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A tiny man appeared out of a little door that opened in the kitchen wall. “Hello. I am Bakli.”

Cosmo gaped. The guy looked like a Christmas elf from an old cartoon. “Hello, Bakli. I’m Cosmo. And this is Corbin and Cullen.” They all bowed to the little man. “We were about to make milkshakes. Would you like some ice cream?”

Bakli reached into his hat and produced a mug the size of a thimble. “That would be welcomed.”

He was not going to giggle. Nope. Not even close. But that was the cutest thing ever.

“I’ll get making,” Cullen said, grinning.

“Thank you.” Bakli let Hawk lift him up to sit on the table, where he sat tailor style, nodding to all of them.

“Did Bakli help you find your hoard, love?” Cosmo asked.

“He did. He says he’s been here waiting for me to return, and for the house to fill with you and your brothers.” Hawk gave Bakli a warm smile.

“So you knew Hawk before?”

“Oh, yes. It was a bit disconcerting when the house came but Hawk stayed asleep elsewhere.” Bakli patted Hawk’s hand. “It is good to see him.”

“Thank you, friend. I’m overjoyed to be home with my mate.” Hawk drew Cosmo in, hugging him tight.

“I am glad.”

“So, does anyone want chocolate syrup?” Cullen asked. “Or do we want fruit?”

“I like cherry,” Cosmo said, raising an eyebrow at Hawk.

“I also like cherry fruit.”

“Sounds good,” Corbin said. “Bakli?”

“Oh yes. I very much like fruit.”

“Perfect! Fruit it is.”

“So, Bakli, it’s so nice to meet you.” He hadn’t even known there were house spirits to meet.

Bakli smiled at him. “It is also nice to meet you and to be able to come out and about. We weren’t sure if you were amenable to having non-dragons in the house.”

Cosmo winked at Bakli. “Well, we’re only half dragon, and we’re totally welcoming. Do you have a large family?”

“Yes, there is my husband and I, and we have seven children.”

“Oh my!” Seven? As in one less than eight. “That is a blessing worth of children.”

They were going to have to get toys for the children. After they found out how old they were, of course, but also how big, because that must be very small.

He would figure it out. They were smart dragons.

“It is a grand lot of children, but they are all good children. They are learning to help us with our jobs.”

“What jobs do you have?”

“We work for the home.”

Cosmo tilted his head a little confused, but more curious. “For the home? So you work for Hawk?”

“No. No. Mr. Hawk is our friend.”