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Oh, I was going to get myself good and killed. Wandering around near a pack of wolf pups in the middle of nowhere. But the stress that swelled in me loosened as I continued to watch.

Most of the adults chose to lay down, their bellies on the cool earth. One stood, presiding over all the rest. The pups came to lick that one’s chin, their tails tucked then wagging then tucked again, and the big wolf responded with decorum, letting them pay their dues. The others received similar visits from the small mob. The youngsters seemed truly elated, and the adults took it all in stride, dolling out a few licks of theirown. One wolf fell to her side, and a feast of milk ensued. The pups nursed with a vigor I could see even from the distance I was at, and I nearly winced.

Clearly, the mother.

One wolf stood abruptly. He was still for a moment, nose in the air. Then his head began to swivel. I froze. He dropped his long muzzle to the ground and sniffed, walking small steps in my direction. He paused and scratched at the dirt. Then he looked up, directly at me.

It was the wolf I’d seen just days before. I could barely think straight, and my heart was hammering like a drum, but I knew that much for sure. Same eyes, same stare. The long legs and ruddy coat. I remembered him.

But would he remember me?

His comrades saw the change in him. I’d counted five adults, the pups too busy for me to get a clear number on, and every one of them found me in the trees. The mother quickly stood, disrupting her babes and their meal.

I’d been discovered.

“Toke, help me,” I breathed.

I thought it would be a frenzy. I thought they’d be at my throat any moment, lunging, biting, seething for my flesh. The stories ran through my mind, the vileness of the wolves and their all-consuming love for blood. The bane of the Hinterlands would snuff me out, then spread my bones among the trees, along with the rest. But they only watched me—alert, tense, patient.

It was the wolf who’d seen me from across the water who acted first, and he set the tone in my favor, thank all the gods and goddesses in sea and sky and on earth. He wandered closer, bit by bit, and he showed neither aggression nor fear. He was hesitant, unsure, but also curious.

Halfway between me and the pack, he stopped. He sniffed the air, watched me intently for a few beats, then seemed to grow bored. He sat and his ears swiveled, taking in other sounds. Some of the tension I’d been holding fiercely in my shoulders and jaw ebbed. I let out a slow breath. I tried to calm my thundering heart.

The wolves gave me plenty of time. Even the ravens quieted, stilled, and watched as the wolves did.

“I’m a friend,” I whispered. The wolf cocked his head. I did not know if I was comforting the beasts or heralding my death, but I did it anyway, if only to keep from losing my mind to the fear. “I jus-just came to watch.”

Apparently, we both had.

Chapter Fourteen

Roan

During mid-day meal, I went to the hut to talk with Fenli. More than anything, I wanted to make things right between us. I hoped that with a little understanding and a lot of humility, I could point us in that direction. Start us on the path to reconciliation.

But she wasn’t at home.

Strange, because I was sure she always brought her food back to the hut. There were dishes left out, but they were from days past.

Deciding she must be finishing up with the birds, I swung out to the barns. Nothing. It was then that the search started to feel all-too familiar. I had a feeling where this may lead, but I went through the actions, regardless. I checked the kitchens, my family’s hut in case she was there with Ess, out to the coast, and finally through the streets, my head swiveling this way and that.

I found Goose, but it was like she’d disappeared.

Into the woods, I imagined.

Eventually, I went back to the hut, Goose trotting behind me and slipping in the door when I opened it. It was still empty, save for her messes everywhere, no space untouched by her chaos. The fire was dead in the hearth, and I stood there in the doorway, shoving my hands into my pockets and watching while the dog climbed on Fenli’s bedroll andmade himself comfortable. He looked at me with high brows, his chin on his paws.

“Which way do you think she went?”

His ears perked, but he gave no response otherwise. I sighed and looked around the room. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but something stood out all the same: her leather pack was gone. It usually sat on the floor leaning up against the back of the chair she claimed each night, but it was missing now.

She was definitely in the forest, then. But it was fine. She’d gone with Esska. They’d partnered up, and they’d take care of each other.

“Hey,” said a voice behind me. “Have you seen Fenli?”

I swung around to find Ess coming up the path. She’d braided her blond hair into two long plaits that trailed down her shoulders, and her blue eyes were sharp as she drew up in front of me.

“Shit. I thought she’d have taken you.” I ran my hand over my face. “She’s gone again, and her bag is gone, too. She’s out there in the woods. Why wouldn’t she ask one of us to go with her?”