Page 96 of Graevale

Alex just offered him a sheepish grin in return, which made him shake his head at her—partly amused, partly resigned.

“Is that why you’re here?” D.C. asked, her fingers playing with Evie’s hair as the little girl giggled at something Soraya did. “To check up on Bear?”

“To check up on all of you,” Dorothy said. After ensuring that Evie’s focus was wholly diverted, she quietly added, “With everything going on these days, we wanted to make sure you’re all handling…things… as well as possible.”

Realising that William must have shared at least some of what was happening with his wife, Alex’s heart warmed at the concern and love she felt radiating from the two of them. Bear’s family—Alex had never met more caring people in her life. From the wizened Gammy, to the tech-savvy Johnny and the quick-witted Blake—Alex adored them all.

“Things could be better,” she admitted, not wanting to lie to them, “but we’re still hopeful for a positive outcome.”

She was careful to be vague, not knowing exactly how much to share—especiallysince the last time she’d seen William, the king had just ordered her not to seek out the other races. Bear’s dad or not, Alex wasn’t willing to risk forcing his law-abiding hand.

… Not that he didn’t already know. It was pretty obvious Bear didn’t break his leg by falling down the dormitory staircase.

“I wish I could offer you some good news,” William said, “but unfortunately the mission I was set hasn’t yielded any results, either.”

His words were just as vague as Alex’s had been. But she nevertheless understood what he was saying: the Shields had found no evidence of Aven’s plans.

It wasn’t as if Alex had expected Aven to shout his intentions from the rooftops, but still. Her aim to rally the mortal races would be much easier if there were even a shred of proof that the threat she warned of was real. Not to mention, imminent.

“There’s still time,” D.C. said quietly, answering for Alex.

William dipped his head—whether acknowledging her words or bowing his respect to the princess, Alex wasn’t sure.

“We have a surprise for you all,” Dorothy said, attempting to lighten the mood.

Grateful, Alex watched as both Jordan and Bear perked up, and she shared a knowing—and amused—glance with D.C., since there was only one thing that could so quickly animate the boys.

“Please tell me it’s what I think it is?” Jordan all but begged.

“GAMMY’TH APPLE PIE!” Evie lisped in a shriek, causing Soraya to yelp with fright. The little girl quickly petted her on the head and said, much quieter, “Thorry, doggy.”

At least Alex wasn’t the only one to think of the wolf as a normal, domesticated canine. Even if that put her on the same page as a six-year-old.

“And here I thought I couldn’t love any of you more,” Jordan said, leaping up to help Dorothy unveil the pie from her bag. It was already cut into slices—one for each of them—and Alex’s mouth watered when she was handed hers.

“You’re welcome here anytime,” she said, moaning after her first bite.

“Seconded,” Jordan said around his mouthful. “And thirded, fourthed, fifthed, and on to eternity.”

“I doubt Bear would appreciate his overbearing parents ruining all his schooling fun,” William said, smiling as he looked at his son.

“If you come bearing pie each time, I can guarantee there’ll be no complaints,” Bear said, closing his eyes with contentment. “It doesn’t matter how many times I have this, it just gets better and better.”

“The magic of Gammy’s baking,” Dorothy said. “A wonder in its own right.”

A wonder, it was. And Alex enjoyed every delicious bite.

Too soon their visitors decided it was time to leave—mostly because Evie curled up and fell asleep right beside Soraya—and Alex and her friends began to say their goodbyes. Hugs were exchanged along with well wishes for Bear’s swift recovery and pleas for them to all be careful in the coming days.

Alex, for her part, made no promises, but she did offer assurances that she would try her best.

“I’ll be in touch if I hear anything,” William said solemnly to Alex as together they moved towards the door. “I won’t give up—so don’t you, either.”

Alex had no intention of doing so, but she was still encouraged by his declaration. That he believed her, that he believedinher—it bolstered her spirits after the hard weekend she’d endured.

“Thank you, William,” she croaked out, wrapping her arms around him in one final hug. “That means a lot.”

He squeezed her tightly and then let go, moving to embrace Bear. He whispered something that no one other than Alex would have been able to overhear, three simple words offered from father to son and filled with such emotion that Alex had to blink back tears.

---