Page 41 of King of Forest and Fur

“That Leila’s in trouble.” Rehn looked at Chaniel’s wide blue eyes. “Where is she?”

“She’s…. she’s in Professor Xanthus’s office. She should be safe there though. I thought you got the man after her?”

“I need you to show us where his office is. Now.”

Chaniel looked unsure, but she nodded. “This way.”

Rehn’s bear was pacing restlessly within him. He wanted to run down the halls, but he would have no idea where he was going. He forced himself to keep pace with Chaniel, but thankfully Idris spoke for him.

“We need to hurry, Miss.”

Chaniel bit her lip nervously but quickened her pace.

“Here,” she said as they approached a door at the end of a long, empty hallway.

Without thinking, Rehn instantly opened the door.

The room was empty.

“Where are they?” He tried not to roar, but his building anxiety was becoming too much.

“I…I don’t know. They were together when I left them. I thought they would be here. Wait…” Seriousness overtook the nervous sorceress as she seemed to be closely examining the room.

Rehn noticed she was looking everything over in the same manner she had back at the castle.

“Are you looking for magic?”

She nodded. Finally, she stood and turned to the two shifters, her face more confused than earlier.

“There’s magic here. It’s lingering within the walls. Something happened here. Recently.” She walked over to one of the far walls and froze.

“Here. The magic is still hanging strongly here.”

She went to tap the wall, but her hand went through.

“It’s a secret passage,” she breathed in shock.

“Altair was right. He was framed,” Rehn whispered hoarsely. His insides were turning with thoughts of what had happened to Leila. Even his bear felt helpless.

This would not do.

“Altair was framed? By whom?”

“Xanthus.”

“Not possible.”

Rehn turned on her, irritated. “It looks as if the beloved sage isn’t as innocent and serving as he had everyone believe. Chaniel, I need you to listen to me. Leila is in danger. Who we thought tried to attack her was framed, and as hard as it is to believe, all signs point to Xanthus.”

“No. That’s?—”

A growl emanated from Rehn. “Do. Not. Argue,” he commanded through gritted teeth. “I need you to get Tressa and tell her what I’ve told you. Bring her here.”

“But—”

“Now!” he roared.

Chaniel let out a frightened squeak as she spun on her heel and practically ran out of the room.

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