Sherry's Past (2)

Sherry's face fell. "But you just got back."

"I know, my sweet," Kael said. "We hate it more than you know. But when we return," he promised, "we will spend an entire week with you. No laboratory, no scrolls. Just us. We'll even visit the Shadow-Drake Hatcheries."

The promise of the hatcheries was a powerful lure. Sherry's pout lessened. "A whole week?"

"A whole week," her mother confirmed, kissing her forehead.

Sherry hugged them both tightly. Sebastian, who had appeared silently in the doorway, gently led her away. As she left, she glanced back.

Her parents were already turning back to the glowing table. Their faces were once again masks of intense concentration. Their world shrank back to the dangerous, secret work that always pulled them away.

The promised dinner was a quiet affair. Sherry sat between her parents at the long, darkwood table in the grand dining hall. Sebastian served the courses with his usual silent efficiency.