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We shared a long look. Ever since this whole curse business, Oren and I hadn’t spent nearly as much time together. I got the impression he understood, and he was happy I’d found my mate, yet I did miss him. He’d been a stable part of my life ever since he was a kid and his parents were out of the picture, and I didn’t want him to feel neglected.
That was it. No other words were exchanged before he gave a small salute, then shifted into his wolf form.
It was a slow roll, unlike the times when we had to explode into our other bodies for a battle, the fur spreading down his elongating body as he fell forward. Muzzle extending, ears growing, claws and fangs lengthening.
Then, just moments later, he was a wolf running off into the streets. Unlike my own animal form, his wasn’t nearly as well-known, which would allow him to make it into the palace without arousing too much suspicion.
I watched him go before shutting the door, posting myself in front of it while Yvonne tended to Darla.
It did indeed take the enchantress a long, long time to lay on enough wards and blessings until she seemed satisfied. After, she hastily chugged tea and wolfed down the food Euthalia brought her, then she snapped, pointing to me and then the circle.
My turn was quicker than Darla’s, which didn’t surprise me considering I had the base layer on from the previous day, but it did last quite a long while, nonetheless. The whole process made me wish I was a bit more knowledgeable about magic so I could do more than just stand there.
Just as he said, Oren appeared toward the end, knocking twice before entering and giving me a nod. It seemed our separate ways home were ready.
I was sure Ayla heard our plans, but I longed to talk to her one on one. I just didn’t feel comfortable doing it in the circle, especially with Yvonne concentrating so much that sweat was beginning to bead on her forehead.
But eventually, she half-collapsed right back on her chaise lounge, with Euthalia at her side plying her with more tea.
“That’s all I can do for now,” she said in a raspy voice. “Hopefully it was enough to get you through the week, but we’ll need to meet up again. I’ll do as much research on this curse as I can. I feel like I’ve got some good leads.”
“Thank you for everything,” I said. There were more goodbyes and talks, but my eyes were only on my mate. It had to have been pretty boring for her to stand around and just watch, but she hadn’t said a word since the last thing she’d uttered to the sorceress.
“Anything for the crown.” The woman repeated the familiar phrase, but it was a lot less enthusiastic than the night before. “For now, I need to rest.”
“Of course. We’ll be on our way.”
We all filed onto the porch, but before I could speak, Darla noticed the second car.
“Uh, I’m guessing there was a slight change in plans?” she said, regarding them coolly.
“Oren and I are going through the main entrance. Figure we’d draw attention. Meanwhile, the two of you and your new driver—your roommate, by the way, Officer Khan—will return to the same servants’ gate a bit later.”
“Ah, I see. Probably for the best. Oren, you should walk me to the car.”
Her tone was pointed, and I appreciated her giving Ayla and me the chance to say goodbye. It wasn’t like we could make out right there on the porch, but at least I could kiss the top of her head and check in.
“Hey there, are you all right?”
Ayla let out a small sigh. “I… I don’t know.”
“That’s fair. I know this wasn’t the best news, but things are still going in a positive direction. I want you to keep that in mind.”
“Not exactly the easiest thing to do.”
“I know.” I kissed one cheek and then the other. “But we’re still taking steps forward. Small as they are.”
She looked up at me, and there was a sea of emotions in those beautiful eyes of hers. “Thank you.”
“For anything in particular?”
“Foreverything.”
All of those little pecks weren’t enough. I gently cupped her face and placed a slow, tender kiss right on those petal pink lips of hers. “You don’t have to thank me.”
It would’ve been easy to get carried away, but I let my hands drop as I watched her get into the car. Oren and I were supposed to arrive first, so I figured I’d better get a move on into my own ride.
My mind was full as I drove along, wondering if we were doing as well as I’d assured Ayla we were. Even as we drove through the main gates, my thoughts were heavy, and I was eager to get back to my room.
