Page 32 of Wolf Marked

Saying it to herself did little to calm her jumbled nerves. Her father had always been unpredictable, and now with his mind wandering, who knew what his reaction would be.

Astrid’s eyes prickled with tears, but she blinked hard to hold them at bay. She didn’t want to think about her father’s sickness anymore. It hurt too much.

The warmth of Erec’s touch reminded her that everything wasn’t lost. She had him; she had Filip and Mila and the pack. There were all the new friends she’d made as well, like Stefan’s mother, Dana, and Henrick. Sparks of hope flared to life again behind her ribcage, and she tried desperately to keep them ignited. Things were going to be all right. She would repeat it over and over until she was blue in the face if she had to.

Everything was going to be fine.

“Do you think your father will accept them into his pack?” Erec’s voice yanked her out of her thoughts.

Astrid paused, biting her bottom lip. Had she let any of her musings slip out of her mouth, or was Erec somehow on the same wavelength as her? The first explanation seemed more reasonable.

“He should,” she started, putting on a big smile. She hoped it would be enough to convince him.

Erec’s brows rose, proving his disbelief, and immediately her fake grin faltered. “Should.” The concern on his face only intensified, and he let go of her hand. “You really don’t think he will, do you?”

“He’ll have to,” she said, trying to keep the worry from her tone. “He’ll welcome all of you.”

Erec ran a hand over his stubbled jawline in frustration. “I don’t care about me. I can take care of myself.” Then his voice dropped to a low rumble. “But these people haven’t eaten or had a good night’s sleep in days. They need somewhere safe to go. They need a pack.”

The doubt was starting to set in again, but she shoved it aside.Everything’s going to be fine, remember?Yes. Yes, it was.

Astid nodded, more certain this time. “Father will make you pack, too,” she replied firmly. “And everyone else. He will. He’ll understand.”

Erec grunted. “That’s what I’m afraid of—relying on Boden understanding.”

Astrid opened her mouth to respond, but movement at the corner of her eye caused her to swallow her words and look up. At the front of the group, Bec waved his hand, wanting to claim their attention. “We’re here,” he shouted to them, “but where’s everyone else? They were supposed to be here by now. Are we meant to meet them somewhere else?”

Erec nodded for Astrid to follow him. They walked over to the massive stone pillars. At first glance, the rocks’ smooth, clean faces appeared fragile, reminding Astrid of glass. Even her skewed reflection stared back at her, like some kind of distorted mirror—red hair, freckles, and all. When she stepped closer for a better look, thousands of sparkling pink flecks winked back at her, despite the low light. It was one of the most remarkable things she had ever seen. Erec had said Svanna Rock glowed even more at night. She couldn’t wait to see it.

Wondering how the surface felt under her fingertips, Astrid reached out her hand. Was the stone as warm as it appeared? Or was it slippery and as cold as the air aroundit? She wanted to know.

“Don’t!” Erec’s shout jarred her. She jerked her hand back, heart pounding.

“What?”

“Don’t touch the rocks. They may be smooth, but those corners—” He pointed to one of the straight edges— “they’re deadly. Extremely sharp.”

That was close.“Oh…”

Erec shook his head and let out an exasperated breath. “Everyone stay close to me and don’t touch anything.”

Uncertain and a little nervous to go on, Astrid glanced over her shoulder at Bec, Kalle, Claus, and the others. Each member of the group wore the same look of apprehension—everyone except Henrick, who gave her a stiff nod of encouragement.

“Astrid—everyone, stay close!” Erec’s warning turned her back around. Her stomach dropped. He was already feet ahead of her, his quick strides lengthening the distance between them. She didn’t know what other secrets Svanna Rock held; she hadn’t even been here for more than ten minutes, and she had almost cut herself. Astrid rushed to catch up to him.

Some of the rocks were as gigantic as forest trees, stretching to the skies. The most amazing thing, Astrid thought, was how they all stood side by side, pressed against their neighbor, creating a beautiful yet menacing barrier. There was no way through the crystal pillars, and from what she could see so far, no way around them. They seemed to go on forever, an impenetrable wall of razor-sharp stones. Fear slithered across her skin.

Erec slowed and waited for her to come to his side before offering her a small smile. His expression turned mischievous. “Do you trust me?”

Astrid bit her bottom lip, trying to muster up some bravery. She wanted to trust him, but this was a colossal barricade with no way through or around. Unless he could somehow sprout wings and fly, there was no way this was going to work. “Erec…”

“You have to trust me.” He began to walk backward, toward Svanna Rock, but his teasing gaze never left her. “Come to me, Astrid.”

She took one step but then halted cold. Erec was gone. Vanished before her eyes.

Astrid’s heart thundered. He had been right there in front of her, only feet away. Right there. She’d been watching him the entire time. Was she going insane? “Erec! Where are you?”

“Keep coming forward.” His voice echoed nearby, distorted and shaky as it reverberated off the rocks. “Remember what I told you.”

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