a piece of rare meat off a plate and swallowed it. “It seems my questions have been answered, but something is still not right. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’m sure the answer will present itself during some other series of moments. I’m sure we will speak again. Thank you.” The wolf vanished.
Celestria glared at Lasidious and belted out a wave of questions. “Do you think Mosley and the Book are putting the pieces of our plan together? Do you think they know we’re stalling? Are we losing our advantage? Do you think they know about our baby?”
The Mischievous One reclaimed his chair and pulled Celestria onto his lap. He answered with a soft voice. “If they knew anything, we would have been ended by now. They can suspect all they want. The Book can do nothing unless it has evidence we’ve broken a law. Our baby is safe, and we’re still alive. All we need to do it stay the course.”
The Mischievous One kissed Celestria’s forehead. “Soon, our baby will be old enough to command his power. Garrin will be able to take control of Gabriel with our help. Then, and only then, will there be nothing to worry about. It doesn’t matter if they seek the truth. By the moment they put it all together, it’ll be too late.”
The goddess cupped the Mischievous One’s face and traced his lips with her tongue. “Your confidence is intoxicating, my pet. Perhaps you should demonstrate more of it.”
Lasidious grinned. “Perhaps I will.”
Their lips met. Soft at first and then the pressure built as their heartbeats rose. Lasidious lifted Celestria off his lap, pinned his lover against the wall near the fireplace, and ... well ... fellow soul … the rest will be left to your imagination.
A New Peak has Fallen Across Western Luvelles
The Village of Gogswayne
Gage awoke and stretched his furry body. The badger jumped down from the serwin’s bed and then reached up to grab his cane off the top of the mattress. The badger’s body was given the moments necessary to recoup, and he was strong enough to venture out of Gallrum’s home.
Now, fellow soul ... allow me to tell you about Gallrum and the master he abandoned. As you know, serwin was the name of Gallrum’s race. But what you don’t know, their race occupied the forest of Shade Hollow. As a child, Gallrum was abducted from his village and bonded to a wizard named Balecut. Like many of those who occupied Gogswayne, Gallrum left his master and sought refuge to escape the abuse.
The absence of Gallrum kept Balecut from growing stronger. Yet despite the goswig’s absence, Balecut was still considered one of the most powerful wizards on Luvelles, third only to Brayson and Marcus. Gregory was also more powerful than Balecut, but the White Chancellor chose the path of a warlock and commanded a different form of the arts.
Unlike every other morning, Gage was alone. Gallrum was nowhere to be found inside his quaint, little home. The badger took a deep breath and opened the door. He was surprised by what he saw as he leaned against his cane.
If the badger would not have known they were underground, he would have sworn the village had been built on the surface. The magic here had to be strong. It appeared as if the village had its own sun. Plants grew, trees blossomed, and a gentle breeze passed through their branches. The ground was wet. It had just rained, and the patchy, gray clouds that floated by seemed to move along like any normal thunderhead.
Gallrum’s home was located at the end of a well-traveled pathway, and on each side of this path were many storefronts.
Gage adjusted his robe and began to walk. The structures appeared to be similar to Gallrum’s, though many were much larger, and sold most anything he could think of: flowers, furniture, food, elixirs, and many other items.
“You must be Gage,” a voice called out.
The badger redirected his attention. A large brown bear was approaching. “I am. You must be Strongbear. Gallrum told me about you.”
“I trust it was pleasant?”
“Most of it.” Gage grinned so the bear would know he was jesting.
“Wonderful.” Strongbear tossed the badger an item he had quilted. “I made you a blanket. I make everyone something when they arrive. I was hoping you’d be out today. I trust you’re feeling better.”
“I am.”
“Recovering after visiting the Ultorian’s city can be difficult. Come with me, and I’ll feed you.”
“I don’t know that