Chapter 54
Chapter
Fifty-Four
Winter
Iclutched Frank's bowl carefully to my chest as we walked down the hall to our new apartment. Horrace was wrapped around my neck like a living scarf, his tentacles occasionally patting my cheek in what felt like reassurance.
"Here we are," Fenric announced, stopping at a polished mahogany door with our names engraved on a small plaque beside it. Not just mine, but all of ours - Winter, Fenric, Zane, Rook, and Milo. The sight made something warm unfurl in my chest.
Fenric swiped a keycard, and the door swung open.
"Holy shit," I froze in the doorway, my mouth dropping open. "It's enormous."
The apartment wasn't just bigger than the old one.
It was practically a mansion compared to the cramped quarters we'd been sharing.
Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a spacious living room that flowed into an open kitchen with gleaming countertops.
Multiple doors led off to what I assumed were bedrooms and bathrooms.
"Bureau housing regulation 472-B stipulates that accommodations must be suitable for the number of occupants," Fenric explained primly, but I caught the pleased look in his eyes as he watched my reaction.
Horrace trilled happily and unwound himself from my neck, dropping to the floor with surprising grace.
He vibrated with excitement, his colors flashing through a kaleidoscope of bright hues.
The mini-skeletons emerged from Milo's pockets, joining Horrace as they scampered off to explore their new domain.
"Be careful!" Milo called after them, though his grin suggested he wasn't actually concerned.
I set Frank's bowl down on a side table, making sure he was secure before turning to take in more of our new home. My fingers brushed against the small bone shard in my pocket, its surface cool but somehow alive against my skin. The Oracle's mark on my forehead pulsed gently in response.
So much had happened so quickly. Just weeks ago, I'd been a nobody assistant librarian with a messy apartment and student loans. Now I was a prophecy vessel with the power to reshape reality, living with four incredible men who'd somehow become my everything.
Zane whistled as he explored the kitchen. "This is nicer than most luxury hotels I've stayed in."
Rook grunted in agreement, though I could tell he was already cataloging potential security risks and escape routes. Old habits.
The guys had started moving boxes in from the hallway, their movements efficient and coordinated even in this mundane task. I watched them, feeling unexpectedly emotional. These four impossible men had become my family, my anchors in the storm of prophecy and magic that had engulfed my life.
"Winter," Milo called from down a hallway. "Come see this!"
I followed his voice, navigating past stacked boxes and bags. Milo was standing in the doorway of what looked like the master bedroom, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
"Look at the bed!" he gestured wildly. "It's enormous! We could all fit with room to spare!"
He wasn't exaggerating. The bed was practically the size of my old living room, covered in plush pillows and a comforter that looked sinfully soft.
"I figured most nights we'd all end up in here anyway," Fenric appeared beside me, his ears tinting pink. "Though I've ensured everyone has their own room as well, for... private time if needed."
I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Thank you. This is perfect."
His arm settled around my shoulders, squeezing gently. "There's more. Come see."
He led me through the apartment, pointing out features with barely contained pride. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study lined with empty bookshelves waiting to be filled, and a balcony with a view of the park.
"And this," Fenric stopped in front of a small door I'd missed, "is something special."
He opened it to reveal what looked like a miniature apartment within our apartment - tiny furniture arranged in a perfect living room setup, complete with skeleton-sized chairs and tables. A smaller doorway led to what appeared to be additional rooms scaled for our tiny companions.
"You made them their own space," I whispered, touching his arm. "Fenric, that's so thoughtful."
He cleared his throat, looking embarrassed but pleased. "Bureau housing doesn't technically account for interdimensional entities or animated skeletal companions, but I made a compelling case for accommodating specialized occupancy needs."
Before I could respond, Horrace zoomed into the room, trailing excited mini-skeletons behind him.
They froze when they saw their custom living space, before erupting into what could only be described as skeletal squeals of delight.
Jeffrey immediately claimed the largest chair, posing regally as the others explored their new domain.
"I believe that counts as approval," Fenric observed dryly.
A commotion from the main living area drew our attention. Several Bureau agents had arrived with the last of our belongings, supervised by Zane and Rook. As we walked back to join them, Fenric's hand found mine, his fingers interlacing with mine.
"Thank you," I said again, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. "For all of this. For making us a real home."
Something softened in his silver-blue eyes. "You deserve it. All of you."
Without thinking, I stood on tiptoe and kissed him, not a quick peck, but a real kiss, deep and meaningful. He froze for a half-second before responding, his free hand coming up to cup my cheek.
I was vaguely aware of the Bureau agents pausing in their work, watching us with wide eyes. Fenric's reputation for professional distance was apparently well-known.
When we finally separated, Fenric's entire face had turned pink. He straightened his tie, clearing his throat loudly.
"That will be all," he announced to the staring agents. "Please complete the delivery in a timely manner."
The agents scrambled back to work, though I caught several exchanging meaningful glances.
Zane appeared beside us, his mismatched eyes dancing with amusement. "You broke Bureaucrat Fenric," he whispered in my ear. "I'm impressed."
"Worth it," I grinned, watching as Fenric returned to supervising the move-in with renewed vigor, occasionally touching his lips as if he could still feel my kiss there.
The Oracle's shard in my pocket hummed softly, almost like approval.