The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After the photo shoot, Vivienne was left speechless.

Out of the dozen people, she and her mentor, Dawson, stuck out like sore thumbs.

And of course, they had been placed right in the middle.

Like two overly festive "clowns" in a sea of subtlety.

The rest of the group, however, lit up at the sight of the photo, eagerly asking for copies.

Dawson, ever the eccentric, and Vivienne, not much for frivolities, made this gathering a first for their group, Emerald Mountain. This photo was, in a way, their "family portrait." Dawson glanced at the photo now set as his screensaver, nodding in approval, "Leopold, well done, lad. Much appreciated!"

"I'll have to get this printed and hung by my bed. Leopold, you've outdone yourself this time."

Leopold beamed with pride.

Seeing the leftover tear streaks on Leopold's face from the ceremony, Griffin's heart softened. She passed him a tissue under the table, "Here, wipe it off before the others start teasing." Finnian, overhearing, let out a hearty laugh, "Oh, come on, we all know Leopold's strengths. Nothing we haven't seen before."

Leopold's cheeks flushed, "Master, could you not bring up my past blunders today, especially not in front of Griffin!"

Finnian laughed even harder, "Alright, alright."

A student grows, and pride must be preserved.

But as a mentor, Finnian felt certain responsibilities, especially with Leopold being the first among them to get married. He had to share some wisdom.

"Leopold's partner..."

Griffin straightened up, ready to listen, "Yes, Master?"

Finnian nodded in approval, "Don't hesitate to call me if you need. Of all my students, Leopold is the most guileless-naive, to put it bluntly. If he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a visit from Vivienne and me will set him straight, ensuring he treats you with the respect you deserve."

in agreement,

joined

just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to answer to," they

at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without

hard, silently thanking them for assigning him

Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned, "Step out of

much harsher

not a mission to Fariana

if they remembered he was the vulnerable one in

use for the tissues,

Master, Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years

glass of strong

couldn't stop her in time,

was strong spirits, not something one should simply

table, except for Vivienne and Percival, was

envious glares turned toward

him for twenty years and was

Leopold was soon too drunk to hold his

savoring. The others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset her again. Once Vivienne indicated she was full, Percival

nodded, offering him some of

her

were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not

support, he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed within this

sip of

which, apprentice, I almost forgot something. Those photos you sent me a

eyes flickered

heritage office couldn't pinpoint exactly who had used