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“It seemed like a safer place to hide than a were-village,” I lied.
In truth I wanted to find the witch that had foreseen the prophecy.
That damn prophecy was the beginning of all of this, and if I could just get my hands on it, I was hopeful it might tell me how to end it. But I didn’t want Byriel to know. While he had been true to his word, and had saved me more times than I could count, I still didn’t trust that he wouldn’t hurt that last wolf. It was clear his allegiances were still firmly with his King.His father.
“That’s a good idea,” Byriel nodded. “And they might be able to help with our injuries.” He paused as if thinking. “The witches that live within the city aren't always friendly to outsiders, but I know one that lives at the base of the mountains. She could help us.”
Hope bloomed in my chest. “Can a witch fix this?” I placed a hand on Joon’s chest. He was so hot and clammy.
“They don’t normally heal our people, but they are powerful.” Byriel glanced down at his hip. “I think it’s worth trying.”
I nodded, a thick lump in my throat making it hard to speak. My wolf whimpered as I brushed Joon's dark hair out of his face. He was so pale, and his lips were dry and cracked.
"Don't worry, puppy," Lex said, grabbing my other hand and squeezing gently. "Joon's still in there. He'll wake up when he's ready."
I nodded again, my chest tight with so many emotions. Wrapping my arms around my chest, I eyed my dirty clothes. The once vibrant green robes with thick gold embroidery were now a dull brown, covered in so much dirt and grime they were hardly recognizable as the fancy Vaesen garments they once were.
Byriel pressed a clean cloth to his hip and carefully buckled his belt, securing the dressing in place. "We'll rest tonight," he said, trying to hide his labored breathing. “Then we'll make our way to the witch first thing in the morning. It's a day's journey from here. Maybe two"
Scooting closer to Joon, I snuggled into his side. His skin was sticky with sweat.
"He'll make it," Byriel said to me as if stating a fact. "Your alpha is strong, and he'll be okay. Have faith in the Moon to bring us through." He looked at me as if he could see the future, and all my worries were silly.
I wanted so badly to believe him.
The Next Morning
Byriel
* * *
I heavedJoon over my shoulder, making skin at my hip pull and pinch. Then pain radiated down my side. I didn't need to see it to know my wound had reopened. I stifled a grunt, not wanting Tzidal to know.
A trickle of blood rolled down my leg, and I was thankful my black leather pants hid it. It would surely upset the omega, and I didn't need to add to her worry. The fact that my body refused to heal scared me more than I was willing to let on. My wolf had never failed to fix me before.
"You feel okay?" Tzidal asked, looking me up and down.
Her gaze settled on my hip, and she pressed her lips together. It felt as if she could see right through me to the truth. Perhaps it was just guilt for killing her mate or the knowledge that I'd never be able to truly atone for my sins, but it didn't matter. Guilt was guilt, no matter how it came to you.
"I'm well," I gritted out, forcing my feet forward. I was so damn tired. "We shouldn't have to journey far, assuming I have my bearings, but my sense of direction is never wrong."
The siren rolled his eyes. "Lead the way," he huffed, motioning me forward.
My wolf bared his teeth but was ultimately too drained to be challenged by Lex's cutting tone. I was thankful. It was hard enough fighting off the pain in my body. I didn't need my beast's pride adding to my distractions.
"Tell me, wolf," Lex said, his voice already hinting at a snarky comment, "is there an alpha in all of Havre that doesn't have a perfect sense of direction?" I cut him a sideways glance as he spoke. "In addition to bragging about your scars and cocks, your kind are weirdly proud of your internal compass."
"Tell me, siren," I grunted, too tired to put up with his shit, "if you can phase into a sabbot, why didn't you do that the second that hannoth found us? It would have been a hell of a lot more helpful than sitting in the mud the entire time."
His smirk fell.
Tzidal pressed her lips together, her eyes moving slowly between us. She had spent the first few weeks of our journey begging Lex not to bicker and for me to not rise to his taunts, but lately, she just let us quarrel. She was done pouring her energy into us, instead focusing all her attention on Joon. I didn't blame her.
"I can project into anything that has thought and complex feelings. Oh, and alphas," Lex added in a mocking tone, "which have neither." He gave me a pointed smirk. "But I don't actually possess their talents or strength. I'm still limited by my form. I can only change what you see, not what I am."
"So you aren't stronger or…." Tzidal shook her head, not understanding.
Neither did I.
