Page 60 of Room for Three

"Daniel," he whispered.

Relief flooded through him so suddenly his knees nearly gave out. His brother was alive. Safe. And apparently still with Caelen.

"Jamie?" Azelon appeared at his elbow, concern radiating through their bond. "What is it?"

Jamie showed him the newspaper. "My brother. He's... he's fine. More than fine."

Corin materialized on his other side, reading over their shoulders. "The Shadow King? Impressive. Your brother certainly doesn't do things halfway."

"Are you alright?" Azelon asked quietly.

Jamie folded the newspaper, setting it carefully beside the register. "I am. Finally." He looked around at their store, at his partners, at the customers browsing contentedly among the shelves. "I really am."

The last weight lifted from his chest. Daniel was safe and happy.

Jamie could focus on himself. On the future he wanted to build.

"Now," he said, straightening as the door chimed with another customer, "let's run a bookstore."