“Not at all,” Noro said mildly. “We definitely agree about that. And apparently, we agree on more things than I thought.”
“What d’you mean?” Ramsay asked.
Noro hesitated, apparently regretting bringing it up. “Ah, nevermind, I’m not sure if this is the right time.”
But Eric was tired of secrets and being divided. If there was any time to stand together, it was now.
“Noro has feelings for Matheson,” Eric said.
“Oh.” Ramsay blinked. “Okay. That’s new.”
Colton tilted his white head, his ears perking with interest.
“You two don’t mind?” Noro asked, a rare blush coloring his tan cheeks.
Ramsay shrugged, some of his good-natured easiness returning to his face after the fight with Eric. “Nope. I mean, it’s already a big party with the three of us. Why not one more?”
Colton replied by wagging his tail in agreement.
“I mean, it’s up to Matheson, whether he feels the same way or not,” Noro replied.
“Great.” Eric clapped him on the back. “That’s just one more reason we have to rescue him, isn’t it?”
“Right,” Ramsay said firmly. “I’m done sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I’m ready when you are, Eric.”
Colton shifted, and spoke for the first time since Matheson’s abduction. “I am, too.”
“Thanks, you guys.” Eric smiled at the two of them, then turned to Noro. “Do you have our backs, Noro?”
“Yes. Absolutely. But actually, I’ve been thinking of a plan.”
“I’d like to hear it,” Eric said.
“My pride doesn’t know why I left,” Noro explained. “I told them it was my duty as magic Keeper. They don’t know that I know Matheson.”
Eric’s eyes widened. “I see. So you can return and keep an eye on him, protect him.”
“Exactly.”
“Good idea. It’ll be a big help to have someone on the inside, especially one who can fly and whose already familiar with the pride.”
Noro nodded and took on his gryphon form. His golden wings spread, and his muscles rippled beneath his tawny fur.
“I’ll go right away,” he said. “You gather reinforcements. I’ll do everything I can to get Matheson out of there on my own, but if not, we’ll do it together.”
Eric nodded, a dark shadow coming over his face. “If you have to leave me behind, then do it. I only care about his safety. Don’t forget that he’s carrying our child.”
“Never,” Noro said firmly. “He and the baby are my only priority.”
“Good.”
“The journey for a wolf should take two days, then you should rest up for a day in case there’s a confrontation. I’ll meet you outside by the mountain crest beneath the marble platform.”
Noro spread his wings and bunched his muscles, ready to take to the air, when Colton called out, “Wait.”
He approached Noro with sad blue eyes. “When you find Matheson, tell him I miss him, and that I love him.”
“Oh, me too,” Ramsay added with a sympathetic look.
