Page 46 of Willow and the Wraith

“I will be staying as well.”

The king’s eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise crossing his features, and he leaned forward, studying Wraith intently.

“You? Staying? This is… unexpected. You’ve never shown interest in settling anywhere before.”

Wraith nodded, his face still a mask of calm despite the turmoil within.

“Things have changed.”

The golden glow in the king’s eyes intensified.

“I see. And what exactly has changed, Wraith?”

“I am retiring.”

“Without finishing the job? That’s not like you.”

Conran was right - it was the first time he’d ever failed to fulfill a contract. Yet, he felt no regret.

“I will give you all of the information I have collected so far, and reimburse you for the unused portion of your first payment. I also have some possible leads that I am willing to pass on, but I will not be the one pursuing them,” he said firmly.

The king leaned back in his chair, studying him intently. Seconds ticked by in tense silence. Then, unexpectedly, Conran’s face broke into a grin, and he started to laugh.

“The human female is your mate, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” he replied simply, still marveling at the happiness that single word brought him.

“And both of you wish to remain?”

Wraith nodded. “Yes, along with a Ssst elder and child.”

Conran looked surprised again. He stood, walked to a nearby table, and poured two glasses of wine. Offering one to Wraith, he gestured for him to sit at one of the chairs arranged in front of an open window.

“I think you’d better fill me in on the details,” Conran said, settling into his own chair.

Two nights later, Wraith stood in the shadows, watching Willow as she chatted animatedly with Unity, the king’s human mate. The two females had hit it off immediately and he enjoyed seeing her so happy. He watched as her face lit up with laughter, her chestnut hair catching the last rays of the setting sun.

The private garden behind the royal quarters where they were gathered was a lush oasis, filled with exotic flowers and the gentle sound of a nearby fountain. Sooni darted across the grass, chasing a colorful ball with unbridled joy. Her green scales glimmered as she moved, her yellow eyes bright with excitement, and he smiled as he watched her play.

His gaze shifted to Malacar, who was engrossed in conversation with Barthar, the king’s imposing second-in-command. The contrast between the small, elderly Ssst and the towering Farlain warrior was striking, yet they were clearly enjoying their discussion.

He sensed a presence beside him and turned to see Conran coming towards him. The king’s lips quirked in a knowing smile.

“You don’t have to hide in the shadows anymore,” Conran said lightly

He shrugged.

“I’m not hiding.”

As if on cue, Willow looked up, her eyes going directly to him despite the shadows. She smiled warmly at him, the smile that never failed to fill him with happiness, and turned back to Unity.

“My mate knows exactly where I am,” he said calmly.

Conran chuckled softly.

“I suppose that’s all that really matters,” he conceded.

They stood in oddly companionable silence for a moment, watching the scene before them. Wraith felt a sense of contentment he’d never known before, surrounded by this makeshift family he’d somehow acquired.

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