You’re no wolf, you’re a demon.
Something cold dropped in his stomach, twisting through him.
Cassiel’s silhouette faded into the dark as night fell, his voice quiet in the cool breeze. “Will any more of the Lykos Pack come for you?”
Zev had patrolled the forest day and night since, but there were no tracks in the mud, no tell-tale musk of prowling wolves. Would they come after seeing the carnage he left behind?
“Perhaps not.”
Chapter 20
Zev
The afternoon hike through the woods went without further incident. Zev glanced up at Dyna’s humming. She walked ahead, picking leaves here and there. The sparse trees in this part of the forest allowed the Prince to fly above them. Buttery sunlight formed patterns over the carpet of fallen leaves, clear blue-sky peeking through the treetops.
Again, they had squandered most of their morning sleeping. This time because of him, Zev thought. As he had yet to recover from yesterday’s incident.
His wolf still slumbered somewhere deep within him. It was a strange feeling. Most of his senses had dulled from their usual amplified state. He was weaker, but for once there were no more whisperings. His mind was clearer and lighter. Vacant without that extra presence he didn’t miss. It would be a miracle if the Madness never returned, but he knew it would.
All he could do was enjoy the time he had left without it.
Curious of how much farther they were from Landcaster, Zev opened the journal to the section of the map and studied their current location. The town lay less than ten miles away.
Cassiel threw subtle glances down at the journal. Zev stopped and held it out in offering. After wary hesitation, the Prince landed beside him and accepted the journal. His face glowed purple from the embedded magic as he examined the map.
Zev said, “I had always wondered if Mount Ida existed.”
“Of course it exists,” Cassiel replied evenly. There was a tentative pause before he added, “We should arrive in Landcaster soon. I know a tavern we can lodge in for the night.”
“You have walked among humans before?”
“Only when necessary.”
Zev stopped short. “But what of your wings? You could be discovered.”
The Prince smirked. “I haven’t been so far.”
“And this is permitted for your kind? I can’t imagine your father approving of that.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t.”
Zev stared at him incredulously. “Does the High King know that you left Hilos to join us?”
He didn’t reply.
“This journey may take many moons, Cassiel. We won’t return until next year.”
“I’m well aware. I have traveled between Hermon Ridge and Hilos several times. I know what I’m doing.”
Zev let the matter go at the Prince’s defensive tone. From what he had seen, Cassiel shared no relationship with his family other than his royal lineage. He must spend his time traveling Urn alone, pretending he didn’t care that he wasn’t wanted. What was his reason to leave the protection of the castle this time?
“There is something on Mount Ida that you seek,” Zev stated.
His eyes, as hard as granite, narrowed. “It has nothing to do with you.”
Zev supposed he was right. “What’s in Hermon Ridge? I haven’t traveled past Landcaster.”
The Prince dithered on the answer, giving him a sidelong glance. “Another Celestial Realm is hidden there within the mountains. It is under my uncle’s rule.”
