Page 14 of Curses and Casualties (Hunters Hollow #3)

“No, he doesn’t,” I reply, the weight of my secrets feeling heavier than ever. “He thinks I’m heading off on a geological dig. We were to meet so he could give me some money to get by.”

Darius nods thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “It’s important to keep those we love safe, especially from a world they don’t understand. Let’s arrange for your brother to get a message from you so he knows you’re safe. Perhaps some funding came through last minute, so you don’t need his help.”

Amara nods in agreement. “Indeed, ensuring your brother remains out of the supernatural fray is crucial. We can have one of the witches from the Sanctuary craft a message that will not only assure him of your safety but also convince him of the sudden change in plans. Something like... an emergency grant from the Geological Survey came through, fully funding your expedition, and you had to leave immediately to join the team?”

“OK,” I say, letting out a heavy breath. “If you think that’s what’s best then that’s what we’ll do. I just don’t want him in any danger.”

“I completely understand,” she says, looking around the table. “Are there any other messages you’d like passed along to loved ones? I get that sense there’s worry about those left behind.” Her eyes land on Ryan, who presses his lip into a thin line before he nods.

“I need to check on my twin, Owen,” he starts. “He’s the pack doctor, and I’m worried they got to him before he could get somewhere safe.”

Amara nods her understanding then turns her expectant gaze to Scarlett.

“My dad. Caspian,” she adds, her voice soft as her eyes drop to her open palm. “He helped us escape, and I have no idea if he’s in danger too.”

Amara and Darius exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between them.

Finally, Darius speaks up. “I can send my people out to get messages to whoever you need,” he says.

“We’ll make sure everyone is safe, and I’ll personally oversee the communication to your family members to ensure no harm comes their way. ”

Ryan’s shoulders relax ever so slightly. “Thank you,” he murmurs, and I feel his relief flooding through our bond. He’s been doing his best to disguise his concern for his twin, but I could feel it tingling at the edges of our connection, a quiet storm of worry.

“Yes, thank you,” I say as Darius starts to note down the details of who needs to be contacted. “This means a lot to all of us.”

Darius gives me a nod, and I notice Ethan shift uncomfortably in his seat. His eyes are fixed on the table, a flicker of something—loneliness, perhaps?—crossing his face.

“Ethan?” I ask gently. “Is there anyone you need Darius to check on?”

He looks up, surprise briefly replacing the sadness in his eyes. “No, I’m... I’m fine. I don’t have any family left.”

The weight of his words hangs in the air for a moment. Scarlett reaches out, placing a hand on his arm. “You’ve got us,” she says softly. “Your pack.”

Ethan nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “My pack is all I need.”

Darius finishes taking notes and stands. “I’ll get right on this. Don’t worry, your loved ones will be informed and protected.”

As he leaves, Amara turns back to us, her expression serious. “Now, we need to prepare for our journey. The úlfhéenar territory is not easily accessible, and we’ll need to be ready for anything.”

“You said it takes a day to travel there, but how long will we be gone exactly?” I ask, already mentally cataloging what I have in my pack versus what else I might need.

“It’s hard to say,” Amara admits. “You’ve got a couple of days for the journey there and back, but our stay with the úlfhéenar.

.. well, that depends on how receptive they are to our presence and your needs.

Pack for at least a week. The portal will take us to the edge of their territory, but from there it’s all on foot through rough terrain.

Bring extra socks,” she adds with a knowing look. “Trust me on that.”

Ryan nods, his brow creasing slightly. “If they can help Georgia connect with Luna, we should go.”

“Agreed,” Scarlett chimes in, with Ethan nodding along.

Amara stands, her eyes scanning our group. “Then it’s settled. I’ll see you all in an hour.”

While we finish our breakfast, I feel a mix of excitement and a hefty dose of trepidation.

The úlfhéenar could be our best chance at strengthening my bond with Luna, but they’re also an unknown entity.

As we head back to our rooms to prepare, I can’t help but wonder how big of a shitstorm we’re willingly walking into.

Not storm, Luna whispers, her voice carrying an unusual note of anticipation. Old wolves. Old knowledge. They will help us.

Ryan catches up to me in the hallway, his hand grazing mine before intertwining our fingers. “You feeling OK about this?” he asks, eyes searching mine for any hint of doubt.

I squeeze his hand, feeling the familiar pulse of our bond. “I have to be,” I reply. “For both of us. I’m useless in the state I’m in.”

“Oh love.” Ryan lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. “You’re not useless. You never have been.”

“I feel useless. I need that to change.”

Ryan’s expression softens, the lines of concern around his eyes deepening.

“You’re more than useful. You’re vital, Georgia.

To me, to all of this.” He gestures vaguely around him, encompassing everything from our current predicament to the world beyond that depends on us figuring out our bond with Luna and the prophecy.

“We’ll manage this together, just like we’ve managed everything else. ”

Letting out a deep breath, I draw strength from our connection and force a brave smile. “Together,” I agree, hoping to hell I’m more than just glowing skin when it comes to facing whatever comes next.