Andvari and Loch both nodded. “We will be back soon.”
Draco stood with Saeward, his hand around Ward’s shoulder, holding him close as he spoke quietly.
“Hey,” Sawyer said.
Ward turned his attention to Sawyer.
“Go for a swim. I’ll be out soon, okay? Draco, stay with him please.”
Draco started to protest, but Sawyer sent him a sharp glare and he nodded.
Within moments, he’d cleared the room of all but himself and Cecil.
“They won’t stay away long,” Cecil said gently.
“Good, because I don’t want them to. Question, did I make you promise not to tell me when I was right about something? So if I say, I’m the god of metal, can you say yes?”
“Yes.”
“So am I?”
“Yes, Sawyer.”
“Right. The raven thing threw me off. I mean, birds equal air, you know?”
“Not always.”
“I suppose.” Sawyer drummed his fingers against the counter. “I’m missing something.”
Cecil smiled and took another sip of his bourbon.
“Smug is not a good look on you, Sissylt.”
Cecil shrugged, coy as ever.
“I just want answers.”
Cecil turned and glanced outside. A raven squawked loudly, drawing Sawyer’s attention. The trees were alive with them once more, but this time, he was comforted by their presence. Cecil turned to him and he got another of those significant looks. “So ask the questions.”
Sawyer drummed the counter again, a steady rhythm. He took a drink of his smoothie before taking the glass with him outside. He looked up, then back at Cecil, then back at the birds again. “I have questions.”
One of the ravens, a large one flew toward him and Sawyer put out his arm in time for it to land on him. His sister relied on her hellhounds for so much, but they were shifters. Meshaq was a man as well as a hellhound. He could be spoken to, and he could answer.
“I don’t know the questions. And I don’t know how this works. But I really need some help. Can you help me?”
The bird cawed in his face before flying away.
Sawyer wasn’t sure what to expect. He kept looking at the sky, as if some miracle answer would fall from the heavens and land on his head. A big thunk and he’d have the answers. And probably a headache. But it would be worth it.
Cecil stood beside him, shoulder to shoulder.
“You hate this, don’t you?” Sawyer asked.
Cecil leaned into him slightly. “I love seeing you happy. And your mates make you happy. For all that has happened, I would not change your happiness.”
Sawyer grunted. “Not worth it if it has caused so many others so much pain.”
“Their journeys are their own. You cannot control the threads of fate, just as your brother cannot force you to hide away here and wait for him to come to you.”
