The house was in chaos and Mari was not impressed. “Don’t track mud through my hall,” she snapped at one hapless visitor. She stalked into the kitchen. “Don’t go using the nice plates, not while it’s like this. They’ll be smashed to pieces in no time. Use the plates from the cupboard on the left for the lemon fingers and the brownies.”

“Yes, Mrs Hewson.” The young woman nodded nervously before pulling the plates from the cupboard.

Mari frowned. “You’re Elys, aren’t you?” she asked. “How many are there likely to be turning up?”

“Lord Maldwyn said that he’d sort everything out,” Elys said. “You’re supposed to be resting after they got that nasty tracking curse off you.”

“I’m feeling much better,” Mari said. “And I don’t see why I can’t manage to put together some sandwiches.” She opened the pantry door. “And I’m not having poor Gryff disturbed more than he needs to. Those lads need a good feed and I’ll not stand by and watch them starve.” She grabbed a tin of soup. “And when I know how many are going to be around, I’ll make sure that I pull some food together. It’s the least I can do.” She heard Carwyn snort behind her.

“You activated a curse by being the first human to open the box of clothing,” Carwyn said. “And then you were attacked by a Nosferatu. They should be looking after you.”

“Now you’re here, you can give me a lift to the supermarket. “And this nice young lady can come with me to help me get the right stuff in.” Mari emptied the soup into a bowl. “We can set off right after I’ve got something inside Gryff. Poor lad is in a right state.”

“You remember that he’s a goblin, don’t you?” Carwyn asked carefully.

“I remember,” Mari said, her lips pressed into a straight line as she slid the soup into the microwave. “And I’m also remembering that I’m the only one that’s been taking food round for them and I’ve been the one speaking up for them and I’ve been the one worrying about the state of their clothes and where they’re sleeping. I’ve never been a racist and I’m not going to start now.”

“It’s not exactly racist,” Carwyn said.

Mari whirled around and poked him hard in the chest. “I don’t care what it is, I won’t see a lad young enough to be my grandson suffer. And I haven’t seen Alyn and Leo either. I hope that they’re being looked after, seeing as this mess is interfering with their livelihoods.”

Elys coughed behind Mari. “I think that they’re worried that you won’t want to see them,” she said. “You know, with the thing. That they’re goblins.”

Mari ignored that. “Can you drive, Elys?” she asked.

Elys nodded. “All of our pack learn as soon as we’re old enough.”

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Mari blinked for a moment, then shrugged. Elys seemed nice enough and unlikely to pounce or whatever they did. The microwave pinged. “I’ll take this up to Gryff. Please could you collect Alyn and Leo to carry things and you can drive us to the supermarket. On the way you can tell me how many are going to be around my home and for how long.” She turned back to Carwyn. “You seem to know everything that’s going on,” she said. “So I’ll trust you to stay here and look after the house.” She slid the hot bowl onto a plate and got a spoon from the drawer. “And it had better be as I left it when I get back.”

*****

Gryff was still in the guest bedroom, curled up and motionless on the bed. Mari knocked on the open door. “Hello,” she called. “Gryff, are you awake?”

He shrank into the pillow but didn’t turn. “I’m so sorry, Mrs Hewson. I didn’t mean for all this fuss.”

“It’s not your fault.” Mari bustled over and set the soup on the bedside cabinet. “I wasn’t sure what you would like so I brought up some of the beef and onion. When I’ve got a moment, I’ll make a nice batch of home-made cheese soup. That will put some meat on your bones.” She peered down at him. “But how are you feeling?”

Gryff, back in human shape, forced himself to turn towards her, his face pale and his eyes wide. “You saw me without my glamour, didn’t you?”

Mari frowned. “The glamour? Is that what makes you look human? Yes, I saw you last night. I was so worried when I saw how hurt you were.” She straightened the bedclothes. “And while I’m sure that there’s all sorts of things that I don’t know or should know, I’m still going to be making you some decent food and doing your washing.” She tentatively touched his hand. “You were hurt because of me. You’re going to have to let me look after you.”

Gryff swallowed. “You’re going to let us stay?” he whispered.

“You boys need someone to keep an eye on you,” Mari said. “Not least because I can’t evict you for being goblin. There’s legal rules and all sorts. Of course you’re staying. And I told you, I’ll do your washing and in return you and your brothers can help with some little jobs – but only when you’re better, mind.”

“We’re not very good at gardens,” Gryff said. “But we can do anything mechanical. Because we’re goblins…”

“I’m sure that you can do anything you set your mind to,” Mari said. “But first I want you to drink all of that soup down you and then get some sleep.”

*****

Carwyn was waiting at the door. “Those clothes were full of drugs – drugs that could make the Nosferatu a lot of money,” he said. “You’ve already been hit by one of their curses. You can’t just go out by yourself.”

“Did the drugs affect me?” Mari asked, feeling a sudden chill.

“They affect vampires, Nosferatu, that sort of creature,” Carwyn said. “They won’t affect you. Strictly speaking, it’s a type of incense that you could probably get online, and it has no effect on you whatsoever. But if you inhale the smoke, or even the steam from washing clothes in hot water, any vampire who feeds from you gets as high as a kite. It’s like crack to them.” Carwyn caught hold of Mari’s shoulder. “It’s a big deal.”

“And that’s why Lord Maldwyn is getting his people set up here and waiting for them,” Mari said. “They’re going to come back. And I understand why I need to stay here, at least most of the time.” She squared her shoulders. “But I’m not going to sit on my hands like a fainting blossom. The least I can do is feed them.”

“Mari, it’s not safe!” Carwyn said.

“But it’s my fault,” Mari said quietly. “It was Sion who rented out that workshop to those Nosferatu. I handed over the paperwork to Lord Maldwyn, but it was obvious my husband didn’t care what was going on. If he hadn’t wanted the money for his fancy women, nothing would have come here. And now Gryff’s in a right state and the lads can’t get on with their business. Let me make them their cookies and cakes, Carwyn. Don’t make me sit still.”

Carwyn patted her shoulder and let her go.