Before the night sky had turned to grey, the sound of Mikey’s shrill keening woke her. Wrapped in her quilt, she tiptoed into the bedroom and lay against his trembling form, stroking his back until he relaxed. His breathing slowed and her thoughts went back to Elaaron’s words. What compelling truth was she was supposed to find? I’m no scientist or philosopher. The last thing in her mind before sleep claimed her was an image of the griffin reduced to a size she could pat.
The following evening, Mikey could have eaten his dinner in the banquet room and slept in his tower. He did neither. His mood was foul. He sulked and spat obscenities. He giggled until he shrieked. In her apartment, Irenya faced him over dinner. He threw his food around the room. She removed his dinner tray and wished she
