Page 5 of The Beauty and the Griffin

“Is he their father?” I asked, indicating the dozing babies in my lap.

Othniel shrugged one shoulder. “Probably. I usually see him with her.” He pointed at the mother sprite, who gave him a friendly look while devouring a weed. “I don’t know her name though.”

The mother sprite swallowed the leaf, directly met my gaze, and muttered a few short chirps and squeaks. I sucked in a little gasp. “She says her name is Comet because of the white streak in her hair.”

Othniel opened his mouth to argue—I could tell by his expression—but when Starfire chortled, he stopped and gave me a wide-eyed look. “How do you know? Do you have magic?”

I couldn’t answer his questions in a way Auntie would approve, so I said, “All I heard was squeaking, but . . . it was like she spoke inside my head.” Just then, Comet joined her pups in my lap and began nuzzling to wake them up. After a few sleepy squeaks, they tucked their heads under her belly and nursed while she crouched over them. I grinned up at Othniel. “This has to be the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me!”

He grinned back, plowed his fingers through his hair, and hopped off the rock. “It’s getting hot here in the sun. Want to wade in the pond?”

“Is the pond in the garden?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, yes, I’ll wade with you. But not until they finish eating.” I pointed at my lap.

Othniel nodded and began pacing. “Comet and Starfire. I wonder if their pups have sky names too.”

Comet looked at him, then straight up at me. I glimpsed her pink tongue when she chattered, and as soon as she stopped, I said, “Moonlight and Midnight,” pointing at the white baby and the solid black one in turn. “Comet says Moonlight will look like Starfire when she grows up.”

The boy gave me an appreciative look. “I can only understand Starfire. Guess I need to keep you around to translate for Comet.”

My heart gave a happy skip. “I bet you could understand them if you really tried. You have magic too.”

“No, I don’t.” He turned sharply to meet my gaze. “I can’t have magic.” Then he paused, looking confused. “I mean . . . it would be dangerous if other people found out.”

“Oh!” I returned his stare, then gave him a sympathetic nod. “My father would be horrified too. He only let my auntie bring me here on holiday because most of the resort guests aren’t magical.”

Comet hopped off my lap and turned back to chatter at her pups. They seemed uncertain how to climb down, so I carefully helped them to the ground and watched them patter away after their mother. “Goodbye,” I called softly. Starfire gave me a nod and a farewell squeak, then followed his family into the shrubbery. I sighed, wondering if I would ever see them again.

“C’mon.” Othniel beckoned and set off along the nearest path. “It’s not far.”

“Wait up!” I scrambled to my feet, followed him up a forested slope, then half ran, half slid down a gradual bank to reach a large pond that reflected willows, birches, and other trees I couldn’t name. Its shore was sandy and clean. Othniel had already discarded his jacket, socks, and shoes, so I eagerly pulled off my sneakers. We waded and splashed in the cool water, chasing little fish, and frightening a few frogs.

“Do you like animals?” he asked. “I mean, besides cinder sprites?”

“Very much.”

“I have a horse, but indoor pets aren’t allowed. So, I have outdoor pets my parents don’t know about.” He grinned, his eyes twinkling.

I couldn’t help smiling back. “I would like a horse, I think. A small one. My auntie says having animals in the house is unsanitary, but I’ve always wanted a bird, or maybe a cat.”

Before he could respond, something out in the lake made a great splash. “What was that?” I backed toward the shore, staring at the approaching ripples.

“How do you feel about water animals?” Othniel hadn’t moved. “I mean, like fish or salamanders?” Waves lapped around his legs.

I put on a brave face. “I’ve never seen a salamander, but I think fish are interesting. Mostly I’ve just eaten them though.”

“What about snakes or eels?”

I shrugged, trying my best not to shudder. “I guess I wouldn’t mind them if they don’t bite.”

“Good.” His grin reappeared. “I want to introduce you to my friend, who’s not really a pet. For a lake monster, he isn’t large. He’s young, I think. He likes to show up wherever I am if there’s enough water.”

A thrill ran through me, part excitement and part fear. “He’s a magical monster?”

“Quite,” he answered with conviction.

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