Page 97 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

“There! I think that’s finished.” Percival wiped his hands on his apron as he surveyed his pie.

“Well, then it’s time to put them into the oven.” Leo opened the oven door.

Percival placed the pies in. Then Percival walked over to his cousin. Leo hung back, not wanting to overwhelm Cyprian.

“How is the mashed potato coming along?” Percival asked, softening his voice.

Cyprian glanced at Percival before his eyes darted away. “It’s okay. Do you think it’s okay?”

In the past few days, Cyprian had been helping out in the bakery, often working with Leo. He was settling in. There was even talk about Cyprian working in the bakery permanently.

Leo didn’t get the sense Cyprian was plotting anything nefarious. Honestly, the phoenix acted like a stray dog, startling easy and constantly uncertain. Percival thought it might be because Cyprian was so used to being controlled. And now he didn’t quite know what to do without that constant pressure pushing down on him.

Hopefully, he’d adjust in time and come into his own.

“I had a taste of the mashed potato just then, and it’s really good,” Trent said. “Cyprian’s doing an excellent job.”

Cyprian ducked his head. “Thanks.”

Wiping down the counter, Trent stood beside Malachi, the siren horticulturist he’d been seeing.

Malachi tossed a salad. The tentacles growing from his head writhed. Trent wore a black robe with thick blue tentacles, the same colour as Malachi’s tentacles, embroidered on top.

Leo felt a whisper at the back of his mind. He turned towards the window. Ebony landed on the windowsill. Leo went to grab his coat and some seed. He walked to the door, passing Lachlan, who knelt and patted Kit on the floor.

Leo stepped outside and was about to shut the door when Percival appeared.

“Can I join you?” Percival asked.

“Always.” Leo took his hand.

They stood in the snow, watching Ebony peck at the seeds.

Percival touched the cord around Leo’s neck. He tugged the necklace from beneath Leo’s coat. “I like this on you.”

Leo had fashioned a necklace out of Percival’s and Ebony’s feathers. He’d made it, uncertain if it would look okay. But he liked the idea of wearing the feathers of the phoenix he loved and his raven familiar.

Percival ran his fingers along the feathers.

“I’m glad you think so.” Leo reached into his pocket and pulled out a parcel wrapped in brown paper and ribbon. “Because I made you one as well. Merry Christmas.”

When he decided the necklace looked good, he thought Percival should have one too. Leo had planned to give it when the family exchanged gifts later that day. But right now, when it was just him, Percival, and Ebony, felt too perfect.

“Really?” Smiling widely, Percival took the package. He unwrapped it and held it up. “We’re going to be matching!” Percival handed Leo the necklace and then turned his back. “Can you put it on?” He lifted his hair to the side.

Leo’s fingers brushed the nape of Percival’s neck as he tied the cord. “There.”

Percival turned to him. “What do you think?”

“It looks perfect on you.” Leo grinned.

“Thank you, Leo. And Merry Christmas.” Percival pressed a kiss to his lips.

“Merry Christmas, Percy.”

They turned to watch Ebony eat.

Leo took Percival’s hand, enjoying the warmth he gave off. “You know it’s been less than a month since we met. So much has happened since then.”