Page 318 of The Lands Defying
“Crops are growing well, and they found a new river that opened up so we have another water source. He also invited us to the castle next month as he is having local sellers come to fill the courtyard and celebrate the start of summer.”
His brows furrow. “None would have you smiling like you are now.”
I grin wider and look down at the letter. “Oh, he also mentions two large wolves have been spotted in Zakith.” I look up. “Someone from Mivera’s pack reported the sighting, and some are concerned.”
Darius grins. “How unusual.”
“Very.” We share a secret smile.
So maybe we haven’t told anyone about Zahariss and Cazier’s freedom when the hounds went to the below. We decided to let them be, and if they want others aware of their presence, it will be on their terms.
The Gods walk among us once more, allowed to do so after righting the wrong, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
“Dinner is ready!” Katy announces, and everyone rushes over to form a line, waiting their turn, but Jerrod and Oscar get there first, and I don’t miss how Katy bats her eyes at him.
Darius and I stay seated, choosing to be the last to get some food as we watch on.
“I never thought I would ever have this,” I tell him. Thinking about all of those we lost, and all of those we gained.
I feel his gaze on the side of my face, but I continue watching my pack.
“Have what?” He rumbles, pulling me close to him and feeling our wolves greet each other.
I look at him then, raising a hand and running my fingers down the side of his face.
“Freedom,” I say, watching as his eyes bounce between mine. “I never thought I would be free. Not truly. I forget we even have it sometimes.”
We were hidden for so long, but now we can all openly walk the lands without fear, without retribution. It will take time to get used to, and I’m slowly learning that I can go anywhere I want now.
He stares at me for a moment, and then he's up and taking my hand, guiding me into the trees.
“Where are we going?” I laugh, nearly tripping over myself in his haste.
He doesn’t stop until we hit the lilk trees, and he puts his palm to them as we pass, as do I, feeling our combined power still strong within.
When he stops, he turns to me, raising a hand. Drax is there in an instant, licking the side of my face before going to Darius.
I call Runa and she stretches when she lands, wiggling her tail back and forth as she looks at them.
“What are we doing”? He lifts me suddenly, placing me on top of Runa before he climbs onto Drax’s back, the wolf huffing which causes me to giggle.
“We are going for a run.”
“Now?” I ask, looking behind me in the direction of the gathering. “Do you not want dinner?”
“This is more important.”
“What is?”
“Reminding you of your freedom.” And then he's off, racing into the trees and looking back at me over his shoulder with a smirk.
I wait a moment, feeling the weight of his words as they settle deep within me, and then we chase after him with a smile on my face and a heart full of warmth.
Because Iamfree.
We play for hours, exhausting ourselves until eventually we come to rest in my favorite flowers as our wolves wander off to drink in a nearby river.
I look over the flowers, watching them sway in a gentle breeze.
