Page 47 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Maseo frowned, trying to parse her cryptic words. “I do not understand.”
“Understanding comes when the hour demands it, not before.” Her smile returned, mysterious and knowing. “You still find value and meaning in the love that has so often been denied to you. Your strength is a testament to how well she taught you, and some lessons echo beyond the grave.”
Her approval warmed Maseo’s heart. “Why are you telling me all this?”
“To give you the courage to do what you must in this war and what comes after.” Her smile softened her features. “What appears to be lost is often the only path to finding what was always meant to be yours.”
Maseo’s stomach clenched with unease. “What do you mean?”
“Sometimes the deepest wounds become gateways to the greatest healing.” Her amethyst eyes grew distant, as if she were seeing futures yet to unfold. “Trust in love, even when it brings you pain.”
“Nothing you are saying makes any sense to me.”
She placed her hand over his, her touch warm despite the cold fear spreading through his chest. “Remember that every decision you make during this war will lead you to what you want most in life.”
Maseo’s head spun. “Which is?”
“That is a mystery you must figure out on your own.” Kizoshi stood up, and Maseo did the same. She reached over and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Be brave, Maseo. I promise the reward will be well worth the effort. We will have reason to talk again soon.”
With those parting words, she walked out of the room, with her dress fluttering behind her. Maseo remained where he was, too stunned by the encounter to move. A few moments later, a knock on the open door drew his attention.
Jaega chuckled as he shut the door behind him. He took the seat Kizoshi had vacated, gesturing for Maseo to sit down again. “Based on your bewildered expression, I am guessing you met my beloved niece?”
“I have never been more confused in my life.” Maseo ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. “Is she always like that?”
“Kizoshi is a nexus of the arcane, where the veil between realms whispers secrets in a tongue long silent. The truth of her words unfolds only in the shadow of what has passed.”
“You’re saying that making sense of all her cryptic warnings is like trying to capture the wind?”
Jaega chuckled. “Precisely. Her riddles will eventually be solved, so do not trouble yourself too deeply with deciphering her obfuscation. All will become clear in time.”
“I hope so, because right now, I have more questions than answers. Based on the way she spoke about my father, I guess I should be grateful she seems to like me at all.”
Jaega nodded, with a hint of a grin on his face. “Yes, her detestation of your father is quite legendary.”
“I’m guessing she’s that ‘interfering heinous bitch’ my dad always ranted about when he talked about King Kitsuki,” Maseo realized. “Uh, please forgive my direct quote. I don’t share his opinion.”
“Think nothing of it. If anything, I am surprised he used such a mild swear. She has certainly done enough to him over the centuries to merit stronger words.”
Maseo flushed. “Oh, he’s definitely called her worse, but I don’t feel comfortable repeating them, especially to her uncle.”
“Trust me, there are no insults left to scandalize me after living this long.” Jaega grinned at his own joke. “Speaking of which, have they lessened in these past few weeks since you have been here?”
“I’ve honestly never been treated better in my life,” Maseo replied.
Jaega frowned. “I hate to think of what could be worse, but with a father like Nasume, I suppose it is no surprise.”
“No one has tried to kill me or threatened to, so I have no complaints.” Maseo felt guilty for making Jaega look so troubled. “I’ve made friends, which I didn’t think would bepossible. I’m grateful to you for giving me a place to belong. I would be honored to stay in your army after the war, if you would let me.”
“You will always have a place here.” Jaega said it with such warmth that it made Maseo feel a little choked up. “I am confident my nephew and his mate feel the same way.”
Maseo bowed his head. “I’ll never understand why they’ve granted me a second chance at life, but I will always be grateful.”
“Use it wisely.” Jaega stood, signaling the end of their conversation. “Get some rest. I suspect Kizoshi’s visit means the tides of war are shifting faster than we expected.”
Chapter 19
Kizoshi
