"She makes the best breakfast burritos I've ever had," Grant said, licking his lips.
"Ohhh, that sounds wonderful! May I have one of those?" Ellie asked.
Rheia nodded with Anne and Kendrick. "We'll take some as well."
"Porridge for us, please!" Nigel pleaded.
Stella chuckled. "Of course. Wee bairns like you need your sustenance. You be still growin'."
Neil blushed. "We're not children," he muttered softly.
Stella patted his cheek. "Aye, ya are."
Kendrick looked over at the twins, and Ellie noticed a sheen in his eyes. "You are both young, and you know it. There is no shame to it. Be proud of what you've accomplished in your short lives. Not just any paranormal can become a unit warrior," he admonished gently.
Both Neil and Nigel bobbed their heads. "We know. It's just hard being the youngest."
Kendrick's look became icy. "Have any of the other warriors been cruel?"
Stella's belly laugh was deep. "Look at you acting like a fierce older brother." She eyed Kendrick when his cheeks turned pink. "Aye, they look like you, too. Always did have a soft spot for redheads." She winked. "Be back with breakfast."
"They do look like Keelan," Anne said softly.
"Who is Keelan?" Ellie asked.
Kendrick turned to her. "My younger brother. He is also an unit warrior with the Alpha Unit."
"I heard he isn't well. Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
Anne shook her head. "It's more magical in nature I'm afraid."
"Meryn calls us her Baby Keelans," Neil volunteered.
Kendrick's mouth twitched. "That woman never ceases to surprise me, and that is saying something." He ruffled Nigel's hair playfully. "These two would follow me around Storm Keep like ducklings. I was always afraid I'd turn too quickly and step on them."
Nigel soaked up the attention. It was clear to see the twins hero-worshiped Kendrick. "Thanks to you, we passed our warrior exams."
Kendrick shrugged. "You would have passed without my help; you're both very smart." Neil's chest puffed out, and he elbowed his twin.
Ellie smiled at Neil. "I wanted to thank you for all you've done to help the children. From making our stones to creating the hospital, I know it couldn't have been easy."
Both witches ducked their heads at her praise. "We just did what we could," Nigel responded.
"What stones?" Kendrick asked.
Ellie fished hers out and passed it to him. "These allow us to float up and dow
n the tunnel without having to wait for an escort."
Kendrick's eyebrows rose, and he turned to the twins. "You two did this?"
They nodded. "The shifter warriors have a hard time getting around the city so we wanted to help. They are draining to make though," Neil answered.
"Very impressive, boys. Could you show me how to create these later? I would like to make some for Anne, Rheia, Colton, and Aiden."
Their eyes rounded. "Us show you something?" Nigel whispered.
Kendrick passed the stone back to Ellie. "Contrary to rumors, I don't know everything about magic...yet." He winked.