Page 55 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“For the first time since I lost my mother, I have people who care whether I live or die and see value in me I’m still learning to see in myself.”
“You belong here, Maseo. Never doubt that.”
The words wrapped around Maseo’s heart like a warm embrace. He wanted to say more, wanted to confess the feelings that grew stronger every day despite his best efforts to suppress them. But he was a half-blood bastard, and Kitsuki was a mated king. Some truths were too dangerous to speak aloud. “If I must face my father alone, at least I will do so knowing that I have something worth fighting for.”
Kitsuki’s eyes burned with an inner fire. “You will return. I will accept no other outcome.”
The fierce possessiveness in those words made Maseo’s pulse quicken. For a moment, the careful distance between king and subject dissolved, leaving only two people who cared about each other’s welfare.
But what could Maseo say? That he was falling in love with a man he could never have? That every kindness Kitsuki showed him made the impossible feelings grow stronger? Instead, he settled for saying, “You and your mate have given me a reason to fight.”
Kitsuki’s tone softened. “You have given me something as well.”
“What could I give you?”
“Purpose beyond duty. A reminder of why we wage this war.” Kitsuki’s gaze never left Maseo’s face. “You represent everyone we are trying to protect.”
Maseo’s throat tightened with emotion. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know you will not.” Kitsuki’s voice carried absolute conviction. “But Maseo, promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“Do not throw your life away in pursuit of vengeance. Your survival matters more than any symbolic victory over Nasume.”
“I promise.” The words came easily because they were true. A few months ago, Maseo might have welcomed a glorious death in battle. But now he wanted to live. “I will do whatever it takes to come home.”
Home. The word slipped out before he could stop it, revealing more than he intended. The palace, the people, the impossible dream of belonging somewhere had become home in a way his father’s fortress never had.
“Good.” Kitsuki’s relief was palpable. “I will hold you to that promise.”
Maseo should have returned to his duties and stopped tormenting himself with impossible dreams. But seeing the genuine care in Kitsuki’s eyes felt like a gift he was reluctant to surrender. But he knew what he needed to leave. “Was there anything else you needed to discuss about the campaign?”
“No.” Kitsuki’s mask of royal composure slipped back into place, but his eyes remained warm. “I wanted to ensure you understood what might be required of you.”
“I do.” Maseo rose from his chair with a bow. “I appreciate your concern more than you know.”
The king’s voice stopped him at the door. “Be careful, Maseo. The realm needs you to survive this war.”
Maseo heard the “I need you to survive” beneath those formal words. Whether that was wishful thinking or genuine perception, he couldn’t say. “I promise I will.”
“Remember, when you face your father, you are not the broken boy he tried to destroy. You are a brave man worthy of love, respect, and a place to belong.”
A lump formed in Maseo’s throat as he nodded. “I’ll do my best to make you proud.”
As he made his way back through the palace corridors, Maseo’s mind churned with everything that had been left unsaid. The thought of facing his father alone terrified him, but knowing that Kitsuki cared about the outcome gave him courage.
Whatever role Maseo would play in Kizoshi’s prophecy, he would face it with courage. Even if he could never have everything he wanted, he could protect what mattered most.
And maybe, if he was very lucky and brave, he might live long enough to see what came next.
Chapter 22
Auslin
Months of preparation passed, and Auslin couldn’t comprehend that it was suddenly the night before Kitsuki and his warriors would march to Kunushi to bring a swift end to the war. His concern for his mate weighed on him, but another worry had taken root regarding Maseo’s safety in the coming battle.
Though he tried to convince himself everything would be fine, Auslin knew the half-shifter would be a target when he returned to his homeland. The disquiet prompted him to summon Maseo to the castle.
