"You're welcome, dear one." Eir smiles warmly. "Though you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You're quite lovely."
If anything, this makes Astrid blush harder. I wrap my own cloak around my shoulders, hiding my smile.
"The wolf suits you well, Astrid" Eir observes with professional interest. “It’s good to see you’re able to shift so easily already. Some children get stuck for weeks when they first start shifting.”
“Oh, well… thank you,” Astrid says. “Look at you guys just leaving out the extra instructions about the risks of shifting into a wolf.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Would it have stopped you?”
She glares up at me, her lips pursed tightly. Then she sighs. “No.”
"Let's get you both inside," Frigga says. "The day grows colder, and I imagine this isn't quite the welcome you expected."
"Not exactly," Astrid agrees dryly.
I place my arm around her shoulders as we follow my grandmother through the palace corridors. Servants and courtiers we pass avert their eyes respectfully, though I catch several curious glances directed at Astrid.
"Is everyone looking at me because I'm a newcomer, or because they all know I was just naked in the garden?" Astrid whispers.
"Both, probably," I reply honestly.
"Your suite has been prepared, Fen," Frigga tells us as we ascend a grand staircase. "Fresh clothing awaits, and a bath will be drawn immediately. And yes," she adds with a smile over her shoulder, "actual clothing this time, I promise."
Astrid lets out a small laugh despite herself. "I'd appreciate that."
"What about Nimue?" I ask, keeping my voice low.
Frigga's smile is serene but carries a hint of steel. "The Siren Queen can wait. She arrived unannounced. It's only proper she experience the full hospitality of Odingard, including our... unhurried pace."
Astrid glances at me, eyebrows raised slightly. I give her a subtle nod, acknowledging my grandmother's tactical delay of the Siren Queen.
"How long will you make her wait?" Astrid asks.
Frigga's eyes sparkle with mischief. "Enjoy yourselves. We'll see you for a late dinner in… let’s say about three hours."
“Thank you, grandmother.”
We reach my private quarters without encountering anyone of significance. My rooms occupy an entire wing of the east tower, with windows overlooking both the city and the mountains beyond.
I pause at the threshold, a wave of emotion washing over me unexpectedly. I never thought I'd see these rooms again as a man, never imagined I'd return with my mate at my side.
My fingers trace the ancient carvings on the door frame—symbols of protection placed there centuries ago. Whole. I am whole again.
"Fen?" Astrid looks up at me, sensing my shift in mood.
I swallow past the tightness in my throat. "It's good to be home," I manage, the simple words inadequate for the storm of gratitude within me. Because of her, I stand here as a man, not a beast. Because of her, I have a future beyond being a feral animal.
I take her hand, pressing it against my chest where my heart beats steadily. "Thank you," I whisper, the words meant for her alone.
She squeezes my hand in response. “You saved me too, you know.”
“We saved each other.” I press a kiss to her forehead and pull her into a hug.
She melts against me, her arms sliding around my waist. There is only her warmth against me and her scent surrounding me.
"Forgive the interruption," my grandmother's voice is gentle.
Astrid stiffens in my arms, though she doesn't pull away. I turn us slightly, keeping one arm around her shoulders as servants file in with steaming ewers of water and trays laden with food.
