Page 124 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“You are not the same person you once were,” Kitsuki reminded him. “Now, you have your loving mate to support you, your dragon has emerged, and you have centuries of ruling experience from being my regent in my absences. With your wisdom, you are strong enough to make a difference for an entire kingdom of people who desperately need your kindness and generous heart.”
Before Kisano could protest, the air in the library shimmered, and Kizoshi appeared in a flash of Divine light. She wore her full regalia as the War Power, but her expression was gentle as she looked at her eldest brother. “I must add my voice to support Kisano becoming the new king. It is the perfect solution for everyone involved.”
“Everyone will hate me,” Kisano objected. “No one wants a weak dragon ruling over them.”
Kizoshi’s expression softened with tender affection as she sat with them at the table. “Dear brother, you are anything but weak now. It is your fate to lead that kingdom to peace and glory.”
“Sophina has told you this?”
“She has,” Kizoshi confirmed. “You and your mate can heal Kunushi from the wounds Nasume inflicted. The people there have suffered under tyranny for too long. They need a ruler who values peace over power.”
“But I am not a wolf shifter,” Kisano protested. “How can I rule over people whose nature I do not share?”
“That is why you will be successful,” Kizoshi said with conviction. “You will not be bound by their traditional thinking or ancient grudges but can bring a fresh perspective to problems that have festered for generations. There will be dissenters, but your reign will be heralded as a welcome change once you make your intentions clear. And do not forget, despite Nasume’s beliefs in wolf superiority, there are a myriad of other shifter types who live there.”
The Beyond Realm book in Kisano’s hands seemed to pulse with warmth, as if his father’s spirit was offering encouragement from the Everlight Vale.
“You will not be doing this alone,” Kizoshi continued. “You have your dragon to give you strength, Sephen to support and advise you, and our guidance whenever you need it. Dear brother, you know I would never send you somewhere if it were not the best thing for both you and the people you would serve.”
“But what about my library?” The thought of Kisano leaving his sanctuary felt like contemplating the loss of a limb.
“It will always be here for you,” Kitsuki promised. “This is your home, but Kunushi needs you now.”
“While Nasume scorned knowledge and learning, he maintained quite an impressive library with a kindly librarian who will become your new best friend,” Kizoshi promised.
Kitsuki’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Iston survived?”
“He did. And he will flourish under Kisano’s rule.”
“Maseo asked us to protect the elderly wolf shifter. It is my sole regret that the urgency of our departure prevented me from reuniting them.”
“Fear not. He will be reunited with Maseo soon enough,” she said. “It will be worth the wait.”
The mention of another librarian, someone who had survived Nasume’s reign and maintained a love of knowledge despite the danger, sparked something in Kisano’s chest. Perhaps he would not be alone in this endeavor.
“I must speak with Sephen before I agree to anything,” Kisano said, conceding defeat. “This decision affects him as much as it does me.”
“Of course,” Kizoshi replied. “Any good ruler consults with those they trust before making important decisions.”
“You have our full support, whatever you decide,” Kitsuki added. “But I believe this is your chance to make a real difference in the world by using your considerable gifts for something greater than personal scholarship.”
“The Claim of Conquest will not wait,” Kizoshi warned. “Ancient laws require that a new ruler be established quickly after a king’s death, or the kingdom falls into chaos. The sooner you arrive, the sooner peace becomes possible for those long-suffering people.”
Kisano clutched the Beyond Realm book to his chest, drawing strength from its impossible warmth. His father had believed in him enough to send a gift across the barriers between life and death. Sephen saw value in his work that he had never recognized in himself. His dragon had emerged, proof that he was capable of more than he had ever imagined. He had family and friends who loved and supported him.
Perhaps it was time to stop hiding in his library and step into the fate that seemed to call his name.
The weight of the decision still terrified him, but for the first time in his long life, Kisano believed he might be strong enough to bear it.
Chapter 42
Sephen
The familiar sound of their chamber doors opening drew Sephen’s gaze from his treatise on ancient magical theory, but the sight of his mate entering their sanctuary captured his full attention. Kisano moved with careful, measured steps, clutching something against his chest with the reverence he reserved for his most precious artifacts.
All the painted fore-edges of their personal library caught the lamplight, creating a backdrop of flowing landscapes and botanical illustrations that transformed their shelves into a work of art. The space had become his haven, a perfect blend of scholarship and beauty reflecting both their personalities. However, something felt different about the way Kisano carried himself, as if he bore the weight of momentous news.
Sephen marked his place in his book before setting it aside. His mate deserved his complete attention, especially when he looked so troubled. “Welcome back. How did your conversation with Kitsuki go?”
