Page 50 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“Will Kitsuki and Maseo be okay?” Auslin asked in a small voice.
“War exacts its price from all who dare to enter its domain. But those who fight with love as their shield often survive what would destroy others. The path ahead will test every bond between you, but if you hold fast to what matters most, you will find your way through.”
Auslin’s shoulders tensed. “More riddles.”
“Truth often wears that disguise until we are ready to face it.” She took his hands in hers, feeling the healing magic pulse beneath his skin. “I urge you to believe what seems like an ending is the only path to a true beginning.”
Silence stretched between them, filled only by Hibiki’s soft breathing and the distant call of frost hawks circling the castle towers. “What are you trying to prepare me for?”
“The future, where you will have to trust yourself to do what must be done. It is the only way.”
Auslin hesitated. “And if I make the wrong decision?”
“Have faith in yourself, Auslin. Your love has already proven stronger than time once. It will do so again.” She stopped him when he protested. “Going through Fate’s Gate rewrote the path of your life. As long as you remain true to yourself, it will not lead you astray.”
“Although I may seem ungrateful, I appreciate your honesty, even when it’s not what I want to hear.”
Kizoshi nodded once, a solemn acknowledgment passing between them. “That is the burden of my role. I carry truths before others are prepared to hold them. But we will have reason to speak again later. Be well, Auslin. Be brave.” She stood, smoothing the gold folds of her dress around her. Hibiki’s tail flicked, his glowing gaze tracking her movement.
The garden below shimmered in the afternoon light, yet its warmth failed to penetrate the chill settling in her bones. She could sense the Living Realm shifting beneath her, the weight of prophecy tugging at the edges of her consciousness.
Three hearts. Two choices. One impossible fate. All of it lay in wait for them.
As she left Auslin on the veranda and stepped back into the corridor, she allowed herself a last glance at the healer who had never asked to stand at the center of fate.
He would not remain untouched by the storm to come. None of them would. But she would ensure it was worth every sacrifice.
Chapter 20
Kitsuki
The late-afternoon sun cast long shadows across Kitsuki’s private office as he reviewed the latest reports from his border scouts. They detailed troop movements and supply lines, but his mind kept drifting to more pressing concerns. War was now inevitable, and within a fortnight, he would lead his armies against Nasume’s forces.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. “Enter.”
The door opened to reveal his sister, resplendent in flowing gold silk. Her presence filled the room with an otherworldly energy that made the very air shimmer.
“Kizoshi.” He set down his quill. “I was not expecting you.”
Her jeweled hair ornaments caught the light as she moved. “You look troubled, dear brother.”
“I have much on my mind.” He gestured to the chair across from his desk. “The war approaches fast.”
She settled into the offered seat. “Indeed, it does. I already spoke with Maseo and Auslin.”
Something tightened in Kitsuki’s chest at the mention of the half-wolf shifter. His hand moved to Maseo’s small wish pendant resting against his collarbone beneath his tunic. It felt warm against his skin. “You met with him?”
“At last. I have been most curious about the son of my greatest enemy.” Her dark amethyst eyes sparkled with amusement. “He is quite remarkable.”
“In what way?” The question escaped before Kitsuki could stop himself.
“He carries himself with dignity despite the cruelty he has endured. There is a strength in him that his father could never break, no matter how brutally he tried.” She studied Kitsuki’s expression. “Maseo spoke of you with such reverence. And of Auslin with genuine affection.”
Kitsuki’s dragon stirred within him.She tells the truth. He honors us both.
“Maseo has proven himself a valuable addition to our forces,” Kitsuki replied, ignoring his dragon. “Jaega speaks highly of his progress.”
“Valuable.” Kizoshi repeated the word with amusement. “Such a clinical term for someone who has captured your dragon’s attention.”
