Page 19 of The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish
Michael tilted his head. “Okay.” He smiled.
Grady gestured to Uzoth.
For a second, Uzoth didn’t move. Then he flew down, landing further away than usual, as if worried he might scare Michael. But Michael did not look scared, just curious now that Grady had told him Uzoth was in fact friendly.
“Michael, this is Uzoth.” Grady walked towards him.
Uzoth gave a slight bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Michael stared at Uzoth with obvious interest.
“We’re going to bake a cake,” Grady said. “Want to join us?”
Uzoth’s gaze moved between them. “As long as my presence is not a hindrance.”
“Of course not. Come on.” Grady led the way into the bakery. “Ordelia and Tony are sick, so Michael is staying over tonight.”
“I hope she is not too unwell,” Uzoth said.
“She’ll be better tomorrow.” Grady glanced at him. “She has a healing affinity. Means her baking heals those she cooks for. But it also means she can sense how long an illness should last.”
“I see.” Uzoth stood to the side.
Grady placed Michael on the counter. “What sort of cake should we make?”
“A chocolate cake!”
Grady began to pull out equipment and ingredients. “Yum.”
“Do all witches have an affinity?” Uzoth asked.
“Not all do. And it’s not really understood why some witches develop an affinity and others don’t. Some believe a witch’s affinity is a reflection of their character. But no one knows for sure,” Grady said. “Out of my siblings, about half of us have an affinity. Mine’s protection. Ordelia’s is healing. Cas’s is spreading joy. Jack’s is nourishment. And whilst we are all hearth and kitchen witches, Lachlan has a strong affinity for it.
“But the others might find their affinity still. They also might not have one.” Grady placed the last of the equipment beside Michael. “All right, let’s bake.”
Grady talked Michael through the steps. Michael threw himself into baking with gusto, although he ended up covered in ingredients and dough. Grady smiled at him, pleased to pass on the skills that had been passed down through generations. Maybe one day, Michael would pass the knowledge on to the next generation.
Most of the time, Uzoth just silently watched them. He did not seem bored or impatient. And anytime Michael was done with a wooden spoon or ingredient, he handed it to Uzoth, who cleaned it and put it away.
“And how is it?” Grady asked when they had finished.
Michael chewed, crumbs and frosting on his lips, cheeks, and chin. “Is good,” he said through a mouthful of cake.
Grady and Uzoth packed up as Michael continued to eat. His hoofed feet swung back and forth as they hung off the table. He hummed a Christmas melody.
“All right.” Grady surveyed the kitchen. “I think it is time to go upstairs and get ready for bed.”
Michael wiped his dirty hands on his trousers and lifted his arms. Grady picked him up, and they left the bakery.
In the apartment, Grady unrolled a mat for Michael to sleep on in his room.
“Will you read to me?” Michael asked from the main room.
Grady rose and walked to the door, words forming on his lips. But Michael held the book up to Uzoth. Uzoth stared down at the boy. Grady held his breath.
“Yes. I can do that.” Uzoth took the book and sat in his usual chair.
Michael climbed into his lap. Uzoth stared down at the crown of Michael’s horned head for several seconds, as if uncertain what to make of this young faun child on his lap.
