Page 38 of A Fate In Moonstone

Rune gently placed me on the ground and nudged me forward with a whine and a nod. I think that was him asking nicely for me to walk into the cave first.

There were no lights, and the walls at my fingertips were damp.

“I wish I knew how to use my father’s fire power. Then I’d light our path, but I’ve never been able to conjure it. He says it’s just a hard power to feel.”

The darkness felt heavy, but not in a frightening way. More like it was past my typical bedtime and the inky black wrapped around me like a blanket.

A thunderous sound echoed from ahead and made me pause. Rune huffed and nudged me forward as gently as a massive beast could.

Sparkling light danced along the edge of the cave walls, the noise growing louder, and louder.

A waterfall.

We were in a cave behind the waterfall near the palace. I stepped closer. With some help from the moonlight, I saw a rocky climb around the edge of the falls leading home.

Rune brought me back to the palace.

“Making sure I got home without being eaten by the big bad wolf?” I teased and turned just as big werewolf arms snatched me up and lowered his big body to the ground with me nestled against him.

“You’re such a softy.” I giggled and he snarled. Which only made me laugh more.

“So, I’m to be snuggled in your arms until the sun rises?” My head rested against his chest, the sound of his breaths and heartbeat drowned out the falls.

His answer was to squeeze me tighter and nuzzle my neck.

“Goodnight, Rune.” I yawned and allowed a werewolf to snuggle me into the morning.

***

“Sapphira!”

“Sapphira, please hear me.”

“Sapphira, I have fresh focaccia.”

Nyx’s voice came from the edge river and woke me up.

I stirred and a very male, and furless arm tightened around me.

Puffs of soft breath caressed my shoulder. Rune was fast asleep in Fae form.

“Sapphira, come on. Your father wanted to see you for breakfast.”

Looks like my time with a werewolf was over.

Rune remained asleep as I gently lifted his arm and crawled away.

Or so I thought.

“You know my hearing is beyond that of typical Fae with the earth vibrations, and the beast.”

He peeked at me through sleepy eyes and a half grin.

I stood and looked over the path around the waterfall. “I’ve gotta go, but we should talk.”

“The change is tiring. I’ll be taking movements slow.”

That made sense.