Page 139 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“I understood only a fraction of what you told me, but I still appreciate you helping me.”
“You are both an Ariake and the slayer of Nasume. For that, you will always have my loyalty.”
Her words filled Maseo with a happiness that was becoming more common. “In that case, I know I can survive anything fate throws at me.”
Kizoshi shifted her attention to Rylan, who had finished speaking with Jaega. “Lieutenant, please escort our brave wolf to his quarters to rest.”
“It is my pleasure to serve.” He bowed before stepping forward to help Maseo out of the chair.
Maseo’s body protested every movement as he stood up with great care. The ache in his wounds seemed deeper now, as if Kizoshi’s words had awakened something dormant within his injuries. He bowed to her and the general, despite the pain. “I appreciate you looking out for me.”
“Be well,” Jaega said before Rylan guided Maseo from the room.
The raven shifter’s steady presence was a comfort as they navigated the corridors through the barracks. The familiar sounds of the warriors in their quarters felt distant, muffled by the weight of Kizoshi’s cryptic warnings.
“You look as if you’ve seen a ghost,” Rylan observed as they walked.
“I think I have,” Maseo replied with a tired chuckle. “Or maybe I’m about to become one. Did anything she said make sense to you?”
“From what parts I heard, not one damn word of it.” Rylan’s hearty laughter echoed in the hallway. “Good luck, pup. It sounds like you’re going to need it.”
“Thank you for everything,” Maseo said as they stopped outside the door to his room.
Rylan squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m about to deliver you to Bitris, who has undoubtedly planned an entire celebration that will probably re-injure you within minutes.”
Maseo laughed despite the pain. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I’ll return later to escort you back to the castle, so try not to hit the fire whiskey too hard.”
With a fond pat on the shoulder, Rylan pushed open the door. Three pairs of eyes turned toward them, brightening at the sight of Maseo.
“Finally!” Bitris exclaimed, already pouring whiskey into cups. “Our illustrious hero returns. We were having fun planning your victory celebration.”
“Nothing too strenuous,” Drayden promised. “Just good alcohol and tales of our battlefield glory.”
“Mostly yours,” Sudryl added. “Though Bitris has been embellishing his own exploits considerably in your absence.”
“I don’t embellish,” Bitris protested. “I enhance for dramatic effect. There’s a difference.”
Rylan guided Maseo to his bed. “Try not to kill him with your celebrations. He needs rest more than revelry. But remember, ifhe’s in the healing quarters by morning because of you, you’re all running laps until sunset.”
“Such little faith,” Bitris lamented. “Don’t worry. We’ll take excellent care of our precious hero.”
“I’ll come collect him later, so please don’t get him too drunk to walk. If I carry him to the castle like a swooning princess, the king will have my head.”
Everyone laughed, but Maseo didn’t know which part made him blush more as Rylan left.
“To Maseo,” Drayden said, raising his cup. “Who faced the worst monsters and lived to tell the tale.”
“To the end of Nasume’s reign,” Sudryl added, “and the downfall of Ishibiya.”
“To our friend,” Bitris finished, his usual flirtation softened by genuine affection. “Who proved that family isn’t about blood, but about who you choose to fight for.”
Bitris launched into an exaggerated account of a battle Maseo was certain never happened that way. Drayden corrected the most egregious falsehoods, while Sudryl rolled his eyes at them. The familiar rhythm of their banter washed over Maseo like a healing balm.
Whether Ishibiya returned, his life could be saved, or Kizoshi’s cryptic promises came true, Maseo knew he had found a pack of his own, made from his chosen family. And that, perhaps, was the greatest victory of all.
Chapter 48
