Exiting the castle, I step into the crisp mountain air, the scent of pine mingling with lingering tension. The distant peaks stand as silent witnesses. My pack waits, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.
"You did what needed to be done," Khal affirms.
Easton nods in agreement.
Torben holds Feray as she watches me anxiously. She breaks free of his grip the moment I get close, launching herself at me. Her arms wrap around my waist, and she buries her face in my chest. The impact of her small body against mine undoes something I didn't know I was holding together. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. "I chose you, Diaval, and I stand by that choice. No matter what comes next, we face it together."
I bury my face in her hair, breathing in her scent. The bonds of our pack strengthen in that moment—a shared commitment to navigate whatever lies ahead. The mountains of Vasserdell, once a symbol of tradition and hierarchy, fade into the background as we embark on a new journey.
Several hourslater
I move to the driver's side of the SUV, the cool leather welcoming me as I settle behind the wheel. In the rearview mirror, I see Khal and Torben taking the back seats, theirexpressions a mix of vigilance and readiness. Easton sits beside Torben, his piercing gaze scanning the surroundings.
Oddly, Feray joins me up front, her decision unspoken but deliberate. As she reaches over, her hand rests on my thigh in a silent gesture of support. Her eyes, filled with determination and concern, never leave me as I navigate through the oldest part of Vasserdell. The guys engage in discussion about different routes and the perils along the way.
Feray turns in her seat to watch me, her eyes steady. "I'm sorry you lost your flight over me." The guilt in her voice makes my chest ache. She carries too much that isn't hers to carry.
"I didn't lose them over you. I lost my flight the minute Myra became the leader," I assure her, forcing a smile. "Besides, you gave me a pack, and I'm finding it to be much more palatable than a flight." I chuckle, shaking my head. "Look at the big picture. Each of us has something we're very good at."
I gesture to the back seat. "Khal, when he's awake, can gain intel for us, keeping us one step ahead of whatever is after you. His toxic bite and stone gaze are nothing to laugh at either." Khal grunts, acknowledging my words before turning toward the window, settling in for a nap.
"Torben has immense strength in both his human and bear forms. His sense of smell is almost as keen as yours, so it's extremely helpful." In the rearview mirror, Torben nods.
"Easton is not only a healer but a massive force of destruction if need be. His eyesight is unrivaled in the group." Easton dips his head slightly.
"That brings us to the grumpy dragon," Easton says, and his teasing earns him a giggle from Feray. "Not only is he incrediblyrich, but his dragon's acid breath can kill anything it comes in contact with. Most importantly, if we need to evacuate you out of an area, Diaval is the only one able to do it swiftly."
There's pain in Easton's eyes as he speaks. The weight of responsibility he feels is evident—the reminder that Feray may need evacuation, that danger still pursues her.
"My eternal, there's nothing to fret over from this day forward." I rest my hand on hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "In a few hours, we'll arrive in Blackmore and play hide-and-seek for your answers."
The journey continues through winding roads, the landscape changing as we approach the northern pass leading to Blackmore. Feray's hand remains on my thigh, her presence a quiet comfort. As we navigate through the mountain pass, the towering peaks of Blackmore come into view—their rugged beauty a stark contrast to the political intricacies left behind.
The sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow on the mountainous terrain. In the quiet moments, I steal glances at Feray. Her eyes, a reflection of the trust she places in me, convey a mixture of emotions. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with the strength of our pack and the unwavering support of my eternal, we face it with a unity that transcends uncertainty.
As we approach the entrance to Blackmore, the landscape becomes increasingly untamed. The air is charged with an energy that hints at mysteries awaiting us. The road winds higher. The mountains, their peaks shrouded in mist, stand as sentinels guarding the secrets Feray seeks. Discussion in the car becomes hushed as we draw closer, a shared understanding settling over the group. In the last stretch, as Blackmore unfoldsbefore us, I steal a glance at Feray. Her eyes meet mine, and a silent exchange passes between us.
Hope. Fear. Determination.
The journey has brought us to this pivotal moment. Whatever her origins, whatever truths await—we face them together.
Above all else, we protect Feray.
Chapter 24
Khal
The dirt roadwinds its way up the mountain toward Blackmore, offering both a scenic view and a reminder of the dangers that lie ahead. My thoughts linger on the recent encounter with Myra—a dragoness who seemed to redefine the term "crazy ex-almost baby momma" by demanding breeding rights after centuries of exile. A shiver runs down my spine as I reflect on the narrow escape Diaval had from that fate. It could have been disastrous if not for finding Feray.
As we ascend, I check my phone for the umpteenth time, only to find I still have no signal. The realization that I'm cut off not only from my twin but also my informants settles heavily in my chest. "Anyone have reception up here?" I inquire.
The chorus of negative responses confirms my fears. The lack of communication leaves a void, a blind spot in our information network. I hate being blind.
"The entrance to the town is just ahead," Diaval announces, bringing the SUV to a stop.
Feray turns her attention to him, awaiting instructions. "Feray, this is a wolf stronghold. You will need to secure the suite for us."
Her gaze shifts between each of us before returning to Diaval, confusion evident in her eyes. "Why?" Diaval runs his hand down his face, appearing burdened by the weight of explanation. Sensing the need to intervene, I offer insight.
