—--

Thanks to Kangee's help, Esme and the rest of her companions made it safely to the North, and they had avoided every layne crawling with demon wolves.

It got to the point where Kangee had to return to the Damned, since the orders given by its master was to escort Esme to the outskirts of the North, and then return to the land of the Damned to keep watch over the boys.

As the carriage rolled to a halt at the gates of their stronghold, the rain had stopped. The sky had darkened into night, and the ground still glistened with the remnants of the storm that had passed earlier in the day.

Esme was the first to step down, her boots splashing lightly in the wet earth. Though the storm had passed, the chill lingered, and so did the heaviness in her heart.

Atticus had stepped down to assist Revana, offering her a steady hand which she reluctantly accepted. Esme, however, was soon pulled over by the letter one of the warriors handed to her. It came from the Northern Quarters, demanding to see her the moment she arrived. With her mind and heart too clouded and raw for conversation, she crumpled the letter in her hand and tossed it away. She was not in the mood to see anyone, and certainly not another set of annoying old members dictating what she should and shouldn't do around here.

"Have someone report to them that I won't be able to see them tonight," she said to the warrior who handed the letter to her. "I just returned, and I need my rest. If it's anything concerning the peace treaty, tell them that we're on our own from now on, and that we will not be seeking help from the king anymore."

Almost everyone sensed something was off about the aura she exuded. But noticing her dull mood, no one dared to bring it up. Revana had already gone inside the building along with everyone else, and Esme didn't feel like saying anything more.

The warriors stationed at front offered respectful nods and murmured welcomes, whilst Esme acknowledged them with a silent glance before crossing the threshold of the building. When the doors closed behind her, the Northern guards immediately began to whisper amongst themselves, realizing that their Luna's mission to bring everyone together using the king's help had collapsed once more.

They didn't need her to say it, from the mood everyone was in, it was obvious it didn't end well.

Inside the building, the hallways smelled faintly of damp stone and burning hearths. Her footsteps echoed along the corridor, but just as she rounded the corner, a pair of arms wrapped around her torso.

Startled, Esme tensed, but she soon relaxed when the familiar scent of wildflowers reached her. She looked down to see Althea clinging to her, the younger woman's face buried briefly against her shoulder. Esme barely had time to return the embrace before Althea pulled back, her eyes shimmering with emotions.

"Are you alright?" Althea asked, her voice thick with relief. "I went to check on Revana, and she told me what happened… to everyone. I'm just so glad you're back safe. You're not hurt, are you?"

Esme nodded gently, offering a tired but appreciative smile. "I'm fine. Just… tired. But what about you? How've you been feeling lately?"

Althea's lips curved upward. "Better. I've actually been sleeping through the night– thanks to you. But tell me…" she held both of Esme's hand as she leaned in, concern flickering in her curious gaze, "What really happened out there? Is it true? Did you meet the true bearer? Did you see what he looks like?"

"Althea, let her rest before you ask your questions," came Donovan's voice from around the corner. Althea quickly turned, startled, just as he emerged into view. There was something in the way he looked at her, gentle but unmistakably reproachful.

A twinge of guilt crept up her spine.

"You're right," she murmured, avoiding his gaze. She didn't need to look to know he was wearing that silent, scolding expression of his.

"I'll send someone to prepare the table," she added, almost in a whisper before excusing herself with a graceful turn and slipping down the hall. Esme watched her go before slowly turning her head back to Donovan, and her voice came out softer than she intended.

"Don."

He crossed the space between them in a few long strides, and without hesitation, he swept her effortlessly into his arms.

"How was the journey?" he asked, cradling her close. "Did Kangee find you on time?"

The nearness of him made relief blossom in her chest. He felt solid, strong and warm as always. He always seemed to know when she needed grounding, and that was something she would remain grateful to him for. She nestled against him, the tension in her limbs melting.

She nodded. "Kangee showed up. Thanks to him, we reached the North faster than expected. The roads are crawling with more demon wolves now. It's not just the ones who had been cursed before now, but the true bearer's curse is starting to spread even further. We wouldn't have made it through without him. You really did us all a huge favor by sending him over."

"It did occur to me that after your experience at the inn, there was a high percent chance they'd be more demons crawling about, and protecting you is my main priority," he said, his voice low and affectionate. "But why do you sound like you're writing me a thank-you letter?"

His question earned a soft laugh from her, and she tilted her head slightly, watching the fondness behind his words.

"Am I not allowed to show appreciation now?" She countered back as he took her up the stairs. "I did create a scene at the palace, so we were really in a tight spot at that time. Of course I have to be grateful when you stepped in to help us."

"Well," he began, adjusting his hold on her as if she weighed nothing. "You don't have to worry about that anymore, cause I'm not letting you go anywhere by yourself from now on. I even managed to time your arrival perfectly."

He stared ahead. "The bath is ready– and hot. Althea stopped the kitchen staff from starting dinner because she insisted she could direct it better herself. So go bathe, relax, then come down and have your meal. After that, we can talk. Sounds good?"

Esme's only answer was to wrap her arm around his neck, her body relaxing completely into his. The moment felt sacred, unspoken.

"It's perfect," she whispered.

She allowed her eyes to flutter shut, leaning into the quiet peace of his embrace. However, in the darkness behind her lids, a sudden flash surged from out of nowhere. A pair of golden, wild and unblinking, burned in her mind.

Her breath hitched at the sight, and her eyes immediately snapped open.

Donovan also paused in his steps the moment she opened her eyes, as if he felt the change that skittered through her.

"Esme?" He called softly.

Esme blinked, disoriented for a heartbeat, and while she was in the middle of processing what had just appeared in her mind, Donovan asked a question she hadn't expected.

"Does your wolf… hate me?"