Page 64 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

Most days, she came by at some point to check in on them. And whenever Percival decided to shift and fly, she somehow knew and always turned up. It was as if she wanted to ensure he was safe. Or perhaps she didn’t trust him not to get lost. She was like a mother bird worried about her chick.

And every day, Ebony always came home each night. Although, the times varied. She’d tap on the window when she was ready to be let in. Sometimes Leo and Percival were already asleep. Or in the middle of something.

“Ready to go to work?” Leo asked, pressing a kiss to Percival’s cheek.

Percival nodded.

As Leo, Percival, and Jasper entered the bakery, Kit and Lachlan came over to them.

Kit kept glancing towards the front area of the bakery.

“What’s wrong?” Leo frowned.

“Percy, there is an imp here waiting for you,” Lachlan whispered.

Jasper walked to his stool and sat. “We aren’t even open yet.”

“I know,” Lachlan said. “But he knocked on the back door, asking for Lord Percival Everflame. He says he knows you.”

“He must be from my previous life.” Percival took a step to the side, trying to get a look at their visitor.

An imp sat at one of the tables, holding a cup of tea. Percival waited for some feeling of familiarity or recognition. But none came.

Who was he, and why had he come searching for Percival? His stomach clenched.

“I told him he could wait for you to arrive,” Lachlan said. “I hope that’s okay.”

The imp sipped his tea.

Percival swallowed. “I should probably go talk to him.”

“I can come with you if you like,” Leo offered.

“Yes. Please.” Honestly, Percival just wanted to bury his past life. He wanted this fresh start with Leo. He didn’t want reminders of his old life and the mean phoenix he’d been. But if he did have to face a part of his past life, he wanted Leo by his side.

Percival took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Chapter

Thirty

Shoulders locked and hands clasped before his stomach, Percival approached. He held his breath, taking in the imp’s leathery red wings and long dark horns.

Still, Percival felt no stirring of recognition.

As they drew closer, the imp looked up. He tensed, jumped to his feet, and stood straight. He bowed his head. “Lord Everflame.”

Percival’s breath caught in his throat. “You… You don’t have to call me that. And you don’t have to bow.”

The imp’s eyes widened. “Of course, my lord.” He looked as if he was about to bow again but stopped himself just in time.

“You don’t have to call memy lordeither. You can just call me Percival or Percy even.”

The imp didn’t speak, as if not sure how to address him now. But after a second, he inclined his head in acknowledgement.

The two stared at each other. He felt like the imp expected Percival to take the lead. But Percival had no idea what to do. He glanced at Leo.

Leo held out a hand. “Why don’t we sit.”