I head downstairs and find him completely clothed again. Oh good, he isn't exposed and ashamed like earlier.

I spot Thando and Lyla walking towards us. Behind them was a rather small looking gargoyle. It skids to a halt and looks up at us. Its eyes widen when it sees Julian. The small gray gargoyle runs up to him.

"Master Julian! It's you! I haven't seen you in years" It says in surprise.

Julian looks down and his eyes widen. "Skipper? What on earth are you doing here? Who sent you? He asks bending down and picking him up.

"Why your mother sent me. Last night she could sense how strong you got. She said she couldn't be any more proud of you" Skipper says with glee. He leans toward him and wraps his little arms around his neck.

Julian laughs and hugs him close. "I'm glad she did. I never meant to leave for that long. She must have been worried sick. I just wanted to go on my own" He sighs shaking his head.

Skipper's yellow eyes trail up to me and he squeals. "Oh! This is must be your fancy bit. She's quite lovely and strong. Nothing better for our lovable socially awkward prince" he teases Julian.

Julian awkwardly sets him down and quietly laughs to himself. "Oh, you jokester you...he's quite the humorous one..." he chuckles nervously.

I find myself laughing with Lyla and Thando hushes us.

"Now, now. You've all have to get going soon. I apologize for not addressing the problem earlier. Fear had taken over my mind and I didn't want anyone to worry. At last, everyone is safe and sound. The beast is no more" she celebrates raising her cane in the air.

Lyla rolls her eyes and turns around, waving a hand to Cia and Mika. Silvaus trails behind them. His eyes widen as he spots us.

"Oh, you're alive! That's good. I don't know how Ophira would have been able to handle to not getting up at all" he teases. I roll my eyes and Julian frowns. "Well she decided to assault me this morning so that's fine" he answers him. "Oh, typical. She used to do that to me when she was younger. I could never sleep in" Silvaus laughs. I roll my eyes at them and snort.

Cia laughs and Mika narrows her eyes at me. "You attacked him this morning?" She asks, giving me a look. I huff and turn my head, crossing my arms. "Oh please, he's fine. We both can heal pretty quickly. Besides, it was a loving tackle."

"Knowing you...that was assault" Julian adds. I glare at him and he winces. "I'll give you something to call assault, pretty boy" I growl balding a fist. He snickers and takes a step back. "Man, you mean?"

***

We were on our way back to Azer Town. My worry about what's to come had faded in the back of my mind. I know Ophira said she doesn't care but I don't know how long werewolves can hold grudges. I just hope there's an agreement to be made.

Skipper is barely holding onto my shoulders. He's passed out and snoring on my head. Typical mini gargoyle behavior. I'm overjoyed to see him though. It had been forever since I was at home. I wonder how everyone's doing?

We finally found ourselves back near Ophira's house. She fastens the key in the keyhole and opens the door. Everything is as it should be.

She races to the couch and throws herself on to it. With a sigh, she spreads her body out. "I'm home! Free from the hold of being homesick!" She yawns triumphantly.

I gently place Skipper down next to her and sit down in between them. Silvaus waves goodbye and closes the door. We're back at last. I couldn't feel more relieved.

"I did miss being huddled up in here and watching whatever weird nonsense you left on" I whisper. Ophira gazes at me then rolls her eyes. "Of course you would say that. You've been neglected of any modern technology for the past week or so" she answers with a small smile.

I grin and close my eyes. For a split second I could have sworn I heard Skipper mumble something. I open my eyes and look down at him. He's still fast asleep. I look up at Ophira and narrow my eyes. "Now that we're back...does that mean I can sleep in your bed," I ask playfully, winking at her. I then wiggle my eyebrows and she slowly blinks at me.

"Is that flirting or are you just being stupid?" She questions glaring at me.

      "It can be whatever you want it to be."