Book Five: Chapter 12

“What did you buy me?” Lily asked, then ran her fingers over the wood. “I’m guessing it was expensive.”

“I haven’t bought anything. Tink or Beth must have ordered it.” He made eye contact with Beth, who stood nearby with Sulyvahn.

“Wasn’t me,” she told him.

“Must have been Tink then?” He looked at the packing label, but it didn’t have a return address. “At least, I hope it was her.” His luck with random packages on his doorstep wasn’t great.

“Should we open it?” Lily asked, her tail appearing over her shoulder. It looked like she was going to wedge it into a gap in the wood when the crate shifted on its own. The party came to an abrupt stop as all eyes now rested on the mysterious delivery.

“I think we should definitely open it,” Mike said, taking a step back. “But not inside. And definitely not without backup. Everyone, stand back.” He held up his hands and walked in a circle. “I don’t want anyone getting caught up in this. Yuki, where are you?”