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As far as Ashwood’s livelihood was concerned, he’d assisted Azriel at the apothecary once when Mr. Browning fell ill and found it rewarding. Now he helped regularly, whenever he was needed, like today. He’d also begun pressing flowers into books again, but they grew in such abundance all around them that they overflowed the pages. Bellamy could tell Ashwood was slowly returning to the more mischievous ways from his younger years. But he remained ever careful and vigilant, and that might never change.
By the time Bellamy had finished painting the rest of the trim and washed up, Ashwood had returned home. Bellamy glanced once more at the letter they received just last month, addressed to Azriel at the apothecary. Azriel had opened it, then handed it to Ashwood, and he and Bellamy had read it enthusiastically once they realized it was from Oscar.
It was Oscar’s second correspondence with Bellamy since last year, when Bellamy had left Moon Flower in a rush to pursue Ashwood and Kipling. This time, Oscar was inviting them for a visit, and Bellamy was eager to speak with him in person.
Oscar had been noticeably absent when the four of them had visited Lunar’s Reach six months prior. And there were other subtle changes as well. Such as the new lads in residence, introduced enthusiastically by the twins, who’d apparently done the rescuing. No doubt a similar arrangement was part of the twins’ future dreams, and Bellamy thought such an undertaking—and perhaps a different sort of establishment that they made their own—would suit the twins well.
One of the rescued lads was someone Bellamy recognized from Beggar’s Hole, so an immediate kinship was forged. Bellamy did not have to inquire about Gladstone to see all he needed to know in the lad’s eyes. He didn’t partake with the gentlemen in the evenings, instead taking on the job of footman and seeming happy enough.
Edward was moving on as well. He’d answered the butcher shop’s call for employment and was now absent some days, working alongside the lad he’d come to adore—not that he’d admit it. The first thing Bellamy noticed was that he smiled more, and even Galen seemed heartened by it, undoubtedly sensing the serenity in his aura.
And then there was Oscar, who’d scandalously run off with Mr. Walters. They were still abuzz about it at Moon Flower, and Bellamy pretended to be as well, but he’d confessed to Ashwood his suspicions after their night of voyeurism, the memory of which always made Ashwood blush. Oscar had left correspondence for Bellamy, which was delivered by the twins before their departure.
They’d opened it on the train, excited to hear from him, and when he felt something from the envelope fall to his lap, he realized it was the chain with his mother’s ring. He gripped it tightly, glad to have it back in his possession, and pored over the letter.
Dearest Bellamy,
I have kept this safe, but now it needs to return to its rightful owner.
You were right to question Clarence’s intentions toward me.
I knew in my heart that he felt for me as I did for him, and Clarence finally confessed as much.
He has broken his engagement, apparently to his betrothed’s relief, and we are off to his summer home in Widow’s Keep. I will be in his employ as a personal clerk. Clarence believes it is the safest way we can be together.
I am glad you came to your senses as well, you stubborn lad, and I wish you and Ashwood a lifetime of happiness. And lest you worry, your secret will always remain safe with me. Besides, I don’t think Clarence is a fan of fairy tales. He’s a much more pragmatic man.
Perhaps once we are settled, I will invite you for a visit.
Sincerely,
Oscar
Speaking of his mother’s ring, he removed the chain from his neck and placed it in a drawer for safekeeping. Even though they’d be traveling to Widow’s Keep by train, they would return home as wolves, during the night of the full moon. And he looked forward to it. With each passing month, he felt less worried that they would come across another of Kipling’s pack or any of his menacing acquaintances.
That didn’t mean they stopped being vigilant. Soon enough they might cross paths with danger again, either from humans or another wolf like Kipling. It was important to remain safe and hidden, careful about extending their circle of trust.
Though they’d met with the female wolves again, one noticeably with child, and he sent a wish on the wind that the babe would be born healthy and might know their true legacy if that was to be their fate.
