Page 4 of Magical Mischief

Miora’s magic was rapidly restoring the cottage, and Karvey and the other gargoyles were lending their silent, stony support with the heavy lifting.

“Maeve.” Amid the bustling repair, Twobble’s voice cut through, dripping with his trademark sarcasm. “You really should head to the Academy with Bella. It’s safer there. I wouldn’t personally know since nobody ever lets me inside, but…” He shrugged. “It’s what I’ve heard.”

I chuckled. “You’ll get there soon enough.”

Keegan’s eyes narrowed in concern as he regarded me. “It’s a thought. It is the safest place to be.”

“Time slips away inside the Academy.” I shook my head. “That makes me nervous, and I doubt we have time on our side when dealing with Shadowick and getting my dad back.”

A tense silence fell.

Nova’s gaze shifted between us, and Stella patted my hand.

“Maybe the Academy can offer some insight,” Stella said in a voice that blended hope and sorrow as she looked at me.

I shook my head as a stray tear threatened my solvency.

“Oh, darling. We’ll get him back.” Stella pressed her lips into a thin line.

I never would have guessed a vampire carried so much empathy, but her kindness never failed to surprise me.

“Not if I go inside the Academy and come out three weeks later.” I shook my head. “That won’t be helpful at all. We could lose him.”

“There’s no losing Frank,” Stella said with a wink. “He’s a stubborn one. Kind of like you.”

I smiled, but I couldn’t shake the anxiety of the unknown.

If I stayed inside the Academy walls, who knew how much time would pass and what would happen to my dad while I’m exploring the aisles and gaining knowledge?

Amid this chaos, every second felt precious. The wind moaned as if carrying secrets, and I could see the cottage’s repair work in progress. The rebuild was a miraculous tapestry of magic and determination, and that same resolve needed to be given in the search for my dad.

Twobble’s voice, light and irreverent despite the gravity, rang out again. “Maeve, you’ve got to head to the Academy with Bella, get her settled, and come right out.”

“Have you ever known me to come right out of the Academy?” My brows lifted as I walked toward the cottage.

I ran my hand through my hair, frustration and fear mingling as I thought about what lay ahead when I heard a soft, deliberate shuffle behind me. I turned to see Karvey, his stony face carved with years of silent vigil, gliding slowly over a rugged piece of stone.

Without a word, he extended a heavy, comforting arm, guiding me gently into the cottage’s doorway.

Miora snapped her fingers, and a flame filled the hearth that once again stood strong as it had for ages. My little haunt worked her magic like no other.

I followed Karvey and trailed my fingers along the cool, rugged surface of the stone.

For a moment, the chaos of our situation faded into the background.

The firelight danced off his chiseled features. He was more than just a guardian. He was a steadfast friend, a reminder that even in darkness, warmth and protection existed in the most unexpected places.

“I’m sorry we didn’t do more,” he said gruffly.

“What are you talking about? We’re all safe. The cottage is almost back to its perfect imperfections. You did exactly what you’re supposed to do.”

“But your safety was compromised...”

“Because I chose to stay.” I studied Karvey. “If it hadn’t been for you and the others, I wouldn’t have felt safe enough to stand up to Malore. I needed to do that. I needed to see who he was and what he was capable of, and I could only do that because I knew I had you on my side.”

“I see.”

“Sometimes,” I said softly, “safety is found in the smallest gestures.”