Don’t be alarmed, her eagle called from above a while later.
Nyssa’s eyes finally opened, and she stilled.
The alpha Ulfram stood beside them.
“Don’t. Move,” Nyssa whispered.
“What—why—holy fucking curses!” Dorian started to jump, but Nyssa’s grasp tightened, and her eagle landed on Dorian’s shoulder. His talons dug into Dorian’s flesh. Dorian let out a whispered cry before she shushed him.
“What—”
“Shut. Up,” she said through clenched teeth.
The alpha merely stared at her, bright yellow eyes seeming to seep through her bones and dive into her core without her consent.
Daughter of Promise, the Ulfram acknowledged.
Hello, alpha, Nyssa managed to reply.
Although she’d never met the creature before, she knew it well from the stories. Its head rose slightly, bending at the neck so that it was looking directly down its elongated nose at her. Its silver fur reflected back to her in the pale blue glow of the Noirdiem still lingering close by, illuminating the beast in shadow and glisten.
She didn’t know what to say. She pulled back from Dorian and shifted her weight onto her knees.
Soft padded steps brushing over the dirt told her they were not alone. Breath huffed on her left cheek. She didn’t have to look to know there was another Ulfram by her side.
Pack hunters of stealth and shadow, as they’d been described.
But she knew better than to think they were there to kill them.
So she straightened and lifted her own chin, ignoring the fast beat of her heart.
I heard your song, Nyssa said.
My condolences to you as well,the alpha said.Your sister was always welcome in our woods, and now as are you.
We are heading to the forest kingdom.
Allow us to escort you through the dark tomorrow night. You can travel in peace. Take rest for a full day. I am sure your minds and bodies are both exhausted.
Her heart swelled in gratitude at the wolf's offer, but she knew she couldn't take it.We are tired, but… It really isn’t necessary. We will follow the edge and walk in daylight. I do not wish to disturb your hunts. We will make ourselves scarce at night. I do appreciate the offer.
The Ulfram gave her a long nod.Very well. The beast paused and looked around them, apparently noticing the Noirdiem still grazing in the field.The Noirdiem like you. We will not hunt them tonight. You are safe, Nyssari. Fear not of our dark.
Nyssa bit back the quiver of her jaw.Thank you.
The beast did something then that made her heart stop.
The alpha leaned its forehead against Nyssa’s.
Nyssa’s body trembled as the emotion of such a salutation tore through her. For a moment, she couldn't breathe. Her closed eyes splintered with the tears threatening to drop. She hesitantly reached a hand up to the Ulfram's cheek and her fingers entwined in the long, soft fur. Every muscle in her body seemed to edge with the connection, and she realized what was happening to her.
She was connecting to its core.
She’d only ever been able to connect with her own eagle before, though she’d heard how Aydra could connect with any creature. She’d always been envious of such a power, and now—having it happen to her with a Noctuan of all animals—overwhelmed her to the point that she nearly started sobbing again.
But she held her composure and drew in the phenomena. It moved through her every muscle and down to the very marrow of her bones. She let go of her mind. Let go of every wall she'd ever built, all the blocks and restraints...
And there it was.
