“This is our sacred glade,” Kaël explains as we move past a serene area. “A place for reflection and communion with the goddesses. It’s where we come to seek guidance and strength. We perform most of our rituals right here.”
Goose bumps prick my skin. This is where I’ll be able to speak to the goddesses. My eyes sweep across the glade, taking in the sight before me. Ancient trees encircle the space, their branches growing together to form a natural dome, the moonlight seeping through in silver rays. The ground is covered in a plush carpet of moss, its vibrant green color shining.
At the center of the glade stands a stone altar. It’s adorned with strange carvings—spirals, runes, and symbols that throbwith an ageless feel as if the goddesses themselves carved them. The sight makes my heart race.This is where I will find my answers.
As the night deepens, Kaël brings us to a large, tree-covered area with several platforms woven into the branches.
“These will be your quarters. Theron worked hard on this place.” He winks.
“Thank you, Kaël.” I turn my gaze to Theron. Did he build this house? “This place is truly incredible.”
Kaël smiles. “Rest well, Your Majesty. Tomorrow, you will meet the elder and begin to understand your role in the prophecy.”
As I walk in, I admire the beautiful home. The path ahead feels overwhelming, but soon, I will be able to talk to the goddesses and ask about my mother. Ask for directions. For anything, really.
20
A HOUSE FOR TWO, A STORM WITHIN
“To scent her is a right, not a reward. But to have her, you must first be the male who would burn for her and never touch.”
—Elder Aïna
Theron
“Ibrought you some broth with meat. You’ve only been eating fruits and berries for a little while,” I say as I step into our home. The wordhomefeels right now, especially with her in it. The space is grand, befitting her status. Although I didn’t know I’d be the mate of the leader, I knew my mate would have the fanciest home. The walls are constructed from broad branches and leaves, sturdy and alive, as all things in the world should be. Cozy mats cover the floors, woven for my mate’s comfort, and the room is lit with clusters of glowing flowers and large crystals embedded in the walls, their facets reflecting colors that dance across the room and their soft brilliance creating warmth I hope makes her feel welcomed.
I worked hard to grow this place, with her in mind even before I met her face-to-face. Seeing her here, sitting withinthese walls, was once just a dream. But now, she’s here, real and within reach. She fits like she belongs. I wonder what she thinks of it all—of Ávera, of her new home.
“Thank you,” she says, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the bowl. One of the many bowls I carved, a skill I honed for her. The first few were uneven, far from perfect. I imagine she’s used to finer things made by human hands.
“I didn’t know you cook,” she says, her eyes following me. “Considering you’re... well, some type of wolf, don’t you eat the meat raw?”
“We do,” I say, placing the bowl in front of her, the aroma of herbs and meat wafting between us. “But we’ve learned human ways, preparing for your arrival, knowing one day you’d come to Ávera.”
Her eyes widen.
“All the homes you saw earlier,” I continue, “they’re built for your comfort. Our males have been growing them for ages.”
She pauses, glancing around the room, then leaning forward. “Growing them? How do you grow houses?”
“Energy transfer,” I say with pride. “The better a vólkin masters this skill, the more he can connect with nature—bend it, shape it, and make it grow. Those who have mastered it,” I add, a grin spreading on my mouth, “can grow anything. Flowers, vines, even homes like this from the very bark of trees.”
Her eyes travel across the walls and over the curves where branches and leaves blend into the structure.
“But not every vólkin can do this,” I say, watching her closely as my chest puffs.
“This is incredible,” she whispers.
Vines, heavy with blossoms, drape from the ceiling like a canopy, filling the air with their sweet scent. The furniture, made from the strongest, healthiest wood I could find, is adorned withluxurious cushions and silky furs from my hunts. It invites her to relax.
With me.
A stream flows along one side of the room, its clear water shimmering with tiny luminescent stones like scattered stars at the bottom, and small orbs float above, pulsing like fireflies.
Every piece, every detail, has been chosen and shaped for her, to be a place worthy of her. My mate willalwayshave the best of everything.
“I’m glad you like it,” I say, keeping my voice steady. I should try to stay composed. “If there’s anything else you need, anything I might’ve missed, let me know. I’ve done what I could, but our knowledge of human ways is limited, given that we’ve been isolated behind the barrier for over four centuries.”
