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The group casts the demon god a collective glance. To which, he runs his thumb across his lower lip. Uh-oh.

Envy sighs. “I know my face is distracting, but care to focus and share with the rest of this stellar clan?”

Malice lifts a taloned finger. “On one condition—what?” he asks when everyone groans. “So suspiciously suspicious. I haven’t even said anything yet. What do you take me for? A devil?”

“Malice needs paper,” Wonder translates, reading her soul mate’s expression. “He’s wearing his studious face.”

“You know me well, Wildflower.”

“Then say it, Demon.”

“For a start, anyone have a spare quill and a blank book?”

Andrew hustles from the dome, then returns with the notebook and pen he’d hidden in that stone crevice. Carefully, he rips out the pages filled with his and Love’s handwriting, tearing them neatly from the spine’s crease. Then he hands over the supplies. “Will these do?”

Malice accepts the notebook. “You know it, mate. But are you sure?”

“Why not? You carried it for me most of the time. I owe you.”

“I like being owed things.” The devil directs his wicked mien at Wonder. “Sooooo how many stars exist in the sky? How many legends came from them? And how many were stored in the Archives?”

“From centuries back?” she asks. “That number doesn’t exist, my love.”

“That makes for a ton of potential tales. Think there’s any wiggle room left?”

“To what end?” the butterfly ruler prods.

“And don’t leave out the good parts,” Envy requests.

A grin worms across Malice’s face. “I have an idea.”

***

None rest until they have a draft, with everyone contributing. Malice and Wonder are experts in this area, so they oversee the collaboration. They appoint Andrew as their partner, the trio taking turns transcribing the dictation.

Finished, they read it aloud. The abstract is rough, and it will take time to modify the contents, but that’s one luxury they have in abundance. And when they’re done, it’s going to be the longest mythical word count ever penned.

Silence fills the dais. Only one choice remains. Where to store this book?

Smirking, Malice jabs his thumb at Wonder. “Ask my favorite goddess. She might have a solution.”

Wonder taps the pen against her mouth, partially concealing a beam. “You might be right.”

After consenting to her proposition, the Court retires to the Palace of Starlight. A hodgepodge of eight remain, tasked with safeguarding the notebook. They say nothing more tonight, but just hug and bid one another farewell.

After yet another intermission, they’ll have a job ahead of them revising the draft, and then another job ahead of them restoring a certain former landmark. Wonder and Malice especially can’t wait for that. Envy’s pretty certain they’ll prove to be fussy generals, too. The notion makes him chuckle.

Again, a team of dragonflies offer rides. Out on the parapet, Love and Andrew hop onto one of the creatures and hoot, soaring toward her house. The same goes for Anger and Merry.

Sorrow hesitates beside Envy, one of her boot heels grinding repeatedly into the floor. “So, um. Enjoy sailing to the enclave.”

“What makes you think I’m not going to my house? And not by dragonfly?” Envy quips.

“Because I’ve spent three days with you. I’m hip to your tastes.”

“Yes,” he intones. “You are.”

That, and his transport is tethered at the lake.