Page 93 of The Wolf and Her Shadows

“I’m not sure what that necklace does,” she says, slowly shaking her head. “Or if it’s even magical at all. But, if she gave it to you, it means she’s trusting you to bring it back to her. She…”

“She never takes it off,” I finish, clutching the pendant tighter. “And I refuse to be the one responsible for losing it. So, rest assured, Mother. I will be bringing this back to her.”

My mother places a hand on each of my shoulders, pinning me in her gaze. “Make sure you bring everyone else back too. You’ll all have parts to play, but the two of you…” She nods in the direction Rayne had gone in. “You’ll be in the most danger. Keep each other close. Keep your teeth bared. And do whatever it takes to make sure all of you make it home.”

Fresh tears burn my eyes as I slowly nod. “I will. I promise.”

“Good.” Smiling softly, she nudges me toward my old room. “Now go help Rayne finish packing. That poor girl probably doesn’t need to be alone right now either.”

“I love you, Mother.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. “Please be elsewhere by the time we’re finished.”

With a pained chuckle, she wipes away a tear, then wordlessly heads towards the front door. With one last glance over her shoulder, she pulls it open and steps out into the night.

I immediately let out the sob I’d been holding back, doubling over and wrapping my arms tightly around myself as I swallow down the scream threatening to burst out of me at how unfair this entire situation is. How unfair my life is.

With that thought, my grief is overtaken by a familiar surge of anger. My spine straightens. My hands clench into tight fists. My lips curl into a snarl.

Under my breath, I whisper, “And I’m going to kill every last person responsible for it.”

Inhaling a deep breath, that only slightly rattles, I bend down to pick up the new swords my mother gave me, gather up Rayne’s new daggers, swing Vannaria’s new bow over my shoulder, and head towards my old room to join my Fragmented Soul companion.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Vannaria

It’s a bit embarrassing how violently I flinch at the sound of the door opening behind me. Quickly wiping my eyes, I shove our mother’s old book into our enchanted bag. I don’t need to turn around to know it’s Mariane that just entered the room.

“Are you alright?” she asks, her voice far steadier than I expected it to be.

I start to nod, to lie, but find myself shaking my head instead. “No. Not particularly.” Taking a deep breath, I force myself to turn and face her. “Though, the more important question is, are you alright? I know–”

Mariane throws herself at me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. “Please don’t do that, My Love. Comparing your pain to mine will only add more in the end, remember? You told me that yourself.”

“I did say that, didn’t I?” I mutter, my fingers absentmindedly toying with a strand of her long black hair. “I’ll be alright, Your Majesty. We both will. Just as soon as we do what needs to be done.”

Pulling away enough that she can make eye contact with me, she nods. “We will. But I’m here for you. Whenever, or if ever, you need to talk. If any of you need to talk.”

I reach up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “As are we for you. Rayne also asked me to apologize on her behalf. For her outburst.”

“She has nothing to apologize for,” Mariane whispers, leaning her head back against my shoulder. “I don’t blame her for not wanting to go back there. Or for being angry at Old Greyva. For any of it.”

“Thank you, for understanding.” I let out a pained sigh. “I am, however, going to apologize in advance for reminding you that we need to hurry. I’ve already packed the belongings we came with, but I wasn’t sure what else you might wish to bring.”

With a loud groan, Mariane lets her arms fall to her sides. “I have no idea. I didn’t even truly get a chance to reacquaint myself with this room. And I highly doubt any of my old clothes will fit me now either.”

I pat her back in sympathy. “It’s alright, Your Majesty. You’ll have the freedom to go shopping for new clothes soon enough.” Lowering my voice, I whisper, “It’ll all be here when we get back, but I’m sure we can spare a moment more for you to look around.”

She steps back, quickly shaking her head. “No. We need to leave and we need to do it now.” Glancing around the room, she asks, “What else is there left to pack? To do?”

“Unless you think there’s any more leftovers left in the kitchen that we could steal, I have everything we need in here.” I lift the bag in my hand, then nod towards her armor laid out on the bed. “You do still need to put that on before we go though.”

“I’m sure there is,” Mariane sighs, snatching up her armor. “Take whatever you want. I’ll be ready by the time you’re done.”

“As long as your mother won’t…” I let the words die in my throat when she sends me a glare. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

I give her a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing into the kitchen to raid whatever supplies we might need for our upcoming journey. However long it might be.

By the time I’m finished, Mariane is already waiting by the door, fully armored and with her new swords strapped to her waist. The sight nearly takes my breath away. I’ve known she was gorgeous since I first laid eyes on her, since I saw the portrait on her bounty notice, but seeing her dressed like the warrior I now know she is…