Page 143 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Distant cooking fires scented the evening air as Maseo and Rylan walked from the barracks toward the castle. The raven shifter had insisted on accompanying him, claiming it was the least he could do after Maseo had trekked all the way to the soldiers’ quarters despite his injuries.
“While it was great to see you, you should rest more, given your condition,” Rylan said, his golden eyes flickering with concern. “You’re recovering from serious wounds. Maybe pushing yourself this hard isn’t the wisest idea.”
Maseo shrugged, then winced as the movement tugged at his dressings. “Probably, but it felt good to be around everyone again. It’s the closet I’ve ever been to being normal.”
“I’m not sure hanging out with Bitris, Sudryl, and Drayden counts as normal,” Rylan joked.
“I’m not used to having friends,” Maseo clarified. “It’s nice to be surrounded by people who want me around because they enjoy my company.”
Rylan’s expression softened, but his next words carried his trademark playful edge. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. And I know a certain king and his royal consort feel the same way.”
Heat crept up Maseo’s neck. “They’re good people who help those in need.”
“Is that what we’re calling magical protection jewelry these days? Because last I checked, royal dragons don’t gift their personal magic to people they don’t care about.”
Maseo’s hand moved to where Kitsuki’s ring usually rested, only to find bare skin. Kitsuki had taken it to Head Enchanter Fersen a week ago, hoping he could change the protective magic to guard against necromancy as well. Without the constant warm embrace of Kitsuki’s power, Maseo felt naked in ways that went beyond the physical.
“Missing something?” Rylan asked with obvious amusement, having caught the telltale gesture. “You do that whenever someone mentions His Majesty, you know. Very telling.”
“I do not,” Maseo protested, his face burning hotter.
“You absolutely do.” Rylan’s voice softened, though the teasing in his eyes remained. “There’s nothing wrong with seeking security in someone’s protection, especially when that person is invested in your well-being.”
They walked in comfortable silence as the castle loomed larger. The easy warmth of friendship was new to him, and he wanted to hold on to it for as long as possible. “Thank you for always looking out for me and for making me feel like I’m meant to be here.”
“Was there any question about it with certain dragons and their hoarding instincts?” His expression turned more serious, the playful facade slipping to reveal genuine affection. “In all honesty, you’ve become important to many people here. Don’t forget that. You belong here, with all of us.”
They reached the castle entrance, where warm light spilled from the windows and the sound of distant conversation drifted from within.Home, Maseo thought, with a sense of wonder. “Thanks for walking me back.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you to your room?” Rylan asked, his golden eyes scanning the shadows with a protective instinct. “I don’t mind.”
“I’m sure. Besides, if I let you escort me all the way to my door, people might talk. I wouldn’t want to damage your reputation as a flirt.”
“Ha! As if anyone could compete with your mysterious, brooding appeal.” Rylan grinned as he stepped back. “Fine, but if you have any nightmares tonight, you know where to find me. I have excellent mulled wine, and I’m told my company is moderately entertaining.”
Maseo chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, Rylan turned and headed toward the warriors’ quarters, leaving Maseo standing at the castle entrance with warmth spreading through his chest from more than the fire whiskey. It followed him as he made his way into the castle, a smile playing on his lips.
Now, walking alone through the familiar hallways, Maseo reflected on how surreal it felt to have his own quarters in the family wing of Tiora Castle instead of sleeping in the barrackswith the other soldiers. Kitsuki’s insistence that he stay in the castle in the Ariake wing had surprised him, but the gesture spoke to a consideration that warmed something deep in his chest. After a lifetime of feeling unwanted, having a place to belong was a gift he never took for granted.
The ache in his ribs and back intensified as he walked, the necrotic wounds from his father’s attack refusing to heal despite Auslin’s best efforts. His left eye burned behind its bandages as it wept infected fluid. Each step sent waves of discomfort through his battered body, reminders of how close he had come to death and how much the encounter had cost him.
He couldn’t wait to take a hot bath and sink into the soft bed waiting for him in his room. They were luxuries he had valued after spending so much of his life traveling on the road.
Lost in his thoughts, Maseo’s heightened senses failed to detect the danger until it was too late.
Pain exploded across his shoulder as a blade bit deep into muscle and bone. He cried out, spinning toward his attacker. The sight that greeted him made his heart leap into his throat.
An almost unrecognizable Kio stood before him. After a year in the dungeon, he had transformed into something feral and broken. His once-pristine silver-black hair hung in matted tangles past his shoulders, greasy and unkempt. Yellow eyes that had once held cruel intelligence now burned with the wild light of madness. The stench of unwashed flesh and human waste clung to his tattered clothing, making Maseo’s sensitive nose burn with the assault.
But it was the sword in Kio’s hand that commanded Maseo’s attention, its blade still wet with his blood.
“Well, look at what I found wandering the halls all alone,” Kio crooned, his voice rough from disuse and carrying an unhinged quality that made Maseo’s skin crawl. “There’s no magic protecting you now, is there, you worthless piece of shit?”
Maseo’s mind raced as he pressed his hand against the bleeding wound on his shoulder. How had Kio escaped? Where were the guards who were supposed to be watching him? “How did you get out?”
Kio’s laughter sounded unhinged. “That poor little guard thought he could bring me my slop without backup, so I snapped his neck like a twig and took his keys.” He hefted the stolen sword with practiced ease. “I took his weapon, too. It’s amazing how much stronger you get when all you have to live for is revenge.”
