Page 27

"Dad!"

A small voice called from behind. They both froze, then sighed in unison.

Astrid leaned in, whispering against his lips. "I have plans for you."

Draken smirked. "Later."

He lowered her gently to the ground, hands still lingering on her waist. "I have found the girl."

Astrid's eyes widened. "How is she?"

Draken quickly relayed the short version through the tribelink.

Hagan was almost upon them.

Astrid's fingers curled around Draken's wrist in an urgent gesture. "Let's not tell him yet. Let him have a little more time as a child."

Draken hesitated, then nodded. If he had known how just that nod would change the course of all their lives, he might have thought twice.

Instead, he turned, meeting his son's eager expression. "You have grown."

Hagan puffed up like a rooster at the compliment. "It's not been that long, Dad."

Draken chuckled and let him down. "Have you taken care of your mother?"

"Yes!" Hagan said proudly. Then, suddenly excited, he added, "I have a new friend! Come meet her!"

Draken's gaze flicked toward Garrik, and a silent message passed between them.

The asylum seekers.

Draken bent his massive frame to look Hagan in the eye, his voice low but firm. "I am disappointed about what you did."

Hagan's smile faltered, his eyes lowering as happens when a powerful wolf looks at you. "I promise I won't do anything like that again."

Garrik huffed, amused. "Until next time."

Draken says "We will speak of this later, Hagan. This is not over."

Hagan nodded gravely. Then, with the lightness only a child could hold after a scolding, Hagan grabbed his father's hand and pulled him forward.

The children were playing in a shaded grove, sticks and laughter filling the air. At Hagan's loud call, they all turned—

Including her.

Arlia was small, her golden hair a striking contrast against her sun-kissed skin, her grey eyes like silver coins in the afternoon light. At the sight of Draken, she shrank slightly, watching him cautiously.

Draken crouched to her level, offering a gentle smile and extended his hand. "Hi, I am Highclaw Draken."

Arlia hesitated, her small hands clutching the hem of her tunic before mumbling, "Hi."

She reached out and touched his hand lightly, her fingers cool against his skin. A strange sense of familiarity washed over him, like a friend from long ago. But. he couldn't feel her wolf spirit.

"Where is your wolf, Airlia?", Draken asked.

"She has been missing since they were attacked, Dad. She will come back, right?" Hagan answered for her.

Draken studied her for a moment longer. She would make a good friend for Hagan.