Page 54

She had woken up to the scent of cooking, of wild honey and porridge.

The Oracle had already been waiting for her, a steaming bowl in front of her usual chair. She wore a gingham dress today, an apron tied around her plump waist.

"Be brave, my little warrior," she had said, her voice warm, steady as Seren ravenously finished her breakfast.

Seren had chin-upped and nodded.

A uniform had been waiting for her—a stiff grey pinafore, a white shirt, stockings that felt odd and too tight against her skin. The shoes felt foreign and rigid when she was used to sandals or nothing at all.

She had taken longer than she should have, adjusting the unfamiliar fabric, and smoothing down the creases. And even longer, trying to get into the unfamiliar stocking.

Before leaving, she had made one small friend.

A magpie, searching for a place to nest. It had flitted anxiously around the eaves, wings fluttering as it assessed the area.

Seren had smiled softly and pointed to a niche just below her window.

"Here."

The magpie had cocked its head, studying her before flying down to inspect it.

The Oracle had simply watched, a knowing look in her eyes, before ushering her to breakfast.

The Highclaw himself had come for her.

Draken stood at the foot of the stone path; his powerful form unmistakable in the early morning light.

But he was not alone.

Boden was with him.

Seren relaxed at the sight of her old friend, his broad figure and familiar presence a comfort she hadn't realized she needed. He tried to smile stiffly but when she caught his emotions underneath it—sober, worried—her relief dimmed.

She didn't have to ask what he was thinking.

She could hear them.

"I want to stay until she's settled." Boden's voice was firm, his words edged with quiet steel.

Draken didn't even look at him when he responded.

"No."

Boden's frustration burned hot through the tribelink. "She shouldn't be alone here. Not after the way your son treated her."

Draken exhaled sharply. "That is your future Highclaw. You have one more year of service with her tribe. You belong there—until the contract is over. Remember what is at stake for Vargrheim."

Boden's fingers clenched at his sides.

"She needs someone on her side."

"We are all here. She will adapt."

Silence stretched between them.

Seren lowered her gaze, pretending she couldn't hear the conversation humming through the link. The walk seemed endless. Finally, they reached the school steps. The building towered above them.

Boden sighed, frustrated. Then, he turned to her, his expression softening just slightly.