Spring’s voice floated ahead of him, animated and thoughtful.
“…And Madura said the woman’s name was Ruth. She shrank like we did, but she met the King of the Giants—Koorgan. Apparently, they got married. Isn’t that wild?” Spring glanced over her shoulder, her golden-brown eyes bright with wonder. “She said if we find him, he might help us find the others.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Roam replied, though he’d only caught about half of what she’d said.
It wasn’t that it wasn’t interesting—it probably was. But his mind wasn’t on ancient tales or helpful kings.
His mind was still on the moment they’d had— specifically, on her lips.
A goofy, contented grin curved his mouth. For once, his cat was blissfully quiet, purring like a smug furnace somewhere deep in his chest.
Now that was new.
He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, the other dipping into his pocket where he’d tucked the leftover sliver of mushroom from earlier. His mind was still repeating the miracle of Spring’s kiss, and he was certain that if he ever messed up with her again… all he had to do was kiss her.
Apparently, that worked on both Spring and his cat.
Excellent data. Very useful. Noted for future emergencies.
This will keep me out of trouble, he thought smugly.
“—and he lives near the cliffs, I think. Madura said something about stone halls and goats the size of horses,” Spring was saying. “I mean, I guess that makes sense for a giant.”
“Totally makes sense,” Roam murmured dreamily.
Spring turned toward him, hands on her hips, her brows pinched in mock exasperation. “You’re not even listening, are you?”
“Nope.” He grinned, then winked. “Still thinking about kissing you.”
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she looked away, but not before he caught the smile tugging at her lips. Victory.
They stepped out of the trees and onto a wide road of packed dirt that curved gently into the distance before forking left and right. A thin veil of mist drifted in from the hills, softening the edges of the towering wall of trees on either side. It felt… still. Expectant.
Spring extended a hand, palm outward, her eyes scanning the horizon. “I can shift,” she said, biting her lip. “Fly up and take a quick look.”
Roam shook his head. “Nah. I’ve got this. You stay here—I’ll climb one of those trees and check the view.”
Spring frowned, clearly torn, but nodded. “Okay. Just… be careful.”
He gave her a quick salute and a wink. “Aren’t I always?”
Before she could answer, he shifted, fur rippling over his skin as his limbs compacted into his feline form. With a powerful leap, he darted off the road and into the forest again, aiming for the tallest pine he’d scoped earlier.
The cool shade swallowed him as he padded over roots and fallen branches, his ears flicking at the sounds of birds above and insects buzzing past.
He was about halfway to the tree when a faint noise drew his attention—a crunch of boots on gravel. He paused, his ears swiveling toward the sound.
Voices!
They might help him and Spring!
A small group of figures was walking up the other fork in the road. Roam trotted forward. There was six… no, seven of them. Travelers from the looks of it. Rough clothes. Worn boots. Supplies clanked against the worn side of the wooden cart they were riding in. He noticed their eyes were scanning the woods like they were searching for someone.
I no like. We go back.
But they might know where this Koorgan is and how to get to the castle.
We climb. We find ourselves.
