Chapter 26- A Talk With a Book

I opened my eyes and could see the sun coming up. For the first time in a while, I had gotten a goodnights sleep and had slept the entire night. I felt amazing. Like a whole new person. I looked over to where Clay was sleeping next to me. He peeked open one eye.

“How did you sleep?” he smiled through closed eyes.

“Wonderfully. No visits and no dreams.” I smiled again looking at the ceiling.

Yesterday we had come up with a plan for going to dragon’s lair. I knew today we would need to be speaking with my book, Alfred. I needed to know what Alfred knew about the maps and what he had though of our plan. I liked the plan except that we hadn’t checked with him yet. It made me uneasy like maybe there was something we were missing.

I heard Clay laugh through my thoughts and I looked at him. “I see you mind turned right back on once you woke up.” I laughed to since he was absolutely correct.
“I just really want to talk to Alfred first.” I told Clay.

“Alfred? Oh right, the talking book. Yea that is probably a good idea. We probably should have asked him first yesterday. I just kinda forgot about him.” Clay shrugged his shoulders.

“How exactly do you forget about a talking book? Like that one moment is forever etched into my mind.” I laughed and Clay laughed with me.

I would never describe my life as hard or sad. I had many happy memories, but even though the last three days had been full of hurtful truths and crazy worlds, my heart was truly the happiest it had ever been. I was in awe of just how easy this world had come to me.

Once we had calmed down from our laughter Clay kissed my neck. He nuzzled into my shoulder and whispered in my ear, “I love you Grace.” That was all it took to go ahead and give him a deep kiss. A kiss that told him just how truly happy I was. We used every inch of the bed and touched and kissed every part of each others bodies. I still could not believe he was mine forever.

When we were done with our fun we got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. I had gotten far too use to having food at my fingertips. I couldn’t imagine going on the journey without George.

“Can we take George with us?” I asked Clay in all seriousness. He laughed and then looked at me.

“Wait you are serious?” Clay replied. He thought about it for a moment. “I mean I would have to talk to my parents and to George. If he really wants to go. Actually, I was thinking about it this morning that we needed to create a small team to go with us. Not just you, me and Rose.” I couldn’t believe that he was ok with what I had just asked. I could see him mulling it over in his mind. “Let me come up with a list of people and see what you think.”

I was excited about this. I knew we would need more people than just the three of us. I also knew that everyone had a certain expertise. I was unsure of mine yet, since I was new to this whole world, but I knew that Clay was a fighter, strong and fierce. Rose was awesome with the maps and understanding the way to move around within the supernatural world. George would be an excellent cook.

“Good morning, everyone!” Rose called from the doorway. She had a huge smile on her face and looked like the sun had just opened up for her. Then I remember what day it was!

“Happy birthday Rose!” I yelled excitedly and rushed over to give her a huge hug.

“Thank you!” She gave a bow and everyone in the kitchen clapped. “I know we have the whole ‘save the world’ stuff to do, but can you go hang out with me just for a little today?” Rose begged. We had planned our celebratory big dinner out where we ended at our favorite ice cream place. The ice cream was amazing, and we always ordered the field of cream, which was 22 different scoops.

“I will make you a deal. Let me talk to Alfred this morning and run our plan by him. Clay needs to do some things,” I gave a side eye to Clay when he was about to protest, “and spending the day celebrating you is what I think I need.” I gave Rose another hug. I had some serious planning to do last minute and Clay was going to be my guy.

“*What was that look about?”* Clay mind linked me.

*”I need you to go get every type of ice cream they have at the store with every possible topping.”* I replied to him. I knew it wasn’t safe for us to go back home and that we would have to stay here. I was going to make this as memorable as I could.

*”Alright. Can I ask why?”*

*”I will explain later. Just please do it.” I begged in my mind.

*”Of course I will. Anything else?” He did not know what he was getting into.

*”Can you work on that list of people?”* I said being serious again.

*”Of course.” He kissed me on the forehead like we had just had this whole conversation aloud. Mind linking was one of my favorite things about being a wolf.
I turned to Rose, “What do you want to do today?” Rose clapped her hands excitedly. I could tell I was going to be in trouble.

“I want to show you around. We actually have the best shops and restaurants here. I have always wanted to take you to them but couldn’t. And now I can!” Rose was so excited.

“Okay, Just let me talk with Alfred first.” I knew I wouldn’t be able to relax and have fun till I knew our plan was hammered down.

“Okay, you go talk with the book and I will meet you in the living room in 30.” Rose answered, beginning her birthday breakfast. I grabbed Clay’s hand and pulled him with me to go talk with the book. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t the only one who heard what he had to say.

When we reached the library, I called out to Alfred. He came flying off the bookshelf once more.

"Hello, child. I see that you have become better acquainted with your wolf.” I was amazed at Alfred’s power of knowledge.

“How did you know?” I asked. I was so interested to find out how in the world Alfred worked.

“Child, I have known many wolves in my day. There is a certain aura of confidence you give off when your wolf and you are one.” This was an interesting tidbit that I did not know, I looked over at Clay to see what he thought, he simply shrugged.

“Alfred, I have a question for you.” I wanted to get straight to the point. I did have to go spend the day with my best friend.

“Child, you wish to know if your idea of getting into the Dragons Lair will be successful.”

“How did you know?” I questioned, again amazed by his perception.

“I was right on the bookshelf while you all chatted. You must be careful on listening ears.” Alfred said gravely. I was unsure if he meant other books or people within the walls.

“I will be careful. What do you think of the plan?” I did not want to be rude, and I had far more questions, but I did not want to get off on rabbit trails. I feel as if that would be an easy thing to do with Alfred.

“The plan is fine.”

“Fine?” Clay questioned this time.

“Well, it leaves much in doubt. One you do not know what the land of the dragons is like, what if you land in lava? Or what if you end up in the middle of the dragon’s court where they have human slaves fighting one another?”

“You mean like gladiators?” Clay asked. I could tell he was not as confident in his plan as he was the day before.

“Yes, the dragons like to keep to themselves, your father was correct. There is a reason why they took themselves off the map. It is frightening for those who are found trespassing.” Hearing Alfred talk like this made a shiver run down my spine.

“What do you propose we do then Alfred?” I asked cautiously.

“I propose that you write a letter to the king. The dragons hate the dark witches. Simply tell him why you are coming and what you need to do.” Alfred’s idea seemed far too easy, but it wasn’t far-fetched.

I turned to Clay, “If the dragons use to like supernatural beings, then a letter might be the best solution.”

“You want to just announce our arrival?” Clay seemed a bit uneasy with this plan. I could see his hesitation because it would completely ruin our act of surprise.
“If Alfred thinks this is the best idea, I think we need to take it.” I answered confidently. Maybe I had too much faith in Alfred, but the idea seemed a good one and one that would lead to allies instead of more enemies.

“Grace, we can do it that way, if you think it is best. We may be able to gain more allies in our fight.” Then Clay turned to Alfred. “How do we reach them by a note?”
Alfred replied quickly, “Send it off into the sky. It is the land of the dragons.”

Clay and I both proceeded to draft a letter.

To the Dragons,

We are writing you from the wolfpack Dream Moon. We are the home of the Golden Wolf. She has come to us and has been given the mission to defeat the dark witches. I am hoping we may unite together in this war to defeat them from the supernatural world once and for all. We would like to come to meet with you, the sooner the better.

Thank you for your time.

Clay (Alpha to be- Dream Moon Pack)

Clay and I folded the note and lifted it into the air. Immediately it was gone.

“Thank you, Alfred.” I closed the book and then turned to Clay, “Now to your sisters’ birthday!”