Page 11 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“It may not feel like it, but good things are on the horizon for you,” Auslin promised Maseo.
The half-wolf shifter scoffed. “Forgive me for not believing you after a lifetime of being shown that the only thing I have to look forward to is more suffering.”
Auslin tightened his grip on Maseo’s arms. “An epic love is waiting for you once this is all over. You’ll see.”
Chapter 5
Maseo
Despite having come closer to crossing into the Beyond Realm than he was comfortable with, Maseo had never felt more removed from his problems than when he was holding Auslin while they flew on Kitsuki’s dragon. Combined with the blue sky, warm sunlight, and refreshing wind, soaring through the air made Maseo grateful to be alive.
They had almost reached the border of Balsimi and Laylan by the time Kitsuki’s dragon landed for the night. With every mile they put between Maseo and Kunushi, he felt better.
As Kitsuki started a fire while they made camp, Maseo wanted to be helpful but didn’t want to step on the dragon king’s toes. He offered, “I would be happy to hunt for dinner tonight.”
Kitsuki hesitated long enough that Maseo thought he would refuse. But he relented with a tilt of his head. “That would be acceptable. Would you prefer a weapon?”
“I hear a river not too far away, so a spear would be helpful to catch fish. But I can also hunt for rabbits or other creatures if you prefer.”
“It has been some time since we enjoyed fish.” Kitsuki summoned a spear with his magic.
Maseo accepted the weapon with a bowed head. “Thank you. I’ll return shortly.”
He headed deeper into the woods and soon came across a stream, where he speared several fish before bringing them back to the camp. “I brought back velfite.”
Auslin beamed at the sight of the distinctive blue rainbow scales. “Oh, that’s one of my favorite fish! What a treat.”
“You did well,” Kitsuki said, a faint hint of a smile on his lips as he accepted Maseo’s offering. “I appreciate your help, Maseo. Rest while I take care of the prep.”
Maseo brightened under the praise. It was rare for him to hear kind words, especially from someone as magnificent as Kitsuki. “I’m glad I could help.”
“How was your flying experience today?” Kitsuki asked as he filleted the fish. His dexterity with a knife showcased his warrior abilities, which Maseo admired, having trained with various weapons in the army.
“A little overwhelming at first, because I was afraid of falling off,” Maseo admitted with a chuckle.
“Even in the unlikely event of that, I would catch you before any harm came to you.” Why did Kitsuki’s promise fill Maseo with such joy?
“I trust you. It’s myself I’m not so sure about.”
Auslin laughed at Maseo’s wry grin. “I understand.”
“Once I overcame the shock of being so high in the air, it became an exhilarating experience,” Maseo said. “I’ve never been anywhere close to that elevation before, so the view was astonishing.”
Auslin nodded in agreement. “It gives you perspective.”
“I’m not entirely sure I didn’t cross over to the Beyond Realm’s Everlight Vale. Flying so high, with such a peaceful feeling, felt like the closest thing to heaven this realm offers.”
Auslin reached over and squeezed Maseo’s hand. The gesture made his breath hitch as Auslin said, “I promise this is very real.”
Despite his exhaustion from the eventful past few days, Maseo couldn’t sleep. He thought he was being subtle by shifting positions, but Kitsuki asked, “Trouble sleeping?”
Maseo gave up the pretense and sat up to face Kitsuki. The dragon shifter king possessed an ethereal beauty, made even more entrancing in the flickering silver firelight. With his pale skin and long, white hair in the moonlight, Kitsuki appeared to be carved from the finest Divine Realm marble. The sight took Maseo aback, momentarily distracting him from answering. “Sorry.”
“No apologies are necessary.” Kitsuki’s expression was more sympathetic than Maseo expected. “Are you anxious about what awaits you in Tiora?”
“Nothing can be scarier than facing almost certain death at my father’s hand,” Maseo replied. “I expect to be hazed by the warriors in your army. But that’s pretty much how I’m treated everywhere for being a halfling, so I’m used to it.”
Kitsuki frowned. “I hope my soldiers will treat you better than that.”
