Page 74 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

Does he hate this? Is he too scared?

Then a bark of laughter exploded from Leo. “This is bloody amazing!”

Percival glanced back. Leo’s hands were still tight around the pommel. But he looked around, eyes wide and filled with wonder. “It’s incredible, Percy! Fucking incredible!”

Percival trilled.

Leo pointed. “Look! There are the Christmas markets!” He pointed again. “There’s the city library.” Once more he pointed. “And over there is the palace! Can we fly over it?” Leo kept pointing out landmarks as they flew. He grinned, eyes sparkling.

Ebony flew beside them now. But Uzoth still flew below, ready to catch Leo. Percival took them all over the city and then to the city edge. They soared over the forest and the lake.

Leo patted the feathers in front of the saddle. “It’s beautiful, Percy. Thank you.”

Percival’s chest puffed up. He trilled. The two of them were flying. He took them higher over the forest, now that he was certain Leo wouldn’t panic.

He opened his beak wide, reaching for the heated core within himself. Orange and gold flames burst in front of him.

“Whoa!” Leo laughed. “Magnificent! You are magnificent, Percy!”

Percival shot more fire. Then he did it again and again, wanting to show off. Leo cheered him on.

Eventually, the sky began to darken. Percival dipped his wings, turning and taking them back. This time, he didn’t need Ebony to guide him. He’d learnt the way home.

They landed in the alley behind the bakery and the apartment. Leo let out a whoop and clapped as soon as he climbed off. Ebony landed on the rooftops.

“How did you find flying, Leo?” Uzoth asked as his feet touched the ground.

“Amazing.” Leo’s voice shook slightly as he removed the saddle. “Thanks for being there, Uzoth.”

“I am glad to assist. Although, I am also glad my assistance was not necessary.” Uzoth inclined his head.

Percival stepped away from Leo. He shifted into his human form with a burst of fire. He was getting very quick at that now. “So you enjoyed it? You weren’t scared?”

“I was terrified!” Leo chuckled, walking to Percival. “But then I got over that. It was incredible. Thanks for sharing the skies with me.” He gripped Percival’s arms. “You took me flying.”

“I’ll have to take you up again soon.” Percival smiled.

“I’ll hold you to that.” Then Leo pressed a kiss to his lips.

Percival dressed. His clothes were in a crate beneath the stairs, which had mostly been out of the snow.

The bakery door opened.

“Have fun, Leo?” Grady smiled. “You looked good up there with Percy.”

“It was incredible.” Leo grinned.

“I’m glad.” Grady clapped him on the shoulder. “Can you come help me get some supplies? We’re running low on a few things.”

“Do you want me to come too?” Percival did up his boots.

“Actually, could you help in the bakery?” Grady asked.

Percival hesitated. He and Leo always worked together. But it wasn’t a big deal. They’d only be apart for a short while. “Of course. I’ll see you all soon.”

Grady, Uzoth, and Leo walked off. Percival glanced up at Ebony. But she was already gone. For a second he stared up at the sky. He smiled. They’d flown. It had been everything Percival could have hoped for.

Still smiling, he entered the bakery and closed the door. Wulfric nodded at him, stirring something on the stove.