Page 53 of A Reign of Malice
“I can’t freaking believe that just happened!” Estee says, grabbing Isla.
“That was…” Isla can’t finish as her sobs take over.
Asher reaches for her, holding onto his mate as he walks away with her.
Estee watches them go, her smile still intact, but then she turns to me, answering the confusion that’s clearly written on my face. “Noen was Isla’s best friend growing up. We were all close really, but they were closest. Probably because Noen was in love with her, but for Isla, it was always Asher. She didn’t even know. When we finally made our way back to Polaris after, you know, being brutally murdered and banished to Earth, there was a brief time during which we thought Noen was the one to kill us.”
My mouth drops open. None of this information had made it outside Polaris. All I knew was that their reincarnations had gone wrong. This is absolutely insane, though.
“After being wrongly accused,” Estee continues, “he decided to take a break from our pack. We didn’t know where he’d gone, and we’ve hardly heard from him in months. Running into Noen here was a complete fluke, but seeing him find his mate, Isla no longer having to feel guilty for breaking his heart… It’s a lot on her. But she’ll be okay.”
“I can only imagine,” I say, glancing at the shops. “Should we wait for them?”
She shakes her head. “Let’s find a cute toy for the pup and move on.” Her voice lowers. “There are things we need to talk about sooner rather than later.”
Her tone makes my stomach twist. Gods, please let this mean Aurora has answered. Please let this mean help is actually coming.
I don’t press her yet, though. Not here, where too many ears could catch the wrong phrase and carry it straight to Aeson. Instead, I let the moment settle, my fingers drifting over a few carved wooden toys and soft bundles of handwoven cloth at the nearest vendor’s stand.
The green velvet blanket catches my eye. A deep, calming shade not unlike the forests of Alcaris. A small piece of home in a place that’s anything but. I choose it with a grateful nod to the vendor then tuck it into the crook of my arm like a shield.
The homes sit just beyond the market square, clustered along a quiet lane lined with simple gardens and weathered fences. Most of the Alcaris wolves have settled here, trying to carve out a semblance of normalcy after everything back home turned to ruin.
I tap into the pack link, reaching out first to Trav, Selene’s mate, to make sure they’re up for visitors.“Would a visit be okay with your family?”
Trav’s warm response is almost instant.“Perfect timing. We just finished bath time.”
I smile at his easygoing nature.“I’m bringing a couple of guests. King Theo and Queen Estee.”
“As long as they ignore the mess, they’re welcome.”His laugh is light, but there’s something underneath it. Strain.
We turn onto the next street, but before I can ask whichcottage is theirs, Trav appears in the doorway of the third house on the left.
His smile stretches wide, warmth radiating off him, though there’s a faint shadow of exhaustion under his golden eyes.
He bows low. “My queen. Your Majesties.”
I clasp his hand in both of mine. “It’s good to see you, Trav.”
“Please, come in.”
The cottage is cozy, the scent of woodsmoke mingling with something sweet, maybe the remnants of breakfast. Sunlight filters through the lace curtains, illuminating a small but well-loved living space.
Selene sits on the couch, her newborn pup nestled in her arms, swaddled in soft gray cloth. Her smile is warm and tired all at once. “Thank you for coming to visit, Queen Sloane. We weren’t sure you’d have time.”
I sit beside her, already mesmerized by the tiny wolf. His soft skin is tinged pink, a fine layer of dark hair already sprouting along his scalp. His eyes flutter as though he’s fighting sleep, his tiny fists curling into his blanket.
“I’ll always make time for my pack,” I say softly, but the words stick in my throat, edged with guilt. Because I don’t really know if I’ll be able to keep that promise. By the end of tomorrow, my fate—and theirs—could be out of my hands entirely.
“Have you decided on a name yet?” I ask.
Selene blushes and glances at her mate, who chuckles. “This is a little awkward, given who’s here, but his name is Theo. After my grandfather.”
Estee gasps, nudging her mate with her elbow as she winks at him. “You better watch out. This little one might come for your crown one day.”
Theo’s rare grin spreads across his face. “I welcome the challenge.”
The laughter that follows feels real, even if it’s just for a moment. I set the velvet blanket beside the pup, brushing my fingers lightly over his impossibly small hand. “We won’t take up too much of your time,” I say. “I just wanted to show my love to the newest member of our pack.”
