Page 32 of Kissing Potions and Elves (Oakvale Ever After #1)

ISOBEL

I stand in front of the mirror, admiring the elegant green Elvish tunic dress Lyrion had made for me. A lovely pattern of silver vines is embroidered along the hem, and the fabric is buttery soft against my skin, shimmering like silk in the morning light.

The matching fitted pants are perfectly paired with sturdy leather travel boots. I’ve never worn anything so beautifully crafted and practical.

Worry knots my stomach as I think of the upcoming ball. The only time I’ve ever attended anything remotely close to an elegant Elven gathering was as a servant for my former employer.

Although I was only part of the help, there were so many rules and protocols about placement of silverware and ways to address the guests according to title and status, among many other things.

I’m so worried I won’t fit into Lyrion’s refined world, but I’m just as determined not to embarrass him.

As if my very thoughts have summoned him, I notice Lyrion’s reflection in the mirror behind me. He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed casually, his expression unreadable as his violet eyes trace over my form.

“Do you like it?” he asks a bit hesitantly.

I smile. “I love it. Although I’d like to pay you back for these.”

“Consider the clothes a gift,” he murmurs, stepping closer. “There’s no need to reimburse me.”

I wouldn’t feel right. “I insist.”

He studies me for a moment, his gaze softening as if he finds something endearing in my stubbornness. A faint smile quirks the corners of his lips. “If you must.”

My heart skips as his eyes linger on me a moment more.

A sharp, imperious meow interrupts the moment, and we both glance down to find Errol sitting regally in the doorway, his fluffy tail swishing back and forth.

“Errol?” I ask, surprised by his dramatic posture.

Lyrion sighs. “We’ve been over this, Errol. You’re not coming.”

Errol gives a plaintive yowl, arguing his point, and Lyrion pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Yes, I’ll make sure Isobel is safe, and no, you won’t be ‘wasting away from boredom’ if you stay behind.”

Errol’s tail flicks sharply, ears flattening.

“Please, Errol.” I crouch beside him, scratching under his chin the way he likes. “I love you too much to bring you along. It’s safer for you here.”

He fixes me with a mournful stare, and I glance helplessly at Hilda.

“Come now, Errol.” She smiles at him. “I’ll give you extra fish. We’ll have a grand time. I promise.”

Errol tilts his head, considering her offer carefully before finally winding around her legs with a soft purr, and I sigh with relief.

Rhystan chuckles from the doorway, eyes sparkling as he reaches down to pet him. “Such a fierce protector,” he says affectionately. “Don’t worry. We’ll all miss you terribly while we’re gone, my little friend.”

Errol lifts his chin proudly, and Lyrion sighs. “I promise I will keep her from harm, Errol. You have my word.”

The cat narrows his eyes, offering a pointed yowl that clearly indicates he’ll hold Lyrion accountable.

Hilda gestures to our travel satchels. “I packed extra food and water.” She looks at me. “And I made sure your dresses and sleep gown are all folded nicely.”

“Dresses? Sleep gown?” I look at Lyrion. “I thought it was just for a day. How long will we be gone?”

“I um…” He rubs the back of his neck. “I forgot to mention, we’ll be spending the night.”

“Oh.” Heat floods my cheeks. I wonder how the sleeping arrangements are going to work, but I don’t quite have the nerve to ask. Perhaps this isn’t something I should be concerned about. After all, I know nothing of Elvish propriety and etiquette.

Hilda fusses over us a bit more before finally bidding farewell. I cuddle Errol one more time and kiss the top of his head. “I’ll miss you,” I whisper as he purrs against me. “We’ll be back soon.”

When we step outside, I glance around in confusion. I’d thought Lyrion and his brother would have hired a carriage for our journey, but I don’t see one around. “How are we traveling?” I glance down the street. “By carriage or horseback?”

Lyrion clears his throat, shifting awkwardly. “About that...”

Rhystan grins. “We don’t use horses, Isobel. Elves ride Dire Wolves.”

“You ride Wolves ?” Worry prickles along my spine. Dire Wolves are terrifying predators. I’ve only ever glimpsed one once from afar and it was bigger and more intimidating than any horse I’ve ever seen.

“Don’t worry.” Rhystan places a hand on my shoulder. “Ours are rather friendly. I believe they’ll like you.”

“And if they don’t?” I ask a bit hesitantly, wondering if my life may be in danger. “They don’t eat humans, right?”

“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 from the 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.”

Momentary panic floods my veins as Nyxus surges forward. But when Lyrion tightens his arm around me, I relax back against him, his solid presence reassuring as we race through the woods.

The cool wind wraps around us, exhilarating and wild, sweeping away my earlier fears in a rush of pure, breathtaking freedom unlike anything I’ve ever known.

Rhystan rides up beside us. “Enjoying the ride, Isobel?”

“It’s incredible,” I admit breathlessly.

He grins. “Care to race?”

I immediately tense. We’re already traveling fast enough in my opinion and I definitely don’t like the idea of going any faster.

“Not today,” Lyrion tells his brother. Leaning close, he speaks softly in my ear. “Don’t worry, Isobel, I have you.”

A smile tugs at my lips as I relax once more and whisper back, “Thank you.”

As we ride, the forest blurs around us, shafts of sunlight spearing through the dense canopy above. Wrapped securely in Lyrion’s protective embrace, warmth and safety envelop me.

After a few hours, the trees thin, revealing a river tumbling gently over a series of small waterfalls. Rhystan slows to a halt, and we follow suit. He turns toward us, gaze scanning the flowing waters. “We should rest here for a bit and then find a safe place to cross.”

Lyrion dismounts and then lifts me from Nyxus’s back and onto the ground. He digs through our satchel and hands me the waterskin and a wrapped cloth containing some dried meat, cheese, bread, and fruit.

The wolves cautiously approach the edge of the water and begin to drink.

Rhystan observes them a moment, then glances back at us. “Good. There’s no Kelpies nearby.” He flashes what I’m sure is meant to be a reassuring grin. “If there were, the wolves would have sensed them.”

I am anything but reassured as I gaze out at the turbulent water. “Is it deep?” My gaze flicks anxiously between Lyrion and his brother. “I—I can’t swim.”

“It’s alright.” Lyrion’s expression softens. “If we ride the wolves across, the water should only reach our ankles, if that.”

I swallow hard and give him a small nod, feigning a bravery I don’t truly feel.

“We’ll keep you safe.” He arches a teasing brow. “Besides, I promised Errol I’d take care of you, and I wouldn’t want to risk his wrath.”

I laugh before his expression turns serious again. “And when we return home, we’ll add swimming lessons to your education, in addition to your letters, if you’d like.”

My heart fills with warmth. “I would like that.”

Nyxus pads back to us and then settles down beside me, curling his massive form around my back. I lean against his thick fur, stroking his neck.

“He wants to assure you that he’s sure-footed,” Lyrion says. “He promises to get you across safely.”

“Thank you, Nyxus.” I pet his shoulder and then offer him the last of my dried meat.

He scarfs it down and then nudges me with his muzzle. I laugh as he licks my cheek.

“It’s official,” Rhystan announces with a grin. “You’ve been accepted into the pack.”

When we’ve finished our meal, we climb onto Nyxus’s back. Lyrion bands his arm around my waist as we ride along the riverbank searching for an easy place to cross.

Without warning, Nyxus freezes beneath us. Fear ripples down my spine as he lowers his head, his ears flattening as a deep growl rumbles in his chest.