pocket of the wedding dress. It’s inscribed with his name, Charles. Maybe her wedding gift to him. I wanted you to always have a picture to remember one of our most wonderful times past…and another to look ahead to the future I want for us…if you want that too.”
Cullen kneeled next to her and pulled her close. “I do want us to be married, and I accept your proposal.”
“Master and Lady Lyra are getting married!” Noba squealed and whipped his tail, catching it on more tinsel from the tree.
Kenzo spread his wings and embraced the couple into a feathery hug.
When all the excitement and laughter settled, Cullen turned to Lyra. “Both of your gifts are extraordinary. Thank you. Now my gift for you.” He twisted his ring, and a package the size of another shoe box floated into her lap.
Lyra removed the gold foil to find a decorative wooden box with an inlaid design on its hinged lid. “It’s beautiful.” She opened the latch and discovered three items inside: her copy of Brigid’s Book of Dragonspeir, one of the few in existence; a skeleton key; and a flash drive.
“That box belonged to my mother, the only item I have of hers. I received it when she died, during my apprenticeship. I placed a rare protection spell on it and found, as a result, it had good use to safeguard small valuables. You need such a device, so I altered the spell to work under your command. Close the lid and pass a hand from left to right over the top.”
She followed his direction, and it vanished. “Where did it go?”
“Reverse the process.”
She did and the box reappeared in her hand. Looking inside again, she said, “I assume that is my flash drive with my Book, but what about the key?”
“It’s a magical key, but only works for you, to open the bookstore and also my cabin. The shop is the only portal to the Alliance nearby. There are portals belonging to the Dark Realm, but those would be very dangerous to use. You will need to come and go between the two worlds, perhaps without me. This will allow that.”
His gift made her both happy and sad, like her present to him—bittersweet. He trusted her with irreplaceable, valuable objects. But, the idea of being separated from him reminded her of the image in the forecast of the Lacuna Ales. She shivered and closed her eyes, praying one day to return his mother’s box to him as a wedding gift while wearing her family’s gown.
Cullen squeezed her hand. “You will.”
Chapter Twelve: The Call of Lake Waters
The doorbell chimed, startling Lyra from her thoughts.
Cullen’s aides froze, curious looks on their faces.
“Will you take them out of sight, then join me at the door? I don’t want neighbors to think I’m here alone on Christmas,” Lyra whispered to Cullen. She peeked out of the view hole and called to him on his way upstairs. “It’s Mrs. Kendall, from down the street.” She opened the door, smiling. “Mrs. Kendall, it’s so good to see you. Come in.”
“I saw lights in the house last night and wondered if you were here and needed some company. I brought you some homemade cookies.” The eld
erly woman held out a foil-covered plate.
“Thanks for thinking of me. I’ll be glad to have your cookies. Jean was always so miffed that you were a better baker than she was.”
Mrs. Kendall wiped her walking shoes on the door mat and stepped inside.
“Let me take your coat.” Lyra laid the plate on a side table and patiently assisted her neighbor’s thin frame from the heavy garments. “Cold hands don’t work so well.”
“No, old hands don’t work well. Thank you, dear. Are you here by yourself?” She pulled off her scarf, and tendrils of snow white hair escaped her braided bun.
Lyra hung her things on the antique hall tree in the foyer, listening upstairs for any suspicious noises. “It’s so nice of you to care, but I’ve been seeing the owner of Drake’s Bookstore, Cullen, since last summer. He’ll be downstairs in a minute. You remember him, I think.”
“Ah, yes, the nice man who helped you so much at Jean’s funeral.” She patted Lyra’s arm and spoke in a quieter tone. “He’s a fine catch. You need a good husband, one who will treat you right. But if he doesn’t turn out, a handsome young man with a dark ponytail asked after you when I volunteered at the nursing home. He was a medical worker and seemed to know you quite well, I assumed through caring for Jean.”
Lyra’s eyebrows shot up, and she stared at her neighbor. Probably Revelin. Mrs. Kendall was right, Revelin was very handsome, but also a bit creepy…like when Lyra found him reading her draft of the new Book of Dragonspeir. Was he actually a resident of the Dragonspeir? He didn’t attend the Solstice Festival. She didn’t see him in Silva Nocens last summer.
She needed to ask questions, but didn’t want to alarm Cullen. He already worried enough about her safety. Guiding her neighbor into the next room, she offered, “Can I get you some hot chocolate or a cup of tea?” Lyra motioned her into the kitchen, hoping no evidence of Kenzo and Noba could be seen there. Reaching the room first, she quickly picked up a couple Christmas CD cases scattered across the floor.
“No, I can’t stay that long. I have my two sons visiting. I just wanted to drop in and make sure you were all right.”
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