Page 92 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Trent looked down at Kelby on his palm.

Her white throat inflated as she stared back at him. “Ribbit.”

“Kelby, I’m so glad I met you. You’ve been a good friend.” Trent stroked her head. “You’ve been there for me through thick and thin. I’d be honoured if you’d be my familiar.”

“Ribbit.” Kelby sat still for a moment. Then she flung upwards, straight into Trent’s face.

Trent let out a startled cry. She clung to his nose and began to crawl up, over his forehead, and onto the top of Trent’s head.

Malachi laughed. “I think we can take that as a yes.”

“I think so too.” Trent smiled. “Kelby is my familiar!” He looked up but couldn’t actually see the frog settling in amongst his brown hair.

“I’m happy for both of you.” He kissed Trent on the cheek.

A short while later, they arrived at the Magic Bakery. The bakery had opened early that morning so customers could buy fresh baked goods for their Christmas meals. But now they had closed for the day.

“It looks so beautiful.” Cas clapped.

“You think?” Graal placed several baubles along the table.

The two were setting up the front room where customers normally ate. They’d moved tables together and now decorated.

“Merry Christmas!” Trent shouted as they entered.

“Merry Christmas,” Malachi said.

Cas and Graal greeted them in return.

Uzoth squatted on the floor beside Michael. He held Ruthie in his arms. Kit, in cat form, darted around them, entertaining them with his zooming antics. The children shrieked and giggled.

“I’ll put the presents under the tree.” Trent walked over and added their gifts to the pile.

“And where should I put these?” Malachi held up a couple of dishes.

Cas flew towards him. “What is it?”

“Traditional siren food. Fish stew and a seaweed salad.” Malachi cleared his throat. “I know it’s not really Christmas food. But they were favourites of mine.” He’d not eaten the dishes in years. Not since he’d left the ocean. They took effort to make, and he could never be bothered.

But Trent had encouraged him to make them. Although, maybe they should have made something more appropriate for Christmas. After all, he really wanted Trent’s family to like and accept him.

Cas peeked inside. “It looks wonderful!” He took the dishes and placed them on the table.

“I can’t wait to try them,” Graal said.

Some of the tension in Malachi’s shoulders uncoiled. “And can I help with anything?”

Trent had now taken the terrarium from the travel bag and placed it on a shelf out of the way. He was whispering to Kelby.

“If you go out back, I’m sure someone can put you to work,” Cas said.

A cacophony of Merry Christmases rang out from the Berry clan as Malachi and Trent entered the back area. Malachi was introduced to the few individuals he didn’t know, including a krampus named Kraghol, who Trent didn’t seem to know either.

“Can we help with anything?” Malachi asked.

“You can take the bread from the oven,” Leo said. “It should be ready.” He stood beside a man with red hair, who must be the phoenix Percy.

Malachi set to work. He removed the bread from the oven. He sliced cakes and tarts. He mixed salads. He plated dishes. He moved around the room, doing whatever was asked of him.