Zarek looked from the smirking Syris to the innocent-looking Tanith, and finally to Roxy, who was currently covering her mouth to muffle her uncontrollable giggles.
Zarek grumbled, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
But he didn't toss the child into the lake. He merely stepped over her with a heavy sigh, marching toward the porch. "Keep the scaled menace away from my boots."
Roxy scooped Tanith up, kissing the toddler's pale, scaly cheek. "You are a brave little menace, aren't you?" she cooed, while Drax snickered behind her.
That morning's chaos, however, was merely a prelude to the storm that was about to descend upon the Iron-Wood Manor.
The news of Roxy's return did not stay contained within the forest. It hitched a ride on the wind, carried by passing merchant caravans, migrating flocks, and the silent air of the Beast World.
It traveled to the frozen peaks of the North, the humid swamps of the South, the sprawling plains of the East, and the rugged coasts of the West.
