Page 46 of The Wolf's Prince
She reached out, looking surpised as she took it.
“I am Eri,” she said.
She swallowed and looked down at their joined hands for a moment, holding on a little longer than necessary before suddenly releasing him.
“You’re right,” she suddenly said. “Why not try to be friends? I’ve known Soren for my whole life. I have many tales I could share with you.”
“Really?” Nikolai asked, grinning. “Was he wild when he was younger? He looks like the type.”
“Oh, you have no idea,” she said. “Come, walk with me.”
She didn’t wait for Nikolai, turning to stride away, clearly expecting him to follow.
Nikolai glanced back at Soren.
He was engrossed in whatever his friend was saying, paying them no mind.
Smiling, he sneaked after Eri. She took his arm when he reached her.
“Tell me everything!” he enthused.
She smiled coyly.
“Oh, you like gossip,” she chuckled. “Then I have some for you.”
Nikolai expected Eri to lead him to the side where they could sit away from listening ears.
She looked around, almost as though she was worried that someone would spot them. Sure enough, when someone turned to look in their direction, she yanked Nikolai behind a tree, holding him there and chuckling.
“Can't let them know I'm corrupting you,” she explained.
Nikolai laughed.
“Don't worry, I'm not corruptible. Soren will know that.”
She eyed him.
“I'm not sure that is something to be proud of.”
Nikolai shrugged, unsure what to say.
“Here, come this way.”
She tugged him in the opposite direction they had been heading. To Nikolai’s confusion, she began to lead himdown, where he could not see a path and the drops were steep.
“This is too far,” he said, tugging back.
“Just a bit more,” Eri insisted, pulling him forward.
He nearly toppled and then yanked his arm free from her grip, frustration sweeping through him, accompanying a sudden spike of fear.
“I'm not like you,” he snapped. “I don't know the mountains, or have four legs to catch me if I need.”
Eri seemed unbothered by his annoyance.
“Okay, well, right here will do then ,” she said, looking around.
Nikolai followed her gaze.
