Page 130 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“But why?”
“For so many reasons,” Auslin replied, but he couldn’t elaborate without revealing too much.
The afternoon sun painted the gardens below in shades of gold and amber. The necromantic poison might be beyond Auslin’s current understanding, but he refused to accept defeat. Liros would return, and when he did, they would find answers. Until then, Auslin would pour every ounce of his power and will into keeping Maseo alive and as comfortable as possible.
Their trinity bond promised futures neither could quite imagine yet. Auslin drew strength from that promise, from the steady presence of someone who had endured more than anyone should have to bear yet still offered comfort to others.
“It’s interesting,” Maseo said. “I spent so many years believing I was fundamentally broken. There had to be something wrong with me that made my father hate me, Kio use me, and others abuse me. But sitting here with you, I’m starting to think maybe I’m not as damaged as I believed.”
“You were never broken. Hurt, yes. Treated terribly by people who should have protected you, definitely. But at your core, you’re whole and worthy of love. You’re so much stronger than you know.”
Maseo’s composure wavered, revealing glimpses of the young man who had been starved of affection all his life. “I want to believe that.”
“Then let me show you.” Auslin reached up to cup Maseo’s face, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped despite the half-wolf shifter’s attempts at control. “Let me prove to you that you deserve all the happiness in the world.”
Maseo leaned into the touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment to savor the gentle contact. When he opened them again, they held a fragile hope that made Auslin’s chest tighten with protective tenderness.
As they embraced in the afternoon light, the trinity bond settled more firmly into place. The connection between them strengthened with each shared moment, each offered comfort, and each glimpse of vulnerability. When Liros returned and they healed Maseo’s wounds, Auslin suspected they would discover that more than just physical poison had been purged from his system.
The future stretched before them, full of possibility and promise. For now, it was enough to sit together. Everything else could wait until they were ready to explore the depths of what was growing between them.
Chapter 45
Kisano
Maseo stepped through the library doorway, moving with the stiffness of someone still recovering from serious injuries. The necromancy wounds inflicted by Nasume had yet to heal, leaving the young man paler than he should be.
His eyes widened as he surveyed the vast collection surrounding him. Floor-to-ceiling shelves stretched in every direction, filled with volumes on everything from ancient history to modern magical theory. Ladders on wheeled tracks provided access to the highest shelves, and reading nooks tucked between sections offered quiet spaces for contemplation.
“This is incredible,” Maseo breathed, his usual guarded expression softening with genuine wonder. “I’ve never seen so many books in one place. The collection at Kunushi was impressive, but this is extraordinary.”
The awe in Maseo’s voice filled Kisano with a flutter of pride. His library was his greatest accomplishment, the result of centuries spent collecting rare texts and preserving knowledge. “Thank you.”
Maseo’s posture remained straight and respectful as he bowed to Kisano. “Your Highness, you summoned me?”
“Please sit wherever you are comfortable,” Kisano gestured toward the various chairs scattered throughout the library. “And there is no need for such formality between us.”
Maseo gingerly sat in an oversized leather chair by the fireplace, where Kisano joined him. His wry grin was disarming. “If there’s one good thing that’s come out of my injuries, it’s been impeccable posture. My mother would be so proud.”
Kisano chuckled. “I applaud you for finding a bright side to such a grim injury.”
“It’s the best way to make sure my father doesn’t win.” Maseo shifted, his expression growing puzzled. “I must admit I’m confused about why you wanted to speak with me. Have I done something wrong?”
Kisano’s stomach clenched with nervous energy. It was why he had avoided the conversation for so long, dreading the awkwardness of addressing his past behavior. But leaving for Kunushi without speaking would have been cowardly.
“No, you have done nothing wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact.” Kisano clasped his hands together and bowed his head. “I wanted to apologize to you.”
“Apologize?” Maseo’s brow furrowed with genuine confusion. “For what?”
How could Kisano explain the weight of his regret when Maseo seemed unaware he had any reason to feel it? “For how I treated you when you first arrived here. I showed you suspicion andhostility when you deserved better. I misjudged your character and your intentions, and I am deeply sorry for that.”
Maseo stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “You don’t need to apologize. You were looking out for your family’s best interests, which is what a good brother should do.”
“But I was wrong about you.”
“In your defense, all you knew was that I was Nasume’s son and Kio’s former lover. Assuming I might be a spy or a threat was a reasonable conclusion. It would have been stranger if you had been fine with my presence.”
The kindness in Maseo’s response only made Kisano feel worse about his past behavior. Here was someone who had suffered tremendous abuse, who had every right to be bitter, yet he offered forgiveness that Kisano was unsure he deserved.
