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I bristled. “Are you saying Vidia’s eggs aren’t worthy?”

“Don’t get your horns in a twist.” Henry patted my knee as if I needed soothing. “There ain’t no cause worthier. But that’s not always the case. You get me?”

It wasn’t the same type of threat Elvira had leveled. In fact, I wasn’t certain it was a threat at all or even a warning. Advice seemed a more appropriate description. As odd as it may seem, house dwellers often had the pulse of those living within their domain. They’d been an underappreciated species that was now on the verge of extinction. Henry knew things. He was often present when no one realized he was there. That was the nature of who and what he was.

Flicking my gaze toward the kitchen, I strained my ears as well, checking to see if Keir was still busy or if he would return shortly. The sounds coming from the nearby kitchen indicated he might be there for a while. Just to make certain, I raised my voice and asked, “Do you need any help, Keir?”

“No. I’ve got it. You sit and rest” came Keir’s predictable response.

It seemed a good opportunity to ply Henry for information. Taking a page from Henry’s book, I decided the direct approach was best. “Do you know how Keir came to be a member of the Magical Usage Council?”

Henry’s tail flicking immediately stopped as his eyes narrowed. He remained quiet long enough I thought perhaps he wouldn’t answer. “Mayhaps I do, and mayhaps I don’t.”

“And is there anything that might jog your memory?” I wasn’t sure what I could offer as a bribe or if Henry even could be bribed.

To my frustration and relief, Henry’s lips curled up into a vicious little grin. “I don’t squeal on friends. I don’t care what you’re offerin’.”

As unintentional as it had been, Henry had just given me a sliver of information, vague though it might be. There was weight to Henry’s knowledge. The kind of weight that hinted at something unpleasant or perhaps secretive.

Knowing it was unwise to get on the bad side of a house dweller, I said, “I only ask so that I might understand Keir better. While gryphons are often solitary in their dwelling, they typically stay close to their flights. Considering gryphons are not common in this part of the world, I would imagine Keir had reason to leave his flight.”

Wholly unimpressed with my reasoning, Henry’s small hands fisted on his hips. “You say that like wyvern are common in North America.”

“True, but we know my reason for being here.” I never would have left Europe if it hadn’t been for Verona’s exile and the need for one of us to be close enough to keep tabs on her movements. The fact that Keir had contacted me prior to Verona when Vidia’s eggs were found was little more than sheer luck.

“Yeah, but you weren’t real forthcomin’ with that information if I recall. And trust me, I recall pretty damn well.”

I couldn’t argue that point and simply inclined my head in agreement.

“Listen, Laz, I can appreciate that you wanna know more about Keir. I can get behind that one hundred percent, but I won’t give up information he ain’t ready to share. If you wanna know the details, ask Keir. He’ll decide if he’s comfy sharin’ or not.”

Properly rebuked by a creature I could squash within the palm of my hand, I acquiesced. “I will take your advice into consideration.”

“Considering I give excellent advice, that’s good for you.” This time, Henry’s smile was full of mischievous glee instead of malice. “Wisp boy found that out quick enough.”

My eyebrow ridges rose. “Wisp boy? Am I to assume you are speaking of Grayson Delarue?”

Henry shrugged. “Callin’ him a will-o’-the-wisp takes too damn long. Wisp boy is good enough and suits him fine.”

Just like Henry had decided Laz was an acceptable designation for me. I wasn’t certain if the reasoning was the same or not.

“Dinner’s ready,” Keir called, saving me from questioning Henry further.

“Good, I’m starvin’.” Henry patted his flat belly for emphasis.

Keir peeked out from around the kitchen doorframe. “Funny, inviting you seems to have slipped my mind.” Keir’s twitching lips as he fought a smile gave away his teasing.

“Good thing I’ve never stood on formality then,” Henry gamely replied as he scrambled down my leg and ran for the kitchen. “I get dibs on the potatoes!”

Keir watched Henry run past him before turning his amused gaze on me. “You best hurry. I know he looks small, but Henry can put away a lot of potatoes.”

Needing no further prompting, I rose from the couch, pleased with how much steadier my body felt. Still, my stance was hesitant enough Keir noticed.

“Do you need help?” Keir asked, already coming toward me.

I waved him off. “I’m fine.”

Keir stopped; bottom lip caught between his teeth. “If you’re certain.”