Rose possessed many sterling qualities, and among them were her sense of righteousness and quick action to defend those she cared about. And she’d adored the hounds as much as he had. In her zeal to take Thorn to task for perceived transgressions, Rose might have been unkind to her newly discovered sister, perhaps even cruel. Rose might not mean to be, but the warrior in her wielded a sharp edge, as did her incisive intelligence and the tongue attached to it.
All day the day before, Sebastien had wondered and worried, going to class and going through the motions of his schedule, suspecting Rose had gone to find Thorn, frustrated that he’d been unable to find out for sure or do anything about it. He’d been so relieved—and unreasonably elated—when the hummingbird found him, telling him her story.
Thornisinthegardenatthecottageandshe’ssadbutfineandtoldmetotellyou,the tiny bird had said in a blazing rush. Sebastien had been delighted at the hum of the bird’s thoughts, the same pitch as its wings, and knew he had Thorn to thank for suggesting he listen instead of tuning out.
He’d spotted the forget-me-nots in bloom along the trail on the ride back to HASP, picking one with Thorn on his mind, his heart uncertain but billowing with unfamiliar sentiment. He’d only known that she should have it. And when the little bird showed up, he sent the delicate flower back. A question and a promise in one.
He might be in love with Thorn.
Gazing at the sleeping Rose, he knew he should wait and talk to her. But he needed to see Thorn, to find out how she felt first. And not via this imperfect messaging through birds. It was an excuse, and nothing would make the inevitable conversation with Rose any easier for either of them. But he’d never claimed to be a brave man.
Leaving Rose asleep, he slipped out of his room and out of the academy, Nonna trotting at his heels.
Are we going to look for Nina?she asked with rising excitement.
Yes,he told her, feeling bad about the lie but it was also easier than repeatedly trying to explain the dismal truth.
Kismet, excited for another excursion so soon, waited with pricked ears while Sebastien saddled him.
Nina?Kismet asked. And not for the first time.
Neither animal seemed to understand Sebastien’s explanations that Nina was gone. Both interpreted “gone” as temporary, and so they expected Nina to return soon, repeatedly puzzled when she didn’t. Their plaintive inquiries hadn’t helped Sebastien keep a brave face.
“Nina is gone, buddy,” Sebastien told the horse wearily. And she was never coming back. He’d seen that truth in Rose’s face also, though she’d prevaricated to protect his feelings.
Gone?Kismet asked.
“Yes, gone.”
I don’t understand,Kismet said unhappily.
“Sometimes things happen in life that we can’t understand,” Sebastien told the horse, riding him out of the gates, Nonna trotting ahead, nose in the air.
Nina?she called, emitting a little bay of inquiry.
I don’t understand that either,Kismet said.
Exactly.Sebastien was trying to think of a less crabby way of explaining it to the horse when Nonna bayed an alert andKismet exploded beneath him, panicking at the creature suddenly barring their way.
What is that?Kismet mentally shrieked, rearing onto his hind legs and hopping.That’s a tiger! Don’t tell me that’s not a tiger!
“Calm down,” Sebastien applied some sorcery to make it happen, as he didn’t care to be dumped on his ass. He also commanded Nonna to return to his side, much as she resisted, determined to protect him. She’d only get injured. If he’d practiced controlling his animal friends more, he would’ve been able to stop Nina from leaping through the portal and into the Dream. He drew his sword. “And that’s not a tiger. It’s a wolf.”
The biggest fucking wolf he’d seen in his entire life. All white, with unusually long fur that feathered off his belly, legs, and long tail, the wolf also sported a considerable ruff around a pointed face. Its deep-blue eyes gleamed large and intelligent, while its jaws hung open to reveal daunting ivory fangs and an uncanny black and forked tongue.
On second thought, with that tongue, maybe it wasn’t a wolf.
I amnota wolf,the creature replied, his mental tone offended.I am ascáthcú, thank you very much. Have you got any snacks?
Sebastien stared in disbelief. “No, sorry.” Why was he apologizing? “I’ve never heard of ascáthcú.”
Friend of mages. Companion to princes. Defender of queens.He waited a beat, black tongue flicking out.No? Nothing rings a bell?
“No, I’m afraid not.”
Your loss. But now I’m here, so your win! I’m Bunny.
That’s not a bunny,Kismet mentally whispered.I still say tiger. Or dragon.
