The Hunter’s instinct rose, redirecting him. The bond wasn’t gone, just changed. Instead of a channel to open and close at will from either side, it was an open stream, winding around both their souls in a never-ending band.
Visualizing the joining bracelets tucked away in his pack, Rodric realized the striking similarity between the internal image of their soul-bond and the braided bands. With surety, he knew it was no coincidence.
Sitting upright, he found Brenna staring at him, jaw dropped and eyes wide with shock. “But… you hate magic.”
“I did, but I think I’ve changed my mind.”
“I’ll say.”
A laugh escaped him. “Yeah, we’ve got some things to talk about. But not tonight.”
“Alright.” Brenna slumped against him to rest her head on his shoulder.
Bone-tired exhaustion pricked his elevated senses and he cursed inwardly. His healing instincts needed a lot of improvement. Shifting, he pulled Brenna into a hug and sent magic into her. Strengthening her lifeforce and healing her cuts and scrapes until the weary tension disappeared.
“I knew you’d come.” Her soft words sank straight into his heart.
Blinking back tears, he kissed the top of her head and tightened his arms around her. “Always, sunshine.”
The earth vibrated under them as Connor rode into view, coming to an abrupt halt nearby. Opal was wrapped securely in his arms, seemingly unharmed. Connor’s eyes roved over his sister’s still form before meeting his gaze.
“She’s good,” Rodric confirmed.
“Thank you, Rodric.”
Rodric tipped his head in the direction the escaped lieutenant had ridden in silent question.
Connor’s jaw hardened and he nodded sharply. “Taken care of.”
Rodric frowned at the lack of detail but didn’t press further with Brenna present.
Red movement caught his eye as Jed settled next to Celina. Resting his head on her shoulder, the osa made soft sounds and snuggled closer to her. Rodric smiled as he watched her chest rise with steady breaths, grateful that everyone had survived the night.
Chapter 33
Hannelore Mountain, Realm of Eldridge
Theyoungrefugeesgreetedtheir first morning of freedom with a mix of disbelief and enthusiasm. Celina stood under the protection of the tree line close by, watching the morning sun rise. The hawk who had attacked them just days before rested on a branch somewhere above her with sharp, watchful eyes.
The bonds between the children were easily visible, shining in their strength. Brenna sat between the older boy, Gavin, and the girl her age that Connor had found, Veda. The three had been inseparable since they’d awoken. Not surprising, after the ordeal they’d been through.
Jed was bouncing around between them, affectionately rubbing against them. Subdued conversations floated to her on the wind, along with the rare weary smile.
From across the clearing, Brenna looked up, eyes settling on her with a relieved smile, dark hair fluttering in the breeze. The other children were the same, regularly seeking out one of the rescuers.
“You’re thinking pretty hard for someone who’s supposed to be resting,” Cass said, joining her in the shadow of the tree.
“Just needed a little fresh air.”
As far as she and Rodric could tell, there had been no permanent damage from the drug they’d used on her. Or the knife to the abdomen she’d taken during their escape. He’d done a wonderful job healing her, she just wished she’d been conscious enough to witness it. She’d been unconscious or barely alert the entire journey back from the fortress.
“I scowl when I breathe in sweet mountain air too.”
“I’m not scowling, just…”
“Thinking,” they both said.
Her best friend chuckled unapologetically at her glare.
