Page 11 of The Blue Path

“No.” Haxa jerked at her words, her expression tight with anger and disgust.

“She doesn’t want to hurt them,” I said, squeezing Haxa’s hand. “Omega Tzidal means to help them. To keep them safe from me and the King and his guards.”

“Oh,” the witch let out a soft breath of understanding. “Sorry. I didn’t think gentle wolves like yourself were capable of hurting others, but you never know.”

“She hates being seen as weak,” I said, pointing to Tzidal’s tight smile. “Even though her kind are weak, she’s very strong. At least in spirit.” I nodded, knowing my assessment was true. “She’s a very determined omega.” Tzidal’s cheeks went pink, staring at me as if not sure what to say.

After a moment of silence, Haxa spoke up, “I’m afraid I still can’t help. I’m a green witch. I don’t do visions.”

“But you read the prophecy for the King, right?” I asked.

Tzidal’s eyes went wide, and she hurried around the table. Her energy doubled by the time she made it to Haxa. She clutched the witch’s hand tight. “You did? Do you still know it? What’s it say?”

A wash of understanding moved across Haxa’s face, and she turned to me. “Is he looking for the children of the blushing Moon in Aberdeen?”

“He’s probably looking for them everywhere,” I said, the words flowing from my consciousness like a bubbly, clear spring. "But I don’t believe the King would send a full battalion to march through a city, especially a non-wolf settlement. The King has always been careful in searching for wolves across Havre. He doesn’t like to upset the packs. When the packs are in unrest, the alphas go a bit wildling, and the next thing you know, there’s war all across the lands. It happened not that long ago, during the elvish-era. It was why they were the dominant creatures in Havre for so long. They—”

“My stars,” Lex blurted out. “I don’t think I’ve heard Byriel talk so much the entire time we’ve been with the alpha.”

Tzidal nodded, her mouth open and her brow lifted in disbelief. “That’s some powerful tea.”

“Hey, By’,” Lex leaned in with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Do you think Tzidal is a tasty little wolf?”

“Lex!” Tzidal snapped. “How would you like it if I started asking you a bunch of questions?”

“Ask away, puppy.” He winked. “But unfortunately for you, I’m not bound to this witch's magic. I’m a siren. My very essence is built on death and deception. These spells can’t sway me, but the tea was still lovely. Now Byriel,” he turned to me with a shocking amount of energy, “Tzidal. Is she desirable?”

“Yes,” I said with a nod. “Although, she’d be more desirable if she were obedient.” I turned to the omega. “You have far too much lip for someone of your status. I don’t understand how an alpha hasn’t killed you yet.”

Tzidal crossed her arms with an angry huff, and Lex burst out laughing.

“He’s right,” Joon mumbled.

Tzidal jerked, then rushed to her alpha. She cupped his cheeks, staring at him as if he were a ghost. “You’re awake!” Joon groaned, then moved to sit up. “No!” Tzidal tried easing him back down, pressing on his shoulders.

“Actually, it’ll be good for him to move,” Haxa said. “Get the blood pumping.”

I leaned forward, then twisted slightly, feeling not an ounce of pain. “Thank you, Haxa,” I said with a breath of relief. “I knew you’d be able to help. Green witches really are superior.”

The older woman beamed, pinching my chin between her thumb and forefinger. “You were always my favorite amongst the wolves.”

“I hate to be rude,” I said, feeling my face warm at her praise, “but I was wondering if you remembered any bit of that prophecy. It might help my friends.”

“Actually,” she smiled wide, standing up. “I can do you one better. I still have it.”

On The Table

Joon

* * *

The tiny womandisappeared behind a row of shelves.

My muscles ached as I pulled myself into a sitting position, but I still felt better than I had in a very long time. Tzidal repeatedly whispered the word 'easy' as if I might shatter at any moment. The second I was upright, Tzidal moved between my legs, pressing her nose into the crook of my neck. It felt so good to have her safe and pressed against me.

Moving her lips to my ear, she whispered, "I thought you were going to die. You said I was yours, and you were mine, then you…." Her words grew thick, and a shuddering breath lifted her sweet lips.

"I'm sorry, my omega," I whispered, holding her tight. "I'm not going anywhere."

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