Page 73 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

They? I knew better than to ask. She needed to sort her own thoughts. I rubbed my thumb against her thundering pulse.

‘Do you remember when Mama died?’

‘Of course.’

She nodded. ‘Do…’ Gods, how she trembled. ‘Do you recall the day Enfys and I went to see her? Her body?’

My blood chilled. I halted, my hands lay over her shoulders as she crossed her arms over her chest, turning her towards me. Of course I remembered. She’d been beaten so badly, locked in her rooms for turning on Enfys. She’d refused to let me see her. I hadn’t believed it. Sorrow and Enfys had never been close, but I never believed she’d turned on her own sister, clawed her face simply because she was jealous.

And I was right.

‘Your mama?’

Her eyes widened as she scoured my chest, every muscle in her beautiful body tensed.

‘Your mama did that to Enfys?’

She sniffed, her eyes rimmed with red, and I tucked her into my chest, nestled my chin gently on her head. No wonder she’d thought what happened was her fault. I closed my eyes as she shook in my arms. All this time. I’d struggled to understand her reasons for refusing to train. Been confused by the fear in her eyes when I discovered her gift hadn’t been taken.

‘So you hid it?’

She nodded, her fist gripping my tunic, and I placed a kiss to the top of her head.

‘I couldn’t control them, the threads. And it’s not getting better. Without balance, they’re rebelling. Something isn’t right. And… I could have lost you.’

She sucked in a deep breath.

‘Sorrow, you’ve barely trained that side of you. Without Gles—’ Pain shot across her face at her mentor’s name. They’d constantly bickered, but it was clear how they’d adored each other. ‘Without a mentor, a Deviant, you’re scared it’ll keep happening?’

She nodded, pulled herself from my grip and swiped her tears.

‘I didn’t tell you, because saying it out loud…’ She straightened, tears brimmed in her eyes as they met mine and she offered her hand. Smiling, I took it, pressing a light kiss to her knuckles and we set off again. ‘Facing what this damned gift did to Enfys was too much. I thought if I taught myself, just used the silver threads, the ones that control the animals, I’d be all right. I only wanted to see how far I’d survive.’

Clouds, dark and promising rain, slipped above us and I picked up the pace. We’d need shelter, and soon.

‘Then this very annoying, though incredibly handsome king came along.’

I glanced over, a little smile lay on her face.

‘And suddenly, I realised I had a reason to live. So,’ She raised her hand, pressed her fingers over my lips, as she knew I couldn’t resist replying to her. I nipped the tips of her fingers, delighting in her giggle. ‘So, I should say thank you, Elmswood. Thank you for being my reason.’

Stopping, I pulled her towards me as the first raindrop hit my hand. I closed my eyes, wanting to imprint these moments in my soul. The moments when the fierce Sorrow Villente smirked, shy and nervous in my arms. When only I bore witness to Sorrow laid bare.

I tilted my head, my gaze fixed on those full, soft lips. The moment my mouth brushed hers, the wolf whimpered. I pressed harder before she pulled away.

‘Pablo?’ She crouched down, examining the wolf. He pawed the ground, ears back.

‘What is⁠—’

Two diafols, as big and terrifying as kittens, tumbled onto the path, whining. I narrowed my gaze. Were they supposed to be scary? I’d seen more ferocious squirrels.

I knelt down, lay my hand out. ‘Hey, little ones. You lost?’

‘Matthias? What are you doing?’

I stood up as they snarled. One diafol bit the other and Pablo tugged Sorrow’s sleeve.

‘Look at them.’ I laughed as she squinted. The ground rolled. ‘Surely the big, brave Sorrow isn’t scared of a few little diafols?’