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“Oh, that sounds handy.” Jima plucked the charm from Hikaru’s claws with care, cradling it to his chest. “That’ll do very nicely.”

“I thought it might.” Hikaru sounded very pleased with himself, as he should.

“Thank you,” Keir said, stepping toward the ornery kitsune. “My debt to you and Warlock Holland continues to grow.”

Hikaru waved him off. “No such thing. You’re cleaning house, and a good thing too. I like messy, but this is the kind of messy that can get back and eventually hurt my Niki. He’s got enough on his plate without having to worry about an idiot like this Jaakobah. If I’d met your sister before, Keir, or if I knew exactly where she was, I could pop in and abscond with her myself.” Hikaru shrugged while holding up his hands. “I suppose even I have limits.” Twisting around so he could see the nub of his ninth tail, Hikaru’s grin turned positively devilish. “Then again, maybe when my ninth tail fully grows in and fills out, I’ll be able to do just that.”

While I didn’t know Hikaru as well as the others, I felt a chill run down my spine. Thankfully, the kitsune seemed more mischievous than devious.

Keir cleared his throat, making a distinctly uncomfortable sound. “Yes… Well, I appreciate that, Hikaru, but Phina’s sudden disappearance would tip our hand too quickly. As much as it pains me, Phina needs to stay where she is for the time being.”

Hikaru shrugged again. “I suppose you know best.” Hikaru’s nose scrunched as if saying those words either pained him or tasted bitter. Visibly shaking off whatever bothered him, Hikaru leaned over and hugged Jima, drawing a squeak of protest before releasing him and saying, “Gotta go. Let Niki know if you need anything else.” With a wink, Hikaru vanished, leaving us alone within the silencing barrier.

Completely nonplussed by Hikaru’s comings and goings, Jima picked through the charms. “That really is nice of Warlock Holland.”

I didn’t disagree and said as much. “He is different than other warlocks I’ve met.”

Jima nodded and Keir said, “Different and much the same. It is an odd mix that I am grateful for.”

“As am I,” I agreed. “Now, what have you learned?” Keir spent the next few minutes filling us in on what he’d discussed with Lady Usha. Jima remained remarkably silent, a look of intense concentration on his face as he listened.

When Keir ended, Jima said, “So, I’ve got three days to find Saraphina. Is that right?”

Keir gave a reluctant nod. “It would seem so.” Keir also sounded worried.

Jima didn’t. “No problem,” he said while hopping off the bed and snapping his fingers. “I’ve had less to work with and shorter time frames than this. Now, the biggest hurdle is that I need to get to Jaakobah. You said we’re staying in your grandmother’s flight’s territory. I’ll learn the most if I can get closer to Jaakobah.”

I placed a supportive hand on Keir’s shoulder when I noticed his tension return. “We’ll need to figure something out,” I answered. “Perhaps Lady Usha or Lulabelle could help us in that regard.”

Keir reluctantly nodded. “I can ask, but I don’t like the idea of Jima being so far away without an extraction plan in place.”

“I’ve been lots of places without a planned way of escape. That hasn’t stopped me yet,” Jima boasted. “Honestly, Keir, it’ll be fine.”

Jima’s confidence didn’t seem false or fake. I’d seen the petite ferret shifter frightened and unsure. This was a totally different Jima. It was like seeing the creature he’d once been and could be again. Jima wasn’t coming into his own. He was rediscovering who he was. Keir simply needed to sit back and allow it to happen. Unfortunately, that was far easier said than done, especially considering how responsible he felt for Jima’s welfare.

Mates shored each other up when the other struggled. While not officially mated yet, I knew Keir was it for me. He’d done no less for me when I’d been fighting to keep Vidia’s eggs safe. Now, it was my turn.

“There must be some type of communication between the flights.” I placed a hand on Keir’s shoulders and applied gentle pressure, pulling his attention away from the doubtless thoughts and worries plaguing his mind. “Is Xavier a member of Lady Usha’s flight, or was he sent here by Jaakobah?”

Keir’s eyebrows pinched in thought. “I’m not certain, but I don’t remember him from my father’s flight. He could be a more recent transfer, though. The way Lulabelle spoke, I got the feeling he’s one of Grandmother’s. One that’s supportive of Jaakobah.”

“That is the impression I got as well,” I agreed. “That may still be to our advantage. As close as the two flight’s territories are, combined with Xavier’s savior complex where Jaakobah is concerned, I find it difficult to believe that Xavier can stay away from Jaakobah for long periods of time. If I’m right, then that could be Jima’s way in.”

“And if you’re wrong?” Keir asked.

“Then Xavier’s already been away from Jaakobah longer than he’d like and will be easily convinced that a visit is necessary. I’m sure Lulabelle or Lady Usha can come up with something believable.” I had a feeling that Thalia and Lady Usha would get along well should the occasion call for it. That occasion might fall upon us sooner rather than later.

Keir let loose a weighty sigh. “I don’t like the idea of Jima stowing away with Xavier. If he’s found out, then⁠—”

“That’s insulting,” Jima huffed, arms crossed. “Goddess, Keir, when did you lose so much faith in me?”

Keir’s smile was bitter. “It’s not you I’ve lost faith in, Jima. It’s me and my judgment.”

Jima’s ire evaporated and the tension in his shoulders slid away like water over a fall. Standing, Jima carefully walked to Keir. Jima’s choppy, brown head of hair barely reached Keir’s chest. Large, round eyes the color of warm cocoa stared up at Keir. Jima’s slender hands wrapped around Keir’s wrists. “If you can’t trust your own judgment, then put your trust in mine. I’ve got this, Keir. I won’t let you down. This is what I’m good at. This is why I joined the council in the first place. I like helping. Fixing problems and saving others makes me feel good, and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt good, Keir. Don’t take that away from me.”

My heart ached for Keir. The sadness permeating his eyes, shimmering through unshed tears, physically hurt.

“You can’t promise me you’ll be fine,” Keir answered, his words whisper soft.