Page 42 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

“Okay.” Percival glanced at the door, his curiosity piqued. What was Leo’s twin like? Were they close? And how was he unwell?

Leo made the tea and put together a plate of food. Strangely, he was silent as he did so. Perhaps because he was worried about his twin. Leo then lit a candle and put it all on one tray. “I’ll be back in a second.”

Then he walked to the door, knocked, and entered. He closed the door behind him. Percival stared at the door, hearing the low murmur of voices.

Percival turned to Ebony. “Do you want more food?”

Ebony shook her tail feathers. Percival got up and grabbed more seed. He held out his hand, and she pecked whilst the voices continued to murmur behind the closed door. Ebony finished all the seed and began to preen.

The voices continued. A few minutes later, Leo returned.

“How is your brother?”

“Fine.” Leo smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks for waiting. Ready to go to bed?”

Percival rose. “Yes.”

They’d be in the same bed again. Would they hold hands like they had last night? Percival wanted that. And more! But would Leo want more?

Leo walked to his door. He paused, hand on the handle. “Are you happy to sleep in the same room again? I can sleep in Jasper’s room if you’d prefer to?—”

“I want to sleep with you.” Percival took a step closer. He reached out and touched Leo’s wrist. “In the same bed.”

Leo stared at him. Something hung heavily in the air. Did Leo feel it too?

“All right.” Then Leo turned the handle and opened the door.

Chapter

Nineteen

Percival followed Leo into the room. His heart thudded in his chest. The thought of lying beside Leo, of touching him, kept spinning round and round his head until he felt light-headed.

If Percival kissed Leo, would he welcome the kiss? Or push Percival away?

“I suppose I don’t need to light a candle, since you glow,” Leo said.

“Does it bother you?” Although, if it did, there wasn’t much Percival could do.

At least he didn’t think there was. As far as Percival knew, he couldn’t dim his glow. But then, he hadn’t known he could heal Ebony before he’d done it. He’d just felt like he could, like a bone-deep instinct.

Percival really should try to learn about his powers. He needed to get a grip on them. And he should definitely try to shift. But that was something to think about another time. Not now when he was alone with Leo in his room.

“Actually it’s pretty handy. We’ll probably save money on candles and lantern oil.” Leo laughed. “You give off a lot of heattoo. It was nice lying beside you last night. I didn’t even need a bed-warmer.”

“I’m glad I can be of use,” Percival said.

Ebony flew into the room and landed on top of the dresser, the same spot she’d slept in the night before. Leo shut the door.

Percival stared up at Ebony. “I suppose it’s nicer for her to sleep inside, especially during the winter.”

Outside, the wind battered against the window.

“Night, Ebony,” Leo said.

But she’d already closed her eyes.

Leo chuckled. For a few seconds, they stood watching her, side by side.