We didn't mention where we're from. How does he know?
"Yes, probably tomorrow night." I kiss Feray to keep her from talking as I turn us to leave.
"Don't say a word," I murmur against her lips.
Something has my bear on edge, and I don't want to find out the hard way what it is.
I hurrydown the cobblestone path, cradling Feray in my arms. The den comes into view, and the weight of responsibility presses heavily on my shoulders.
We need to confirm a crucial detail—whether Feray bears the crescent birthmark above her tailbone.
As we traverse the town, curious gazes follow us. Eyes peek from behind blinds and doorways. The sensation of being watched sets my bear on edge, a primal instinct to protect coursing through me.
Feray, sensing my unease, attempts to soothe me with her touch, but my focus remains unwavering. I have to get her back to the den as fast as possible.
Upon our return, I kick the door closed behind us, shutting out the prying eyes. Diaval's dragon eyes flare to the surface, attuned to the heightened tension.
"We need to leave as soon as possible."
Easton, drawn from the kitchen by our abrupt entrance, looks on with curiosity. "Why? What happened?"
"The old woman—Dorothea—mentioned that the baby she delivered had a crescent moon birthmark."
Setting Feray gently on the ground, I barely have time to speak before she deftly removes her dress and spins around, exposing her back to me.
There, above her tailbone, a reddish crescent moon rests.
My heart seizes.
The couple I can only believe are the missing Alpha and Luna gave birth to Feray in secret in Silver Falls and named her Thyra.
Emotions surge within me—joy, relief, and an undeniable sense of purpose. The pieces of Feray's identity, once scattered and enigmatic, fall into place.
I meet her eyes, and in that shared gaze, a connection deepens. The air in the den, charged with the weight of revelation, seems to pulse with our collective heartbeat.
Feray, standing exposed yet empowered, embodies the strength that comes with self-discovery.
"Is it there? The mark? Am I Thyra?" Her hands tremble as she pulls her dress back up and turns to face me.
Lowering my eyes, I nod.
Before I can say anything, she rushes into my arms, resting her head over my heart. I band my arms around her and look at the others.
"Diaval, you need to get her out of here as fast as possible. I don't like the feeling within the town. I believe everyone suspects who she is."
Diaval nods and looks at Feray. "Eat something, my eternal, and I'll fly us out of here posthaste."
He moves over to the map, and I follow.
"This is where the hidden pass is to get to Silver Falls." He pulls a gold doubloon out of his pocket and holds it out to me. It has a long claw mark down the face of the coin like the one he gave Feray. "Whoever is at the gate, show them this coin. They will let you pass."
The light glints off the coin. Without touching it, I know the weight it carries. It's the promise of protection from a dragon—the most fearsome shifter besides a basilisk.
Reaching out, I take the coin and place it in my pocket. "Thank you. We'll meet you in Silver Falls."
Feray stands there staring at Diaval and me, then nods, resigned to being spirited away swiftly. With plans changing on the fly, I understand her being upset. Deep down, I have to believe she understands her safety comes first.
Feray disappears into the back, then returns with her backpack. She's changed out of her dress and into leather riding pants with a sensible shirt and jacket. Her boots look like they belong in an equestrian event instead of for riding a dragon.
