A Warrior’s Fate (Wolves of Morai #1)

Chapter 41

CHAPTER 41

T he loud whistle of the ferry broke Isla from her thoughts, the golden aura of lamps and lanterns taking her breath as they approached Abalys’s docks.

Even from their distance, she could tell it was nothing like Mavec. Maybe the stench wasn’t as horrible as Davina had previously described, but it certainly was—acquired. Isla had no choice but to embrace it as the boat came to a halt, unable to continue forward as the town closed in on their path, narrowing the river to nothing but canals.

Only one man was waiting for them at the dock as the engine cut out, and he moored the boat before the ferry whistled once more.

Their group was the last to get off the boat, and the sound of Isla’s boots creaking on the metal stairs was quickly replaced by the thudding of them on wooden boards—what lay here most, as opposed to its sister city’s cobblestones.

Even if Abalys was nothing like Mavec, even if it didn’t have that same marvel of crystals and warm scents of spices or raucous crowds on its streets, there was enough for her to wonder at.

Despite the stories she’d been told, despite the worry she probably should’ve felt as Ameera tucked the necklace she’d been wearing—a simple gold chain with a pendant hanging from the end—into her shirt, there was something homey about the area. Something inviting about that golden aura and the same auspicious light that emanated from the many establishments along the boardwalk, their reflections bobbing on the water. Taverns and shops. More gambling dens and apartment buildings. From the dancing shadows in the windows, she imagined that was where all had disappeared to. She couldn’t help but notice that no prayers or pyres were sent or burned here.

“So, this is Abalys,” Isla said, turning to find everyone with a light in their eyes that rivaled the lantern’s glow.

“This is Abalys,” Kai echoed, his giddiness leaking into his tone.

Isla smiled, taking a deep inhale of river water.

With their hoods thrown over their heads, Isla and Kai moved with her arm looped through his as the group strode down Abalys’s wooden streets to Talha. Tonight, they’d decided, they wouldn’t hide. Not any more than Kai would as the alpha out in public courting a woman for the night.

Mavec was the homestead of the key pack gossips, the ones that would deconstruct everything about her once it officially broke that the alpha had found his fated and a new luna was on her way. The ones that would either vilify her or…not be so horrible.

But in Abalys, the rule was what happened here remained here. Kai had done many things—things he wouldn’t disclose to Isla, brushing it off as him being young and stupid—that had never left these docks.

Specifically, hadn’t left Talha.

The heat of the tavern thwacked her in the face first, the expansive open floor packed with patrons, some flittering between the bar, their seats, or the dancefloor near a raised platform where musicians were performing, or the corner where a few billiards tables had been set up. The smells were something to adjust to. Overwhelmingly of bitter ale and pungent spirits, body odor and the faintest hint of smoke, as if the hearth had been burning earlier. At least something smelled decent cooking in a kitchen somewhere.

The noise Sebastian had made sounded as if he’d died and gone off into eternity.

And from his spot behind her, a surprised Adrien muttered, Goddess , almost simultaneously with a patron in front of them.

Kai had dropped his hood, Isla realized, and she was happy she’d unfurled herself from him before they’d walked in. She wasn’t sure if she would’ve been able to handle the attention.

The awareness of his presence was like a drop of water in an ocean, rippling across and defying all sense in the way it calmed the untamable.

Everyone, everything , came to a halt.

No music. No speaking. No eating. No drinking.

Then came whispers, questions of if it were all some illusion.

And finally, the raucousness resumed.

Greetings were boisterous and plenty for all of them by the tavern’s regulars, but mostly Kai.

Though the men and women of various ages offered him the respect he was owed as their leader, they also spoke with him as a friend they hadn’t seen in a while. Some apologized for his losses, and some shared their own. Shared their triumphs, new mates, new babies, new businesses. It had brought that light to his face that appeared too rarely, like when he’d been talking to the guard members back at the base. A life he’d had and loved and missed. One that he’d never have again.

He didn’t let Isla get lost as the conversations continued—it almost felt like a haphazard line had been forming to have an audience with him. While everyone else broke off further in the establishment to get drinks, Adrien and Sebastian included, she felt Kai, through the bond, tug her to stay.

She obliged and began removing her jacket, the action enough movement to bring attention her way.

One gentleman, a mug of ale in his hand, his dark hair peppered with gray, unabashedly roamed his eyes over her. “And who’s this pretty thing?”

Isla felt another tug at the bond, only this one seemed much like the night of the feast when Eli had shown an interest in her. Maybe she should’ve worn a sign to show that she’d already gotten her mate riled up for the night and that all should proceed with caution.

Kai turned, helping her remove her garment the rest of the way. His tone was calm but lethal. “This pretty thing could probably kick your ass into next week before I had a chance to, Raglan.”

Isla snickered, observing the man, Raglan, herself—the way he stood, how he stiffened, how he shifted on his feet. Even without his mildly intoxicated state, she probably could.

“A friend?” a woman questioned from beside them with some suggestion, maybe annoyance, her eyes seeming to linger on Kai.

Isla smiled tightly at her before meeting her mate’s gaze. The taunting raise of his brows answered any wondering she had of if he had felt the same possessive pull from her.

She rolled her eyes, not wanting to feed his ego, and spun back to answer, “A very good one.”

Isla had only heardoneperson mention the challenge, as if it hadn’t just been Davina’s rule, but everyone’s to forget it was happening.

The music of the tavern was a steady drumming in her ears as she perched herself beside the redhead, leaning back against Talha’s bar, watching as Sebastian and Ameera engaged in a game of pool.

Her brother cursed as the general sunk another of her striped balls into a corner pocket, more exaggerated than necessary. They were garnering a small audience. Despite their promise to lay low, Sebastian already had a hustle on his mind from the moment he’d heard the tavern’s description. Ameera was to make him appear as a weak opponent, and then they’d split the cut of what he won as he took on other competitors.

Isla told him that if he was chased out of here, she wasn’t saving him. Adrien agreed he wasn’t either, but she didn’t think it would get to that point. Despite being obnoxious, her brother wasn’t stupid. She knew he’d find victory in a way that wouldn’t make it obvious to people that they were being swindled. Find the perfect amount of give and take, the fine line where skill could hide behind the illusion of luck.

It was a horrible misuse of his abilities.

Isla was surprised Ameera had gone along with the charade, opting to remain up above at the gaming table while Kai, Adrien, Rhydian, and Jonah had gone below to where the card games were held—Isla had been there briefly before they’d gone into a mysterious den with more serious competition at Charley’s table.

The general appeared to be genuinely enjoying herself, not just because she had to play up her victories. Isla didn’t care what happened between the pair at the end of the night; she was just happy to see Ameera in good spirits. Though she had noticed, even after their initial flirtations back at the shop, both of their eyes seemed to run the crowd for other pursuits.

Eventually, as the night drew on and the alcohol took to Isla’s bloodstream, leaving her head buzzing, want echoed along with it.

Her body heated.

She sent a simple, innocent “Hello” through the bond.

It was met by an unsure and amused reply from her mate. “Hello?”

“How are you doing?”

She could practically hear Kai laugh. “I’m about to win this hand. Can I help you with something?”

It was the perfect opening.

“Actually…” Isla drawled before continuing her toying from earlier, explaining how she felt and what she wanted now. Painting him a picture the best she could with her words.

It wasn’t long before she swore she was in that room, hearing Kai tell Charley he was ready to cash out.

She felt him before he appeared from within the crowd. Davina squeaked and scooted out of the way, Isla jumping herself as she found her body corralled on her barstool. And then Kai’s mouth was on hers, the kiss hot, deep, claiming, and frustrated.

He wedged his hand into her hair, pulling gently from the roots to angle her head and sweep his tongue past her lips to caress hers. She didn’t mind the taste of whiskey much anymore.

Somehow, the embrace felt endless but so brief. Too brief.

She was breathless as he broke away and went to her ear.

“You have no idea what you’re in for later,” he whispered, his breath hot on her already searing skin. “If I didn’t want this whole place knowing how sexy you sound when I’m inside you, I’d take you in the back.”

Isla didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to do with her hands, her body. She’d arched off the bar as he spoke, her breasts grazing his chest—enough friction but not enough at all, leaving her thrumming with need .

“I can be quiet,” she sent, not able to get her mouth to move, every part of her aching to feel him.

His low chuckle reverberated through her, and his lips grazed her ear. “I don’t want you to.”

The following kiss he placed on her temple was gentle, very at odds with how she imagined things would go later.

She swallowed hard, crossing her legs tightly as Kai took a seat on the other side of her and ordered food and drinks, not just for them but for everyone in the tavern.

Isla couldn’t even manage to be impressed.

Her eyes went to the floor, her entire being on fire. Sherefused to gaze at Sebastian and Ameera but eventually glanced at Davina. The secretary’s eyes were wide, and her cheeks stained as red as her hair. Whether it was for the actions or words she’d overheard, Isla shot her an apologetic look.

Suddenly, Rhydian appeared, followed by Jonah and Adrien.

The foremost kissed his mate on her rosy cheek, and his brows furrowed as he pulled away. “Are you okay?”

Davina gulped and looked Rhydian over, the inside of her lip between her teeth. She nodded briskly, humming her yes .

Rhydian still appeared doubtful, and Isla recognized the look as Davina spoke to him mind-to-mind. Recognized the spark in his eyes and the smirk he failed to hide as he nodded, and they attempted to appear as normal.

Apparently, she and Kai weren’t the only ones breaking Ameera’s rules.

But maybe the general had been smart because Isla still felt wired, and she wasn’t sure what—aside from a very cold bath or Kai making good on his word right here, right now—would make the feeling go away.

As Adrien stood before her and met her eyes, he caught on to her flustered state. His gaze flickered to Kai’s turned back before he raised his brows at her.

“Shut up,” Isla snapped under her breath before a smile could grace his mouth.

Adrien put his hands up. “Hey, I didn’t—”

He cut himself off as a finger tapped him twice on the shoulder.

The Heir spun, giving Isla a full view of a young woman. Her chestnut hair flowed long over her shoulders, and her bright green eyes shone behind fluttering lashes.

“Dance with me?” she asked Adrien, barring any other pleasantries.

Both he and Isla wore equal expressions of shock at the question and the boldness.

Adrien opened and closed his mouth, surprising Isla further. He wasn’t typically one to stammer or hesitate, especially with female attention, but then again, he’d been acting strange since they’d got here.

With each second that passed, Isla could see the woman’s demeanor shifting, eyes dimming and smile fading. She’d been there before. Felt the sting of flat-out rejection, or the even more painful attempt at working around it, prolonging the inevitable heartbreak and brutal blow to her self-esteem.

Isla looked up at her friend, catching uncertainty in his eyes battling with the fact he seemed to find the woman attractive. He’d entertained a few after Cora—she knew that for a fact after some visits to his home—but he’d been cautious. As the Heir, everyone’s eyes in Io were on him, but he didn’t have to be the crowned prince here. This woman didn’t seem to know who he was or care enough to ask his name.

Maybe Isla could give him a little push.

Literally.

“He’d love to.” Isla nudged him forward, and Adrien tripped just enough that he had to brace his hand on the woman’s arm. While he apologized to the now blushing girl, Isla waved him off. “Have fun.”

Adrien gave her one more look over his shoulder as the woman dragged him away, too far into the crowd and the noise for Isla to hear who she’d introduced herself as.

“Are you playing matchmaker?” Kai asked as the bartender brought over their drinks. He turned and rested his arm on the wood behind her, then began fielding waves and shouts of thanks from patrons whose orders were being taken.

“No,” Isla said, grabbing her glass. “I just think he should get to enjoy himself after…everything.”

“I thought he’d be different,” Davina whispered .

“Yeah, he’s not bad,” Rhydian said, not nearly as soft, gulping from his ale.

“I expected him to be worse,” Jonah added bluntly. “Both of them.”

“I heard that!” Sebastian’s voice came from the pool table, and the group turned as he pointed at the shop owner and then tapped his chest. “And I appreciate it.”

Jonah lifted his glass.

Isla scoffed and rolled her eyes, garnering her brother’s attention. His gaze traveled between her and her mate. “Don’t think I didn’t see you two.” He grumbled before going back to his game. “Gross. And I’m going to be stuck in the same fucking house.”

Isla had forgotten they’d be their guests for the next few days.

“Maybe you will have to be quiet.”

Isla was about to agree with Kai when she caught Sebastian glancing up at Ameera, his brows lifted in question and interest. Another place for him to spend the night?

The general sunk the final black ball into her called pocket and won the game. “Not going to happen.”

A chorus of snickers followed, along with a challenging, doubtful look from Sebastian. Though Isla’s laughter faded as her eyes drifted over to Adrien in the distance. His silhouette that she could find in any crowd.

Any grin she’d been wearing faltered.

She knew her friend. Had known him since before she could speak, could walk. And she could tell, in a manner as easy as breathing, when he was off.

There was something— something— stiffening his muscles, darkening his eyes, and forcing his smile.

She needed to figure out what.

“You’re staring.” Isla averted her gaze away from Adrien to Kai, who was reaching for the food on the bar top. “Should I be afraid that you’re jealous?”

She gave him a flat look. “No.” Though it was a struggle not to turn her head for another glance .

Sighing, she leaned her elbow on the wood and rested her chin in her hand. She tapped her foot anxiously to the beat of the music against the leg of her stool.

Kai offered her the greasy chip he’d picked up, and she opened her mouth for it. As she chewed, his eyes drifted down to watch the movement closely. They rose when the corner of her lips did, and when he met her amused stare, a silent tell that he wasn’t subtle,he laughed. But it didn’t feel like it was at her.

Isla finished her bite. “What?”

Kai took hold of his drink and forced himself to look down at it. Away from her. “Nothing.”

But that smile on his face—joyous but edged with nerves—wasn’t just nothing.

If she was anyone else, she may have called the alpha smitten.

And with the way her stomach fluttered and her heart gave an unsteady beat, she would say she was, too.

Isla didn’t care that people were watching, that she and Kai had agreed to keep the rest of the romantic gestures to a minimum—for the sake of their sanity and to temper rumors. Maybe it was the alcohol or Fate pushing at her back, but she leaned forward. Kai moved, too. Her lips met his in a kiss, soft and sweet and soothing. Simple.

A promise. An always. Until they reached eternity and carried through it.

They didn’t say anything as they sat back in their seats, aloud or through the bond. They didn’t look out to the rest of the tavern. They ignored the whispers, gasps, and questions. Not inquiring if they were fated—that was still too farfetched—but if the alpha had found someone who he’d want to take as his queen. Their queen.

Isla took in a deep breath and tried to force her shoulders back. To sit tall, proud, and regal, but it was unfamiliar territory. Not a battlefield or ballroom where she could hide amongst comrades or a crowd. The phantom crown she bore now left her open and exposed, and she didn’t know how to navigate the path it presented.

Her heart leaped into a gallop, her breathing just a bit shallower…

And then there was a chip in front of her face.

Isla met Kai’s eyes, his raised brows .

The food was his offer. A distraction. Along with the silent words, “You’re fine.”

She took both the encouragement and the food.

As she chewed, she couldn’t hold back the urge to glance over at her friend again. Kai didn’t try to stop her.

Adrien had danced with that woman for a few songs, and now the pair had retired to have their drinks on Kai’s tab alone at a small table by the unlit fireplace. Isla wished she could hear what they were saying. Wished she knew this woman’s name. Who shewas at all .

What was Adrien telling her that was making her laugh so hard? What had her occasionally brushing her hand over his arm, his leg, picking something Isla couldn’t see out of his hair?

“Isla.”

Now Kai butt in through a laugh.

Isla realized her features were screwed up tight, and she lacked any sense of subtlety.

Facing Kai again, she took a chip from the plate. “I’m…protective.”

“Oh, are you?”

Isla glared at him.

Kai only smiled. “I thought you wanted him to enjoy himself ?”

“I do.”

“So, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t—where’s he going?”

She hadn’t been able to resist another look and now caught Adrien standing, excusing himself, and beginning to meander through the crowd. When he reached the tavern’s exit, he didn’t bother glancing back before he went outside.

Isla looked at his companion, who hadn’t budged an inch. She only sat, sipping on her drink. Whatever Adrien’s reasoning for going, one of them wasn’t them “getting out of there”.

Isla’s feet were on the ground in an instant, and Kai’s hand was on her arm just as fast. He appeared as confused as she did and maybe a bit disturbed.

How far did Kai’s trust go exactly when it came to Io’s Heir?

“I don’t want you going after him alone,” Kai said.

“If I can’t see him right away, I’ll get you. ”

A look of doubt came her way.

“I will,” she affirmed.

Kai was still wary, but he dropped his hand. From the way he maneuvered in his seat, Isla knew he would find a reason to wait by the door, find someone over there to talk to until she came back inside.

And she was the protective one.

Without any other words, brushing off the stares directed her way, Isla made the same movements to weave through the bodies and out the tavern’s door.

Coming from the crowded bar floor, the air outside seemed colder. She wished she’d grabbed her jacket, if not for its warmth but the hood.

Don’t attract any attention.

Adrien wasn’t anywhere immediately in sight.

Isla wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. With the tavern’s door closed, its rowdy noises were muffled, her steps loud as she transitioned from grass and stone to the boardwalk.

“Isla.”

“I’m fine.” She turned her head, closed her eyes. She focused on scent, on sound. Parsed out the hollow noise of boats rocking against wooden beams, the raucous sounds of the other businesses, and a whirring she didn’t know the source of. Through the scent of brine and smoke, she attempted to find the one she’d likened once to home.

She opened her eyes and went right.

She finally located her friend, leaning at the boardwalk’s railing beneath a street lantern, looking down into the murky water, the lamp gilding him in gold. Isla didn’t keep her steps quiet as she approached Adrien, and she didn’t make any true attempt at masking her scent, but the Heir didn’t bother turning,not even when she settled at his side.

“Did we not give you ground rules?” She tilted her head to catch his eyes. “No going out alone.”

“I didn’t go far,” Adrien said. Still no look. He remained focused on the water.

Isla followed suit and kept her arms folded over the railing. “I don’t care. I’d kill you if you let anything happen to you.” Adrien furrowed his brows, which she answered with, “I said what I said. Why’d you come out here? Your new friend— who I don’t know the name of —not doing it for you?”

Adrien caught the hint. “Her name is Dhalia.”

“Dhalia,” Isla tested it on her tongue. “That’s cute.”

Adrien agreed. “She asks a lot of questions I can’t answer. And I’ve been here before, but the most I can offer as a lie as to where I ‘live’ is Mavec on a hill.”

Isla hummed. “A safe answer.”

Adrien loosed a laugh, agreeing.

His gaze remained forward, and his voice was quiet. “Do you think Fate did it on purpose? Mated you to him.”

Isla glanced at the moon. “I don’t know why Fate does anything…but I’m happy she did.”

There was barely anything behind Adrien’s chuckle this time, and Isla couldn’t help but cringe as it dawned on her. Could this have been weird for him? Was that why he was acting so off? Seeing her and Kai, how happy they were…

A fated bond had ruined Adrien’s life, had taken the woman he loved. And though he’d let Corinne go so she had a chance at being okay, maybe being happy with her destined mate who’d claimed her, Isla wasn’t sure if deep down, Adrien hoped that Cora would miss him. That her forced fated bond wouldn’t be as fulfilling as the long love Isla had seen them share since they were younger.

“Are you okay?” she asked, preparing to speak of her old friend. “You’ve been off all night. Since you got here.”

Adrien didn’t respond, no agreement or denial.

Isla sighed. “You can talk to me.”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Why?”

He turned to her, and there was something about the graveness of his face that tipped her off.

This wasn’t about Cora. This was bigger. Political. And he had realized the same thing she had. That he was the future Alpha of Io, and she would be the Luna of Deimos. They were on opposing sides.

Isla’s blood chilled. “Adrien?”

What did he know? What had he known ?

Seconds went by too slowly before the Heir said, “I spoke to my father ahead of the challenge vote, right before they went in the chambers that night. He hadn’t been happy about my opposition—at all.” Adrien winced at the recollection of the memory. “I was surprised he’d called the meeting so late, but the moment your father got back from Charon, they went in, and a part of me wondered if it was so you, me, and Sebastian couldn’t get to your dad.”

Isla’s nails dug into her palms. “So, he knows about me and Kai.” It was a confirmed suspicion.

Adrien nodded, nostrils flaring. “And he figured you told me about it, which is probably why he’s been shutting me out since the Hunt…but something’s been going on, even before that. He really started changing after Cora while I was gone.”

Gone?

“Where’d you go?”

Adrien stiffened as if he hadn’t meant to mention that part.

And in his hesitation, Isla affirmed, “I’m still your friend. Talk to me, please.”

Another heaved breath fell from his mouth, and he glanced around them to ensure no one was near. He leaned in closer, but still, his voice was so soft she could barely hear it. “After we broke the bond, I wasn’t recovering fast enough. So, I went to a healer—a witch.”

Isla jerked back, her eyes wide. “You were healed by a witch?”

Though a whisper, she’d spoken too loud for his liking, given his warning look.

It made sense.

Broken bonds destroyed even the strongest wolves. To get back to where he was now, to where he had to be to eventually lead as Alpha, Adrien may have needed a miracle. Magic. But if anyone found out…

What Kyran had been doing, what Cassius had been doing, harboring witches, working with them, that was dangerous. But Adrien being healed, enhanced in some way with magic, that broke continental law, maybe even their sacred Code.

“Does your father know?” Isla asked.

“He arranged it.” There was a harshness to his voice that told her he knew the implications. “I don’t know how. They dislike us as much as we aren’t fond of them. But the healer lives in a small village that’s part of their territory on our continent, right on the other side of the Valkeric Mountains, away from their mainland. Not many there to see or sense me. I’m assuming he paid her handsomely, but I didn’t ask.”

Paid her or threatened her , Isla thought.

Cassius must’ve been desperate. Adrien was his sole Heir, and if he couldn’t handle going through the Alpha Rite when the time came, his legacy would end.

“Is that where he thinks you are now, then? You told Kai you could sneak away for a few days. Does your father think you’re in their territory to be healed again?”

“In part.”

“Why in part?”

Adrien went quiet for a moment. “When a witch crosses our borders, the treaty drafted between us states that they can be dealt with as we see fit. Over the past decade or so, there has been an influx of them in the mountains. Maybe spying, maybe planning to do something to us, I don’t know, but they were caught and put in Valkeric.”

Isla had to force her face into a look of shock.

Adrien continued, “They’re still there, and…I think my father’s been bargaining terms with them for their release.”

The fear that cast across her features wasn’t so fabricated. “What terms?”

“Work on Io’s guard. Defend our outer and inner borders.”

“Why would he want to keep witches on the inner borders?”

“Can you tell me?”

“No,” she answered without thought but then remembered what Sebastian had said.

Io had been suspicious of Kyran since those meetings he’d called with Cassius. They didn’t trust him and his intentions. Cassius may have been planning to strike at Deimos and take Mavec—he also may have not—but if he suspected Kyran was planning something, then he’d be on the defensive.

It was another thought of hers confirmed when Adrien mentioned, “He’s bringing one here when he comes for the challenge under the guise of a guard. There’s an enchantment they can use that can keep them hidden from us until they use their magic again. She’d only be for his protection. Used if…something happened.” Isla let out an astonished breath, and Adrien added, “Can you blame him?”

She bit down on the inside of her cheek.

As much contempt as she held for the Imperial Alpha right now—and as angry as Adrien may have been with him after approving the challenge, after all that had occurred with Cora—she understood the hurt and nerves in her friend’s voice, on his face. Cassius was still his father.

“How can we trust that it’s just protection?” she asked gently.

“Because I convinced him, at least, to not take one of his untested recruits. He thinks I’m also making a deal right now with the healer’s daughter.”

“And that is?”

“Raana.” Something shifted in his face when he said her name. Became…softer. “You can trust her.”

“She’s a witch?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not really in the business of trusting witches.”

“Then trust me.”

There was the smallest piece of her that took those words with hesitation, and she hated it. “You know her well? Raana?”

Another test on her mouth and another change to Adrien’s face.

The question, the repetition of the witch’s name, seemed to spark something behind his eyes. Had the corner of his mouth threatening to lift before he pressed his lips together tightly. He looked off into the distance, down the river, and Isla caught the way he clenched and unclenched his fists as if wanting a touch that wasn’t there. “Pretty well.”

It was a reaction Isla had seen from him before.

She had to keep her jaw from falling open. “You slept with her?” Her whisper was loud enough that she shouldn’t have even bothered.

Adrien faced her again. “Is sex all you can think about right now?”

“Adrien. ”

“It was one time. It never happened again.”

Though it was said as a brush-off, Isla didn’t miss it. The way his eyes dimmed, and every part of him tensed again.

“Good,” she said carefully, guilt gnawing at her gut. “You’re the Prince of All Wolves. The last thing you, of all people, need is to be screwing around with a witch. More than you apparently already have.”

Adrien gave her quip a flat look, the expected reaction, and then settled against the railing again.

He looked up at the night sky and the jewels that adorned it, shining bright in the low lights of the town. His eyes slid from the moon to the stars, where the witches saw their deities, marked in the heavens by constellations. “I know.”

Isla frowned and didn’t want to address any more of what she was seeing—how resigned he sounded, the smallest hint of longing in his stare.

Shame and doubt coiled within her.

After all this time, wondering if Adrien would ever find another, a witch capturing his attention was the last thing she’d expected. Part of her itched with fear that this healer’s daughter had found a way to manipulate his feelingsandwas using him. But there was a clearness to his face that told her something real lurked beneath. Something that meant trouble.

She wanted to, would, support him in most things, but there was no way this could end well. At least, he knew that, too.

She changed the subject for his sake and hers.

She picked at a splinter on the railing. “What did my dad vote?”

“I’m not sure,” Adrien said with the same mindfulness she’d used. “I know it wasn’t unanimous, but I’m not sure who was against it…does it matter? I’m sure he doesn’t know.”

Isla clenched her teeth, pushing against the wood so hard it cracked away. There was a hollowness in her chest. “If my dad thinks a rogue wolf is better suited to lead a pack than its current alpha, especially this one after all they’ve gone through, after all they’ve suffered…I’m happy he doesn’t know about me and Kai. At least now, I’m getting to see what kind of person he is.”

And now she wanted to change the topic again before she got into anything about Charon .

“And why am I being left out of this?”

Perfectly timed, Isla turned along with Adrien to find Sebastian strutting towards them.

“What happened to your game?” Adrien was quick to respond, so quick it seemed he wanted everything they’d just spoken about to be washed away.

Did Sebastian know about the healer and this Raana ? He and Adrien were basically brothers. They weren’t keen on keeping secrets from each other.

“I just got my ass handed to me again, so I stormed out,” Sebastian answered. “But not before flashing how much money I still had to lose.”

Isla rolled her eyes, knowing everything was going to plan for him. “You’re incorrigible.”

Sebastian guffawed before putting a hand on her shoulder. “My dear sister, I’m—” Her brother paused, his head angling as he caught a scent, his eyes narrowing as he squinted into the distance.

Then he began running.

Adrien and Isla exchanged a glance. What the hell?

Sebastian had been too fast, and they’d paused too long, quickly losing sight of him as he’d taken one of the boardwalk’s curves.

They took off after him. Isla scouted for her brother’s tall frame, his golden hair, Adrien at her side.

She hadn’t been worried until a scent hit her a few more feet down the wood. A scent that once she couldn’t quite place. One she’d been seeking for over a week now and one she maybe shouldn’t have let her guard down for.

“No.”

Why would the killer come here?

A paranoid part of her mind couldn’t help but fear they’d reverted to old behaviors. Been brought back under the witch’s control.

She ran harder, faster, her name called in question by Adrien, who easily caught up.

She sought Sebastian’s scent, his aura, listened for his voice. Her mind went to the worst and cycled through the prospect of the pain of loss over and over.

If something happens to him. If something —

Isla stopped.

There, on the other side of the canal, at the end of the dock where the water opened to the more expansive river, was Sebastian.

She ran and tackled him with a hug that had him collapsing into the rail, and thankfully, that image of a happy family of four becoming three, becoming two, blew away on a brine-kissed wind.

“What the hell was that?” she berated him.

Sebastian, however, barely uttered a word. Even his touch on her back as he wrapped a loose arm around her was weak. He glanced down at her once, and the look in his eyes was distant yet focused, somehow. He lifted his head to train his gaze along the waterways and the surrounding buildings.

Isla stepped back from him, her stomach coiling again.

“Seb?” Adrien chanced the call to his friend, moving to Isla’s side.

He turned to them, appearing dazed. “Do you smell that?”

Isla’s brows shot up. He noticed it, too.

“Smell what?” Adrien asked.

Sebastian shook his head, grimacing as he stared into the darkness. “I thought I saw something.”

Not an answer.

“Like what?” Isla asked, even though she knew what he’d seen. A cloaked figure there one moment, then gone again like a shadow in the presence of light.

“Someone watching us. It was too dark, and they were too fast. I couldn’t see their face.” His throat bobbed. “But then the smell…”

Isla felt Adrien glance down at her, concern etched on his face. “What about it?” he asked.

Sebastian turned to him, and it seemed to dawn on him that he was in the presence of others. He rubbed a hand over his face. “Nothing—too much beer and too much running.” He powered past them both to go back to the alley. “I need a drink.”

Isla and Adrien shared a glance at the contradiction, at the sudden shift in his demeanor.

It wasn’t strange, though. Not to them. When pushed to the right—or wrong—point, Sebastian’s laid-back facade melted away. But that didn’t negate how concerning it could be, especially when it happened so rarely.

He’s fine, Isla assured herself as she and Adrien turned to follow. But she gave one last survey of the canals and docks, searching, searching . What were they doing all the way out here? Why come out now and let them scent them?

Kai’s exasperated voice suddenly filled her head. “Where the hell did you go?”