Page 85 of Empowering the Wolf's Heart

“Gather the Reds in the courtyard of the school, from the youngest trainee to the oldest who is not on bedrest.”

“Yes, madame.” Elder Timone bowed before scurrying away—regally, of course—to do my bidding.

“Honey, don’t push yourself?—”

“I’m not, Mom. I just have a job,” I snapped.

She looked at me, not with anger, but with sadness. I exhaled to calm myself.

“I’m sorry. I’m coiled tighter than a strained tendon,” I said with a wry smile. “Can you both make sure Anna is safe and get the kids from Rey? Source only knows he doesn’t need those kids longer than a second.”

Mom and Dad nodded. “We will, hon. But we’re here when you need us, alright?”

Tears pricked at my eyes at the gentle understanding in her voice. I loved my parents. They were the best. I gave her a quick hug.

“Oh,” she said, quickly wrapping me in her arms. It’d been a long time since I had initiated a hug. I squeezed her one last time and then grabbed Dad’s hand with one arm and Jacob in with the other for a group hug. I met Anna's eyes. She gave me a smile, her eyes bright but sad.

“We’re gonna be alright,” I whispered, sensing theirneed.

I walked over to my sister, embracing her. She clung to me with a strength she hadn't had in some time.

We split off soon after that, all to do differing tasks. It only took me four blocks to realize I had a shadow. I whirled on Shen who kept pace about three steps behind me. “Shoo! Begone!”

Despite the seriousness of his face, he cracked a crooked grin. “Did you just try to shoo me away like a stray animal?”

“Isn’t that what you are?” I said.

His eyes darkened and shuttered. Poppycock. I just keep messing things up.

“Shen, listen, you’re a capable and strong individual, ok? And so am I. I’ve got this, so you can go home now.”

He took a step closer, but when my body closed in on itself, he took two steps back. “Alia, are you pushing everyone away who you may lose?”

I didn’t need his knowing gaze or the reminder of what we had. I didn’t need to remember how much I loved him.

I knew he didn’t kill Grandpa on purpose. I knew it was likely forced on him. But having just lost Ran, I knew the pain of losing another. I got her back, yes, but I couldn’t risk my heart.

Everything that happened ran through my mind. Taken prisoner, betrayed, then matriarch of the very people who tried to kill me. Ran murdered, Ran alive. What was I doing?

Was there even a chance my people could change just like that? Sure, in the heat of the moment, they'd given their vow, but I'd known these people my entire life. They were poised for blood, ready for battle, and they were attuned to killing all magical beings.

How could they go from murdering such a thing to protecting it?Couldthey?

I saw the many things I'd have to do in the coming days. Many would be looking for the chance to betray me. To stay alive, my mind needed to be sharper than ever.

We could do this. We had to. And this time, I had people to back me. My family. Shen. Even a dragon, for goodness’ sake.

"Shen, I don't know how to... deal with all this. Everything has happened so fast. First you, then being arrested, now matriarch?"

Shen came closer, his intense eyes studying me.

"Do you want me to leave?" he asked.

I shook my headno. "Yes," I said quickly, trying to stop my body from betraying me.

He pursed his lips as if hiding a smile. “Can I be your guard dog?"

My lips quirked despite myself. His eyes held a hint of satisfaction, as if that were his goal. "What?"

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