Page 65 of Kissing Potions and Elves

“Of course not,” Rhystan says casually. “The meat’s too stringy.”

My jaw drops.

“Rhystan,” Lyrion snaps. “You’re scaring her.”

“I was only teasing.” Rhystan winks as he rests a hand on my shoulder. “It’s alright. I promise they won’t eat you.”

Despite his assurance, I glance around nervously. “Where are they?”

“They live in the woods nearby,” Lyrion answers. “Back home, in Rivenyl, we have stables for them, but here, they stay in the forest. They prefer the wilds and humans are wary of them anyway.”

I believe I can understand why. “And you’re sure they won’t mind you bringing a human along?”

Lyrion dips his chin in a firm nod. “It’ll be fine, Isobel. My vow.”

We walk together to the edge of the woods. Rhystan lets out a low, melodic whistle, and the hair rises on the back of my neck as two piercing howls answer in return. “That’s them.” He grins. “They should be here any moment.”

Subconsciously, I move closer to Lyrion as I scan the forest, pressing into his side as two enormous shadows emerge fromthe trees. The Wolves stride toward us on silent paws, moving with the lethal grace of predators.

The Dire Wolves are massive, with piercing golden eyes, and midnight-black fur rippling over powerful muscles. My heart hammers as I notice their dagger-sharp claws and fangs nearly as long as my forearm.

“Meet Nyxus and Asher.” Rhystan smiles as he strokes the closest one’s neck affectionately. He pulls a set of reins from his satchel and places it on Asher. “They’re twins. Just like us.”

Lyrion steps forward and puts a hand on the other wolf. “It’s good to see you again, Nyxus. I’ve missed your company.” He gestures to me. “Nyxus, this is Isobel. She’ll be traveling with us.”

Nyxus’s gaze locks on mine, intelligent and appraising as Lyrion places the reins on him.

When he’s done, Lyrion offers me his hand and I take it without hesitation. “It’s alright,” he murmurs, as he gently rests our joined hands on Nyxus’s neck. “He won’t hurt you.”

As nervous as I am, I trust Lyrion. He would never let any harm come to me.

Nyxus’s dark fur is thick and soft beneath my fingers. He turns his large head, his nostrils flaring as he sniffs my hair. After a moment, he nuzzles my side.

“Oh,” I breathe, relief washing over me. “He’s… gentle.”

Lyrion nods. “He likes you.”

“Well, I like him too.” I smile, stroking his fur. “Can you talk to him like you do Errol?”

“Yes, and no,” Lyrion replies. “He communicates by sending me telepathic images and emotions, and I do the same.”

I frown. “Why is that?”

“It’s how they choose to communicate with their bonded riders,” he explains. “It strengthens the connection between us. They are highly intelligent.”

“You’re bonded to him?”

Lyrion nods. “It is a sacred bond. The Wolf chooses his rider and they are paired for life.”

I want to ask more questions, but Rhystan climbs onto Asher and looks at us. “We should leave so we can get there before sunset.”

Lyrion lifts me onto Nyxus’s back as if I weigh nothing. My heart leaps when he settles behind me, one strong arm encircling my waist protectively while the other grips the reins.

“Hold on,” he murmurs in my ear, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.

I glance back at him. “Promise you won’t let me fall?”

His piercing violet eyes meet mine. “My vow.”