Breena nodded. “I don’t even think anyone knows this still exists. I was so bloody panicked that night. Lucky Aine’s luck spell worked and led me to it.”
Warmth imbued into my chest, wrapping around my heart. They’d barely known me or owed me anything. And still, they saved me.
“And ya haven’t told the Institute or the Elders?” Aine asked, brow skyrocketing.
Breena secured the jar in her bag before meeting Aine’s gaze. “With things being a littleofflately, I didn’t want to risk the information getting into the wrong hands. Anyone corrupt would make it disappear. Better to keep it hidden while I tend to it.”
Mine and Aine’s heads bobbed in unison. Better safe than sorry if it’s as rare as she believed.
“All right, we need to walk and talk if we wanna get to work on time,” Aine said, stepping back through the trees, Breena in tow.
Once we found the path again, the woods opened up to the bustle of The Mounds. The smell of spiced ciders, fatty meats, and fresh grass hung in the air.
“How’s ya classes going?” Breena asked, knowing I’d had my fair share of meltdowns this term.
“Ferie Geography I don’t mind—easy enough. But Professor Lead’s monotone voice is like an elephant dart to the face.”
Breena chuckled as I scooted past a couple walking by. “It’sHistory that’s the thorn in my side. It feels like an endless storm of info bombs—thousands of millennia shoved into one crash course. At least we’re finally into more recent history now, which helps.”
“We’ve a long history,” Aine cut in, a flicker of darkness in her eyes. “Uneventful, compared to the bloodthirsty drama queens of the Human World.”
I’d pay to see Aine’s horrified reaction to a human newspaper.
“Oh!” I held up a finger. “Speaking of history—I had no idea the Ossory wolves were linked to royalty?” I turned to Aine in question, grinning. “All right, Professor of creatures, explain.”
Aine slowed, that subtle, secretive smile ghosting across her lips. “It’s in their bloodline. An urge to serve and protect Luckland’s royalty. Back when Padraig became the first Lord, his most loyal followers were gifted the Ossory abilities. Fearsome creatures to defend their Lord and land. It’s been passed down ever since.”
“So if it’s in their bloodline, does that mean Ossorys have to mate with their own kind?” I asked.
Aine nodded, pinning me with a knowing look.
“Yes. They’re encouraged to mate within the bloodlines. This way, they can carry out their sacred marriage ritual and ensure the abilities pass on.”
Aine’s glance lingered a moment too long, and I could sense her worry for me. I’d seen the way she noticed Finley at the hot spring—and my fluster. Was he obligated to only date Ossory women? But he’d asked me out. Maybe everything else was just fun and games until duty called.
Internally, I deflated at that possibility. I never wanted to be someone’sfun and gamesever again.
“Oh,” I said quietly. “Gotcha. That makes sense.”
Breena caught my gaze and offered an encouraging smile. Ever the optimist.
The crowd swelled as we neared the Institute. Lost in the chaos around me, my mind whispered a name.Or was it a voice?
Breena homed in on a tall, lanky man in the distance. “I’m off!” She waved a hand, gliding away. “Have a great day, ladies!”
“Wait—”I shot out to Aine. “Why do the Ossory hang around Lochlainn then?”
Aine’s brows cinched. “Well, he—” Her words sliced in half as a high-pitched voice called her name. A petite woman with buttercup-yellow hair whispered something urgent in her ear.
“Tell them I’ll be right there,” Aine firmly replied, and the woman scurried off.
“Sorry,” Aine murmured, casting her eyes away in thought. “An unannounced visit from the Elders. See ya for dinner?”
“Definitely,” I said, jerking my head toward the direction the secretary had gone. “Go on. I’ll catch you later.”
Aine spun on her heels, but her gait was stiffer than it had been before. My stomach tightened.
Hmm . . .
