Matthew could feel comfortable with him again.......well actually, just seeing Max interacting with Zack and Shadow again made him feel like he could be part of this too. Maybe he IS part of this!

"I don't know about you, folks - " Matthew announced to the group. " - but I'm taking the heart!"

"Oh, no you're not, the heart belongs to ME!" Zack teased.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"No, no, no Zack ...you're taking the brain! I'm taking the heart, and Shadow will take the - hey are you okay?" Max asked Shadow, who was staring blankly at them. Their friend didn't say a phrase.

"Shadow!" Matthew said.

Their witch friend then snapped awake and looked at them. "What?"

"Are you alright? We kinda lost you there for a second..." Matthew pointed out.

Shadow then aimed his blank gaze at Matthew. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Max nodded. "Should we go then?"

"Yeah ." Matthew said.

The boys bundled up the beast with their long straps and dragged him, as Shadow walked gracefully next to them with his bird.