She was a healer.Of courseshe’d brought tonic with her to ensure she didn’t get pregnant. She’d also brought a cleansing moon brew to ensure they stayed free of disease—on the trail or otherwise. She hadn’t hidden the tonic from Rodric when she’d taken it each night, so they’d discussed it early on. They hadn’t needed its protection yet, but she hoped to change that soon.
The osa startled Celina from her thoughts as he chortled to Cass and pranced around their feet. Leaning down, Celina scratched his ears, murmuring a greeting to their smallest companion.
The sound of hoofbeats filtered through the trees, heralding the arrival of whoever Cass had sent for.
Exactly how she’d done so in the middle of the wilderness remained a mystery, as she’d merely statedWolflumen secretwhen Celina had asked. Being raised around high-ranking military officers as a child had made Celina accustomed to not having all the information.
A single rider entered the clearing, assessing the people and the area before hopping down and offering her arm to Cass in greeting. Celina had never seen the woman before, but her powerfully graceful movements reminded her of the way Cass moved—definitely another Wolflumen.
“Cassia.”
“Xandria, thank you for coming.”
“Of course. I’m happy to answer your call, although I thought I was the only one on hunt in this area.”
“Change in plans. This is my friend Celina, Matriarch Blackwood.” Cass gestured to the men flanking Celina. “Rodric and Sev, Preddari Hunters.”
The woman dipped her head in acknowledgment to Celina and studied the men in detail before turning back to Cass. “What do you need?”
“We’re searching for Celina’s brother and a missing child in this area but ran into trouble with a mercenary band. I need you to take the injured youth we found to safety. The boy has a tough spirit, but our situation is time sensitive.”
Celina appreciated that she left the obvious unsaid for Rodric’s sake—they didn’t know what condition they’d find Brenna in and couldn’t risk another vulnerable innocent.
Xandria studied Cass for a moment in consideration. “Get him safely home to the den or to the Refugee Center?”
“I’ll leave the assessment to you, since you’re taking him on, but he might be a good fit.”
Celina stifled her surprise. The Wolflumen rarely took in new members. In fact, she’d only heard of it happening a few times since Cass had been adopted into the clan as a child. They were highly secretive, and she’d always wondered what qualities they looked for in the orphaned children who were drawn into their den.
“If I decide he belongs with us, will you be breaking the news of our interference to the refugee commander? He rarely appreciates our involvement. I don’t know why you keep taking hunts with the military when they dislike us so much.”
Celina tensed on her friend’s behalf. There’d been a time when she wasn’t sure if Cass and Morgan’s friendship would survive her becoming a Wolflumen. The clan operated differently than the military. Working together on the occasional mission seemed to only accentuate the strain between the groups.
“I’ll handle Morgan.” Cass sighed.
Xandria quirked her lips, breaking her stoic expression for the first time. “Done. Introduce me to the pup.” She gestured to the extra horses and gear they had separated out. “Then you can show me what needs handled here so that you can be on your way.”
“Hold on.” Sev rubbed his chin as he looked at Cass. “What’s the den? Where might she be taking this boy?”
“I was wondering the same thing,” Rodric murmured.
Xandria shrugged at Cass. “Your hunt, your choice.”
“I trust them.” Cass turned to meet Sev’s gaze, glancing over to include Rodric. “The den is the central gathering place for our clan—the Wolflumen. Our warriors live and train there. The boy has a fierce spirit and no kindred; he might fit with our pack.”
“Wolflumen? As in the legendary protectors of Calderre?ThoseWolflumen?” Sev’s stunned tone hung in the air.
Celina held back a laugh at his reaction, but her heart warmed.
Most Calderrans would be more reticent than excited to meet the deadly warriors of legend who inhabited their mountains. Though respected, they weren’t exactly invited into the midst of society. Cass had always told her that the Wolflumen preferred it that way, needed it to be so.
“They’re not a myth?” Rodric asked.
“Not a myth, we just prefer to remain forgotten,” Xandria answered.
“Andboth of youare Wolflumen? How many of you are there?”
“Enough to make a difference, not enough to be noticeable.”
