20. 18
18
Draven
I watch in stunned disbelief as Thorn materializes in our midst, eyes blazing with fury as she confronts me about her missing fox. Before I can even process her sudden presence, pandemonium erupts.
My brother and his men return triumphant from the hunt, their latest quarry in tow. Amongst the carcasses of deer and elk lies a small white form—the fox. Understanding dawns swiftly followed by horror. This is what has Thorn so distraught.
In the span of a heartbeat, she is upon them, raw power exploding outward in a shockwave that knocks the men off their feet. My brother roars in rage even as he tumbles backward. Thorn snatches up the fox’s limp body in her arms before any can react .
I take a step toward her, hands raised in what I hope is a soothing gesture. “Thorn, let us help—“
She whirls on me, violet energy crackling around her. The fury in her emerald eyes gives me pause. “You’ve done enough!”
My brother regains his feet in a blur of speed, blood trailing from a gash on his forehead. He moves to charge Thorn, murder etched on his face. She tenses, magic flaring in preparation for his attack.
Some protective instinct seizes hold of me, and I intercept my brother in a flash, grabbing his arms.
He strains against me, snarling, “The witch attacked us!”
“She was protecting her familiar,” I reply, effortlessly restraining my brother with my newfound strength. I do not struggle at all, though he strains against me with all his might. This power surging through me now exceeds anything I have experienced before. When did I become so strong?
Thorn remains poised for a fight, one hand gently cradling her fox while the other sparks dangerously. My brothers’ men fan out, encircling her with weapons drawn.
“Thorn, stop!” I shout. “This will not help your fox.”
My brother lunges forward. “The beast is ours by right of the hunt!”
I wrench him back again, my own temper rising. “We did not sanction any hunt for familiars. Stand down, now!”
To my surprise, he hesitates at the command in my voice.
A faint whimper breaks the standoff. Thorn gazes down at the broken body in her arms, her fury visibly receding. She looks back up at me, eyes still hard but no longer murderous.
“Please,” I say more gently, “allow me to help make amends.”
After a tense moment, she gives a terse nod. With my brother sufficiently subdued for now, I approach Thorn cautiously. Her shoulders relax slightly. Up close, the fox looks badly injured but still draws breath. Hot guilt twists my gut.
“Bring her this way,” I murmur.
Thorn acquiesces, following me to my quarters. I can feel my brother’s glare boring into my back, but he does not give chase .
Inside the dim privacy of my tent, Thorn lays the fox gently down atop a blanket. I fetch water and bandages, hyperaware of her proximity. The fated mate bond thrums between us, heightening my instincts to provide for and safeguard her. I can only imagine how much harder this is going to be if, no, when the bond is complete.
Kneeling, I inspect Luna’s wounds—minor lacerations and a broken hind leg. The bones will have to be set. As I run my hands lightly over the injuries, the urge to soothe away all of Thorn’s hurts, physical and emotional, swells within me, but I push that down for now in favor of the fox. Luna’s eyes open halfway and regard me warily, but she does not shy from my touch.
I glance up at Thorn. “She’s resilient, your friend.”
Like you, beloved.
Thorn strokes Luna’s head, her expression softening for the first time since her arrival. “Her name is Luna.” The protective devotion in her voice makes my chest constrict with the need to shelter them both.
I nod solemnly. “You have my deepest apologies. Luna will come to no further harm. I promise. ”
Thorn searches my face, and I meet her piercing gaze unflinchingly, willing her to see the sincerity of my vow.
After a long moment, she sighs and sinks down beside me. Some of the tension seems to leave her slender frame.
We continue tending Luna’s injuries in silence—Thorn with her magic and me assisting in anything requested. The animosity between us has softened. I ache to reach out and trail my fingers down her arm, to gently smooth her worries away, but I restrain myself.
Once Luna is sleeping fitfully under clean dressings, I stand and regard Thorn. Fury no longer pours off of her, but wariness remains in the set of her shoulders. I cannot blame her mistrust, considering my family’s role in her pain.
I clear my throat awkwardly, unsure what more I can say to set things right. “Please, make yourself comfortable here for as long as you need to care for Luna. I will… I will keep my brother at bay. You have my oath.”
Thorn inclines her head silently. As I take my leave, the connection between us tugs at me like a physical weight, but I must go deal with my brother before he does anything to further endanger my fated mate.
He is waiting outside, scowling and flecked with blood. My protective instincts flare, but I tamp them down. There will be a reckoning eventually, but now, my mate needs me.
“Why do you coddle the witch?” he spits. “Her familiar is rightfully ours.”
I fix him with a hard look. “She is not to be touched. Neither of them are.”
He opens his mouth to keep arguing.
I cut him off. “The fox is under my protection now. Do nothing more to provoke the witch’s ire if you value your life.”
His lip curls derisively, but he turns on his heel and stalks off.
I release a breath. There will be further consequences, but the crisis seems averted for now. I return inside to update Thorn.
She sits with one hand resting lightly on Luna’s back as it rises and falls with labored breathing. Thorn looks up at my entrance, eyes inscrutable.
I spread my hands placatingly. “You may rest easy. None will disturb you here. ”
After a pause, she dips her head in acknowledgement.
Her raw display of power left no doubt of her capabilities, yet she refrained from employing that devastating magic against us once Luna was safe. In my tent, her sole focus was tending the injured fox.
Such fierce compassion stirs something in me I have not felt for centuries. I think of her wary eyes regarding me as I treated Luna’s wounds. There is a story there, a pain buried deep that fuels her protectiveness.
I find myself wanting to understand this mysterious witch who materialized so suddenly in our world. No, not wanting. Needing. She calls to my very soul in a way I cannot resist, though the bond between us remains rejected.
We are fated mates. That much is clear to me now. My mother was correct. I only felt it grow with our time together. Our paths crossed for a reason. She is the missing piece that will make me whole again after centuries of loneliness. The connection between us is like an invisible tether binding us together. I only hope that her agreeing to stay with me in my tent instead of teleporting away is because she is warming up to me .
I resolve to win back her trust through honorable actions, not probing questions. We have time enough ahead for her unfolding truth. For now, ensuring her safety and recovery here will have to suffice.
I exit the tent, but the irresistible pull toward her remains. I do not yet understand the full extent of our bond, but I know this with sudden clarity—I will protect this witch with my life if need be. Our destinies are intertwined in ways I’m only beginning to grasp. We are meant to walk this path together from now on. Of that, I have no doubt.
Perhaps restoring her faith can also mend the long-broken parts of my own spirit. The bloodshed of my father and brother’s endless wars has long since lost meaning for me. This witch—Thorn—has reawakened my noble purpose. I will keep her from harm.
These determined thoughts carry me through the remaining hours of night. At first light, I rise and step outside to stretch by the tent. My brother and some cronies pass by, glaring at me, but they move on without incident. I do not relax my guard .
When Thorn finally emerges near midday, I incline my head in greeting. “I trust Luna is improved after her rest?”
Thorn’s expression remains closed-off, but she answers civilly enough. “Her leg will take time to fully mend, but the bleeding has stopped. My magic is working to fully heal her, but the damage was bad enough that I’m having to slow it down.” She pauses, as if carefully considering her next words. “You have my thanks for your… hospitality.”
I wave a dismissive hand. “It was the least I could do. It’s only fair after I intruded on your own hospitality since. Please, stay as long as you need to ensure her recovery.”
Thorn’s lips press into a thin line. I realize then she likely feels caged here, surrounded by unknown enemies. Does she not see she has at least one ally in me?
I soften my voice. “I know you have no cause to trust me. Give me the chance to prove my good faith.”
Something shifts subtly in her eyes. This time, when she inclines her head, it seems less guarded. “We shall see. ”
I clasp my hands behind my back, hesitant to push any further. “Might I convince you to follow us back to celebrate the winter festival? You and Luna are welcome to stay in my rooms.”
Thorn looks uncertain, her emerald eyes searching my face. I keep my expression open and sincere, trying to project that she has nothing to fear from me.
After a long moment, she lets out a soft breath. “Perhaps… it would be best if Luna and I accompanied you back to your capital. She will need several more days of rest before she can travel safely.”
I blink in surprise, not having expected her to agree so readily. Cautious optimism swells within me.
“Of course. You are most welcome to join us and stay as long as you need.” I hesitate before continuing gently, “I give you my word no harm will come to either of you there.”
Thorn presses her lips together but inclines her head. “If we are to travel together, I will hold you to that promise.”
Though her words are formal, I sense a subtle shift. She is willing to take a chance on me, however small. Hope blossoms anew .
“You honor me with your trust,” I reply sincerely. “We leave at first light two days hence. I will prepare quarters for you near my own and ensure no one disturbs your rest.”
I sense my brother and his men watching from across the camp, anger simmering beneath their impassive faces, but they will not challenge me openly. Thorn will be safe.
She follows my glance, and her shoulders tighten slightly. Turning back to me, she asks, “And what of your family? Will they accept my presence?”
“They will accept my decision in this matter,” I state firmly. At her dubious look, I soften my tone. “Please do not worry. I know tensions are high, but cooler heads will prevail once we are home.”
After a moment, Thorn dips her head. “Let us hope so.”
She retreats into the tent, most likely to tend to Luna.
I allow myself a small smile as I turn away. By some miracle, she has placed her trust in me. I do not intend to squander this chance to show her that our fates are intertwined for the better. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with her by my side, I feel hope for the first time in centuries.