Page 66

“Let’s go find Fane, Angel. We’ll check the pen first and bring the other hounds some bones,” she said, hoping Slayer had kept Fane with him.

She slipped Angel into the pouch, thinking she would not need to carry her around soon, though the kitten did seem to enjoy it, peeking her head out in interest as they walked through the village. Suspicious glances were cast her way, but she paid no mind to them while keeping a keen eye on her surroundings, continuing to hope she would see Fane with Slayer.

The hounds greeted her with eager barks, and she smiled seeing how happy they were to see her. Angel leaned further out of the pouch anxiously searching for Fane.

The wolfhound was nowhere to be seen and Sky was pleased. It meant Slayer had kept Fane with him.

The hounds’ tails wagged with such excitement that their whole backsides shook, letting her know they were thrilled to see her, and she need not fear them.

“It is good to see you all again,” she said and pulled out bones from the sack she carried to hand one to each of them. They eagerly snatched her offering out of her hand and went to lay down to enjoy their feast.

“Enjoy, my friends. I will see you tomorrow, and I will see what other treat I can find for you.”

The hounds’ heads went up at the mention of a treat and after she sent them a wave, they returned to enjoying their bones.

“I believe Fane is with Slayer, Angel, so let’s find them both,” she said, after turning away from the pen and Angel agreed with a strong, for her size, meow.

She kept her eyes peeled for Fane and Slayer as she wandered through the busy village. It wasn’t until she approached the gate that she caught sight of her husband. He was speaking with a warrior and Fane stood by his side until he caught sight of Sky.

“Sit, Fane!” Slayer ordered when the hound went to run and Fane immediately obeyed him, plopping down on his bottom beside him.

People watched in awe and Sky heard some of the whispers of those nearby.

“He commands the hellhound and the witch.”

“Even evil fears him.”

“He has the power over her.”

“She cannot harm us.”

Sky had heard such whispers before but that didn’t mean it did not hurt to hear them again. Though she was more concerned with the way her husband glanced her way while speaking with the warrior and a chill ran through her. Whatever they discussed had something to do with her.

Her sisters.

Had something happened to her sisters? She hurried toward him, but he reached her first. “Tell me,” she pleaded anxiously.

“When we get to the keep,” he said.

“Please, I cannot wait to hear. Tell me. Is it my sisters? Has something happened to them? My da? Is it my da?”

“Your family is safe.”

“Then what is it?” she asked, refusing to move until he told her.

“News that took some time to reach me. First, Elsie has discovered who her true parents are, and her mum is the woman responsible for placing you and Leora with the two you believed were your parents and some time after that Leora arrived home.”

He did not tell her that Elsie had almost lost her life and that Leora had saved her. That was best left for her to discuss with her sisters.

Sky’s heart burst with joy.“That is wonderful news. I am so relived that Leora is home safe and unharmed. She is unharmed, isn’t she?”

“Aye, Leora is unharmed and has settled in at Clan Skiling with Noble.”

“How did she take the news about having a husband?”

“I don’t know, but I am sure she will tell you all about it when you are able to meet. She is, if anyhing, persistent about seeing you. But until both your safety can be secured that is not something that will happen anytime soon.”

Sky would not think of putting her sister’s life at risk even if she was eager to see her again. When the time was right thay would be reunited. She was just glad Leora was safe and she hoped the best for her marriage to Noble.