Page 69 of Myths and Manuscripts
“About time!” Gran shouted from behind me. “But don’t think you’re all going to fit in here. I’ve got a business to run, you know.”
I laughed, glancing over my shoulder at her. She was beaming with joy, happier than I’d seen her in years. She was the best Grandmother I could ever ask for and it was about time I started listening to her about love.
“Let’s go back to your book,” I said. “I’m sure we can find somewhere for us all to write together.”
Thorne’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, I think something can be arranged. Roan mentioned that hot springs are a good place to gather your thoughts, and I know the perfect inn to visit. It’ll be like a writing retreat for us.”
Hot springs, Thorne, and writing?
Nothing had ever sounded sweeter.
Chapter 29
Willow
After a lot of debate, we decided that going back inside the book was the best plan for finishing this series. It would give us a little extra time to write while being grounded in the source material. Plus, it was their home, and I liked it there, too. There was a magical quality to their world that just couldn’t be replicated outside.
Nyssa and Oren had grumbled about it, but the library had thankfully overruled them. Misty believed I’d get out when I really wanted to, just like the last time.
Which was how we’d ended up at this beautiful hot springs inn, walking down the rich wooden halls on the way to our rooms. A faint mineral scent drifted on the air, making me want to explore outside as soon as possible. The back of Thorne’s hand brushed against mine, sending a pleasant shiver through me. This was the first time I’d fought with a guy and actually kept seeing him. Usually when we called it quits, that was it.
Thorne was too important to let go of that easily though. I laced my fingers through his, securing him to me. His eyes widened, but before I could say anything our hostess stopped.
“This will be your room for the duration of your stay,” she said. “Staff will bring meals three times a day at the appointed times, but feel free to visit the springs whenever you’d like.”
She slid two large pocket doors open to reveal a room that looked like it was meant for a large group. Dark wood flooring stretched out in front of us with cushions scattered everywhere and at least six futons stacked in the corner. A table in the middle already had snacks on it with a steaming pot of tea ready to drink.
The hostess bowed like she was about to leave us there, but I turned back. “Wait, we’re all staying together?”
She paused, glancing at Leo with a confused expression. “I thought that’s what you wanted?”
“Absolutely.” Leo grinned. “It’ll be a great team-building experience. Nothing like sharing the same space to get in each other’s minds and really work together well.”
That was so not how life worked, but I didn’t have the heart to crush his excitement. Besides, staying in the same room as Thorne wouldn’t be too terrible... I glanced over at him, but his shadows were already filling the room as a deep sigh escaped his lips.
“I never should have let Leo handle our reservations.” He glared at the hero before turning to me. “Sorry about this. I can get you a room for yourself if you want.”
Dain stepped closer, fist over his heart. “Leave it to me, my lord. I’ll resolve this matter quickly.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” Leo asked, leaning Dawnbreaker against the wall. “What do you think?”
The sword hummed, glowing faintly as its words reverberated through us. “I think I’m going to rust if we stay here too long. Where we sleep doesn’t matter.”
Inkheart swooped in front of us.Didn’t think a holy sword would be scared of a little steam. Just wait until you fall in love, then you’ll really be in trouble.
While Dain and Thorne glowered at the room, everyone else started settling in. Even Cinder hopped from cushion to cushion,arriving at a small plate of hay the staff must have left just for her. It was sweet and I couldn’t picture a better place to write this last book in.
“It’s perfect.” I squeezed Thorne’s hand softly. “I usually write alone, but this will make sure I’m surrounded by wonderful people. I love it.”
Leo beamed at me from across the room. “See? I knew she’d like it! So get on board, shadow boy.”
“Shadow boy??” Thorne’s voice rumbled as his shadows coiled around Leo, practically drowning him in darkness until Dawnbreaker lit up to banish them.
The hero held up his hands, laughing. “I’m sorry! Let’s just get along and work on the book, okay? Where should we start?”
Thorne pulled my manuscript out from his robes. “You start by reading this. You and Dain need to catch up before we can talk.”
I frowned. “Don’t you mean all of you do? You only read the last chapter I wrote.”
