I planted my hands on my hips. “We can’t just go into a closed shop and steal tea.”
“You owned this shop,” Riven said.
“Oh, just get inside.” Herman used the tip of his nose to push me forward, and I stumbled into the shop.
“Surprise!” a chorus of voices rang out, all the sconces and candles alighting at the same time, making me jump.
My father, Morty, Layla, Althea, Draven, and many of my patrons stood inside the shop. My mouth dropped open, and tears sprang to my eyes at the thoughtful gesture.
“We wanted to throw you a goodbye party.” My father strode forward, kissing me on the cheek. “It was Riven’s idea.”
I glanced up at him. He smiled, dimples appearing. “I thought it was only fitting. A proper sendoff.”
“Yes, yes, now where’s the cake?” Herman flew over our heads, gaze swiveling back and forth.
“It’s on the counter.” Morty pointed her wand at the dragon. “But Emma gets the first slice.”
I turned to my father as everyone broke off into their own conversations, Riven still by my side. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“Oh.” He waved his hand. “You’ll be back in a few months, and then I’ll be coming to visit you. I can’t wait to hear all your stories, your adventures.” I hugged him tight as Draven approached and clapped a hand on Riven’s shoulder.
“I’m afraid I have to go. I need to get back to the tavern before the evening rush. But I wanted to say safe travels, my friend.”
“We’ll see you again soon,” Riven said.
My father raised a finger. “Ah, Draven, I have all the paperwork ready for you to adopt your dragon.”
My eyes bugged out of my head. “You’re adopting a dragon?”
“Oh wonderful.” Herman’s lips peeled back from his teeth, which seemed like the equivalent of a dragon smile. “Which of my siblings are you adopting?”
“It’s not for me,” Draven ground out. “It’s for my little sister. She could use a companion to keep her out of trouble.” He tipped his head at my father. “I’ll be by tomorrow.”
He nodded and with that swept out of the shop.
I watched as he walked down the street. “I don’t know how you’re friends with him.” I turned to Riven. “You’re so... cheerful, and he’s so...”
“Not cheerful?” Herman suggested as he dove over us and landed on a table nearby.
Riven laughed. “That’s just Draven. He’s been through a lot. Things he hasn’t told many people about, and it’s affected him.”
“Maybe he needs to visit the tea shop for a matchmaking night,” Herman said. “If anyone could use some love in his life, it would be Draven Darkstone.”
My father coughed.
“Good luck with that,” Riven said. “A matchmaking event is the last place Draven would ever set foot in.”
From across the room, I spied Morty staring after Draven, a spark glinting her eyes. Morty might have been ready to retire from owning the tea shop, but I didn’t think she was done matchmaking. I glanced at Draven stalking away.
In fact, I had a feeling she’d just chosen her next target.
My father turned, speaking with another witch about one of the creatures he’d just brought in—a bat that drank human blood—while Herman flew suspiciously close to the cake, sneaking glances behind him.
Morty approached, a wide smile on her face. “Well, well, I knew you’d make the right decision.”
“About what?” I crossed my arms.
She waved her hand. “Your life, of course. You were always meant to leave Thistlegrove. You just needed a little push in the right direction.”
