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Reluctantly, Helios handed Jima over to Martin. Jima’s mouth twisted in pain and sweat covered his brow. I wasn’t certain of the extent of his injuries and could only hope it was mostly bruised muscle and twisted joints.

Before they crossed the barrier, Jima’s arm shot out and his fingers grabbed Helios’s wrist. “Thank you,” Jima said, his brown eyes sincere. “I don’t know what we would have done if⁠—”

“You called and I came,” Helios answered as if it were nothing more than simple cause and effect.

“You didn’t have to though,” Jima softly answered.

Head tilted to the side, Helios seemed to consider those words before the barest hint of a smile lifted the corner of his lip. “No. I did not. It was my choice.” And with that, Helios was gone.

“Should we contact Peaches?” Lazarus asked when we were finally alone.

It was nearly dawn by the time we got everyone settled, checked on, and filled in. Eldon was back in his room. He’d made significant improvements during our time away. He’d already called and spoken with Phina and looked better for it. Eldon wasn’t certain if he wanted to stay with us here in Minnesota or if he wanted to head back to Europe. One thing Eldon was certain of was that he had no interest in taking over our father’s flight. Considering I didn’t want it either, I couldn’t really blame him.

Jima was settled with Tabitha. He’d sworn up and down he didn’t need a witch healer called in. So far, the pain charm was doing wonders and last I knew he was getting some much-needed sleep.

Tabitha was also resting. I’d wondered why we hadn’t seen Elvira during our fight with Verona and Axios. Turns out Tabitha had recently used up much of her energy aiding one of our operatives in the field. She’d spent far too much time apologizing for being indisposed, as Tabitha phrased it. Elvira had only had enough power to barely materialize before drifting away again.

Martin and Grayson had retreated to their rooms. Both said they could use some time in their other forms and I couldn’t blame them.

Vi had settled in the warm coals while Blu had claimed the inside of the refrigerator. Lazarus and I had gone over both girls and could find little more than a couple of superficial scratches here and there. We’d gotten incredibly lucky where our nieces were concerned.

Henry was sorry he’d missed all the “fun.” He was disappointed no one had thought to grab him. Henry was confident he could have taken out an eye or two. He also thought he might have been small enough to wiggle between Verona or Axios’s scales. Henry had flexed his claws at the thought, and I’d seen Lazarus shiver. Later Lazarus had informed me that Henry might well be right and although he doubted the house dweller could cause a lot of damage, the irritation would be very distracting.

Henry had also oohed and aahed over the scale embedded in my skin. He’d even had the gall to ask Lazarus if he could have one too. Henry was still pouting when he’d left.

So now, it was just the two of us, lying in our bed. We’d had enough pain charms that Lazarus and I were both enjoying their effects. I’d asked Lazarus if he needed to burrow into the earth again, seeking out the warmth to heal. He’d reassured me this time wasn’t as bad and, therefore, leaving wasn’t necessary.

We’d slathered healing salve on each other’s wounds and laid bandages on top. I knew Lazarus was eager to complete the mating bond, but I thought we’d both need to heal a bit to be able to enjoy such vigorous activities.

“Keir?” Lazarus asked, his claws gently scraping across my scalp and making me sleepy.

“Hmm?” was all I managed. I wanted to lie across Lazarus’s chest but that was an area with one of the largest wounds, so I’d settled on my side, one arm draped around his lower abdomen.

“I asked about Peaches.”

“What about peaches?” I yawned. “I’m not certain they’re still in season, but I’m sure we can get some if you want.”

Lazarus’s chest rumbled with laughter. “While that is a tempting thought, I was referring to the pixie, not the fruit.”

“Oh.” I forced myself to concentrate. “Can you repeat the question?”

“Of course, love. I asked if you think we should contact Peaches. What Helios did today… Assuming Peaches still has Helios’s object of attachment, no one wished Helios to kill Verona and Axios. He made that decision on his own and acted on his own. While I find his actions beneficial today, I am concerned.”

I was concerned too. I was also torn. “We were trying to kill Verona and Axios. Is it any different that Helios did it?” I propped my head on my hand so I could look at Lazarus better. “He didn’t kill them at random. Helios killed them to protect Jima.” I wouldn’t kid myself that Helios’s actions were meant to aid any of the rest of us. Jima was his singular concern.

Lazarus’s jaw clenched as he worked it back and forth. “You’re right. It’s just… What Helios did… Not that I fully know what he did, or perhaps, how he did it… It was just so quick. I have a disturbing feeling he killed them with little more than a thought.”

“So, it’s not the fact that he killed them that bothers you. It’s how he did it.”

“In a way. Anything that can kill that quickly is⁠—”

“Frightening.”

“Very.”

I laid my head back down. “Some fairies can kill that quickly. I’ve heard the queen of Fairy can do so.”

Lazarus sighed. “As usual, you are correct. It was just…unsettling.”