Page 62 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“Kizoshi promised as much,” Kitsuki said, though the reassurance felt hollow. “But knowing it intellectually and accepting it emotionally are two different matters.”
His knot receded, allowing him to slip free of Auslin’s body. He moved to lie beside his mate, gathering him close against his chest. The loss of intimate connection left him bereft.
They fell silent again, each lost in thought. The reality of the coming dawn and the war that awaited meant whatever discoveries they had made tonight would have to wait, set aside until peace reigned and they were all safe.
“I know why I can’t go, but I hate feeling so useless.”
“You have the most important job of all,” Kitsuki assured him, tilting his face up for a tender kiss. His hand covered Auslin’s where it rested on the symbol of their connection to Maseo. “You are my reason for coming home.”
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Kitsuki tensed, pulling Auslin closer as if to shield him from the intrusion. His dragon bristled at having their precious time together disturbed.
“Your Majesty,” a servant’s voice called out. “Forgive the interruption, but General Jaega is requesting your presence. He says there are pressing matters requiring your immediate attention.”
“I will be there soon,” he replied.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Footsteps retreated down the hallway, leaving them alone once more.
Auslin’s arms tightened around him, his face pressed against Kitsuki’s chest. “I thought we would have until dawn.”
“So did I.” Kitsuki held in a sigh, his fingers combing through Auslin’s hair one last time. “But I must go.”
“I know. Your kingdom needs you.”
Kitsuki kissed him, trying to convey all the things he could not say. When they parted, he left the bed, summoning his magicto clothe himself in formal attire and mask the smell of their lovemaking.
Auslin watched him with flushed cheeks. “Will you come back before you leave?”
“Of course.” Kitsuki returned to give Auslin a parting kiss. “Wait for me.”
“Always.”
Kitsuki headed to his war room, where Jaega awaited him with a grave expression. “My apologies for the interruption, nephew.”
“Has something happened?” Kitsuki asked, glancing at the table covered in miniatures outlining their attack strategy.
“Our scouts reported an eerie green light in Nasume’s camp and the scent of death, but they could not get close enough to confirm whether the rumors about the necromancer Ishibiya’s presence were true. Regardless, they appear to be preparing for an early advance.”
Strategies and contingencies filled Kitsuki’s thoughts, pushing aside the lingering warmth of Auslin’s embrace. “Then we shall meet them sooner than expected.”
His dragon, however, remained focused on what they were leaving behind.We will return to him. To both of them.
It was more than a hope. It was a promise born of a king’s word and a dragon’s oath. He would face Nasume, bring an end to the centuries of conflict that had shadowed his reign, and build the everlasting peace his kingdom and Auslin deserved, giving Maseo a place where he could belong without fear.
Kitsuki’s expression grew resolute. “It seems our enemy grows impatient. Let us not keep him waiting.”
Chapter 24
Maseo
The tent city sprawled across the forested foothills of Balsimi’s mountains, a testament to Talwyn’s power. The Enchanters had transformed what could have been a sprawling military encampment into an organized marvel of efficiency and comfort, nestled among the trees for protection and camouflage. Streets of packed earth ran between neat rows of tents, with silver dragon fire burning at intervals to provide light without smoke or the risk of spreading to the canvas structures. Using Kitsuki’s magic to power the camp served as a reminder of his commitment to protecting his army.
The first night they had departed from Tiora, Maseo had expected to sleep on the hard ground. Having a tent with four comfortable cots, blankets, and rugs to protect them from the dirt had stunned him. Even after weeks of traveling toward Kunushi on foot, it still amazed him what comforts Valzerna offered its warriors.
“You’re brooding again,” Bitris said from where he lounged on the cot beside Maseo. The dragon shifter’s amber eyes gleamedwith mischief in the light of the enchanted lantern. “It’s a good look on you, but I much prefer your smile.”
Maseo rolled his eyes. “Planning is not brooding.”
“Your face says otherwise.” Bitris leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing purr. “Though I must say, the serious expression suits you. It gives you a dangerous edge that makes my scales tingle.”
