We were still laughing as we made it to the living room where Tegan stood beside the couch bouncing on her toes—No, wait. Not bouncing with excitement. She’s trying to keep herself awake. I frowned and glanced back up to Tenn, and seeing my own concern echoed on his face did not make me feel better. The smile Tim’s jokes had put on his face was nowhere in sight. He rushed to her and pulled her into his arms. She collapsed against him without hesitation and part of me wondered if she’d fallen asleep as Tenn ran his fingers through her black and purple hair. I dropped my shoes and sais on the ground in front of the fireplace and sat on the ledge. The warmth of the fire was comforting, and I suspected I was going to need it for this conversation.

The back door opened and closed, then I heard the familiar sound of dog paws tapping on the hardwood floor. I sat up straight and waited. Bentley strolled into the living room with Squishy, Albert, Olli, and all three of my boys on his heels. My boys ran straight to the bottom of the stairs and stared up, their dipstick tails whipping back and forth and their ears perked up. I watched their little nostrils flare like they were sniffing for me.

I grinned and threw my arms out. “Boys!”

In perfect synchronization, three heads snapped in my direction. They charged for me as a unit, and as they charged at me full speed, I relished in the familiarity of this moment. I slid onto the floor and let them pile into my lap with wagging tails and happy licks on my arms and face.

“They were clawing at your door when they heard Olli howling out back, so they were released from their prison,” Bentley said with a laugh. “Hope that’s okay?”

“Yes, thank you very much, Bentley.” I smiled up at him and held my hand out. “Come here, boys. We’re cuddle-puddling over here.”

It still blew my mind that Squishy’s fur was soft to the touch despite being covered in flames. Seelie magic was wild. Squishy climbed up on the ledge behind my head and lay down, resting his snout on my shoulder. Albert threw himself into my side, then flopped onto his side. I’d never seen a sad dog like this before. He was grieving Braison just like a person would, where he was a happy dog until he suddenly remembered he wasn’t here. I must have still carried Braison’s scent because I seemed to be the reminder for him still. Olli walked between my legs, between Houdini and Bobokins, and flopped onto his back so his pink belly was up. He particularly liked being in the middle of the puddle.

Bentley chuckled softly. “You have almost the same effect on dogs as Chutney.”