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Nia, her striking blue hair shimmering faintly in the cave's ambient glow, was the first to speak. "I have my stronghold to oversee, but I can spare a few days," she said, her voice filled with determination. "Aura assures me that it's safe and secure."
Finn, his air magic faintly swirling around him, glanced around the cave with an intrigued expression. "I've never been to the mortal realm," he mused. "Plus, I want to do everything I can to help you, Rowan. I mean that."
Oliver, always the steadfast companion, nodded in agreement. "Where Rowan goes, I go," he affirmed, his voice unwavering.
I couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude for my friends and their willingness to stay on the journey with me.
ChapterEighteen
Oliver's hands moved with a practiced grace, weaving an intricate pattern in the air before him. His fingers danced through the motions, and as he did, a subtle hum of energy filled the cavern, making the very air vibrate with anticipation. I watched in awe as the circle he traced began to shimmer, its edges glowing with a soft, otherworldly light.
The circular portal gradually expanded, revealing a glimpse of what lay beyond. Through the portal, I could see the rusted iron gates of the Clover pack, a familiarity settling into my bones and excitement brewing.
We had made our decision to return to the Clover pack, but now that the portal stood open before us, there was a moment of hesitation—a lingering doubt about what we might find on the other side.
It was Callan who broke the silence, his voice gentle yet resolute. "Rowan, you first," he said, stepping aside to allow me to approach the portal.
His words carried a weight of history. The last time we had had the opportunity to go through a portal, I never arrived on the other side. He raised an eyebrow at me and crossed his arms, looking about ready to pick me up and toss me through.
I didn't hesitate. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding. With a determined step, I crossed the threshold of the portal.
The transition was as swift and disorienting as it was last time. It felt as though I had been pulled through a vortex, the world around me blurring and distorting before snapping back into focus. When I looked around, I found myself standing on familiar ground, within the concealed boundaries of the Clover pack.
The rusted iron gates greeted me as they always had. The forest beyond them stretched out, an untamed wilderness. But there was something different about the world I saw now, both strange and oddly familiar.
Nia, Finn, and Oliver emerged from the portal one by one, their expressions mirroring my own sense of disorientation. The Fae among us, Nia and Finn, looked around with a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment. To them, the mortal realm was a wondrous and alien place, a contrast to the Faerie realm from which they hailed.
The air felt different here, carrying scents and sensations that were unique to the mortal realm. The earth beneath our feet was solid, and the trees stood tall and imposing, their leaves rustling in the breeze.
Callan, ever the guardian, stepped through the portal last. His gaze locked onto mine, and I could see the unspoken relief in his eyes. We had crossed the threshold together this time, and I was here, standing beside him.
As the portal behind us closed with a soft, ethereal hum, a sense of determination settled over our group. I had returned to the mortal realm, to the place I called home, and I was ready to face whatever challenges awaited us.
Our journey had brought us full circle, back to the heart of our pack, and I was scared shitless that I wouldn’t be able to keep them safe.
* * *
Lily practically launchedherself at me, arms wide open for a hug. I couldn't help but laugh as I caught her mid-air. Her boundless energy was like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart.
“You bitch!”
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the werewolf shifter," I teased, giving her a squeeze before setting her back on her feet before my legs gave out. "Miss me much?"
Lily gave me a playful shove. "You have no idea. You disappeared on us, and we thought you'd gone all MIA on the pack."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, just something I had to do.”
Lily looked me up and down, her dark reddish-brown fur shining in the dappled sunlight. "You look different, you know? Older, wiser, maybe?"
I winked at her. "I've been through some crazy stuff. Let me introduce you to my motley crew." I gestured to Finn and Nia, who had joined us where we stood in the pack courtyard.
Lily's eyes sparkled with curiosity as they landed on our newcomers.
I flashed a grin. "Meet Finn and Nia. They're Fae."
Lily's excitement was palpable. "Fae, huh? I've heard tales, but I've never laid eyes on one. I really thought that was a myth. Pleasure to meet you both."
Nia inclined her head regally. "Likewise. Shifters are creatures we don’t have in our realm. I look forward to learning more about your people."
