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Noah scrubbed his hand over his face, his frustration swelling with each breath. “Why not? They didn’t choose to come here. And now they’re stuck, according to the scientists. We’re all stuck. And everything is broken. And I may never be able to go home.”

Meredith put her arms out, and Noah stepped into her embrace. He rested his head on her shoulder. As much as he constantly disappointed his parents, they were his parents, and they were supposed to tell him that everything would be fine. They wouldn’t, though. His mother would tell him to stop worrying and to get on with it. Without offering any practical advice on how to do it. At least Meredith helped nail down the practicalities.

“They grounded the planes because of dragons and other flying things. The runways were also damaged. It won’t be this week or even next month, but air travel will resume. People smarter than you and me will figure things out.”

“But it’s never going to be how it was.” And even though some countries were busy killing the mythologicals, that didn’t change the fact that they were there, and those countries would forever have blood on their hands.

“No, I have no idea what it will be like. Perhaps we’ll end up with vampire doctors.” She laughed and released him. “I’m going to call my boss and tell him about Silas and the missing dragon and the need to take action.”

“And about talking to the mythologicals so they can learn English.”

“Teaching them English is pretty low on the list.”

“You need more translators, more who can communicate. Maybe the werewolves can help find people trapped under rubble.” He shrugged. “Assuming they have a dog-like sense of smell.”

“You’re also assuming that humans trust them.”

Humans or cops? Or both? Or was it Meredith who didn’t trust them?

“I’m going to call Liam. We’ll meet him at the checkpoint. Can you make sure that Nan and I get a pass or something to be allowed through without a hassle? I’m guessing Silas will need something, too.” The ring on his finger wouldn’t mean anything to the cops.

Meredith gave him a look. “Anything else?”

“Food for the dragon?” Or was that pushing it?

“Already on my list. Go in and pack up.”

Noah took two steps away.

“For the record, I don’t like this,” Meredith said in her official voice. “You might be eaten by a dragon or used in a sex demon ritual.”

Noah grinned and put his hand to his forehead. “Oh no, however, will I cope? A hot sex demon wants to fuck me.”

“Noah, take this seriously.”

“I am.” And couldn’t promise to say no if Pan did want to fuck.

“Fine. Stay in contact, though I can’t promise help.” Meredith shooed him away. “And come back alive. I do not want to be calling my sister with that news.”

If he died, at least he wouldn’t be the one making that phone call.

“I promise that not dying is at the top of my list.” He ducked back into the pub before Meredith could say anything else.

He texted Liam that Operation Dragon Hunt was going ahead and that they’d meet at the checkpoint.

Yes! I’ll see you in thirty.

In the kitchen, Nan and Pan were loading up his backpack. Pan was telling her about vampires, explaining the difference between the blooded and unblooded and how blood changed them and allowed them to use blood magic, which was different from the magic that elves used.

Pan glanced up and smiled at him. “Are you able to look for the dragon?”

He made it sound as though Noah needed permission to go looking for the dragon.

“She’s worried we’re all going to end up eaten.” Which wasn’t the whole truth, but it was near enough.

“The scared and hungry dragon by your door is more likely to eat you at this point,” Pan said, as though that was reassuring.

“The butcher said he’d bring something over when he’s done sorting out his shop. He’s got no power, so the meat is going to spoil, and he doesn’t want it going to waste.”