Page 75 of Lord of the Lone Wolf (Bonded Hearts #3)

“Is that what you’re calling it these days?” Rylan joked. “I’m sure your healing techniques are legendary, but the general’s summons takes precedence over your sex therapy session.”

“Fine,” Bitris sighed as he released Maseo. “But I expect him returned in the same condition you found him, with no additional damage and no sampling the goods yourself. His lips are reserved for my personal attention once he’s healed.”

“Something tells me Maseo has a different opinion about that arrangement he never agreed to,” Rylan said, offering the half-wolf shifter a hand up. “Don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault he has higher standards than you’re accustomed to.”

Bitris gasped in mock offense. “You wound me, Lieutenant!”

“Save me some of the whiskey,” Maseo requested as he pushed himself to his feet with Rylan’s help.

“We’ll be waiting,” Drayden assured him. “Try not to get into any more life-threatening situations between here and wherever you’re going.”

“With my luck lately? No promises,” Maseo joked.

“Don’t worry,” Bitris called as they headed for the door. “If you’re not back in an hour, I’ll come rescue you myself. I look stunning in hero’s armor. Or naked, if you prefer.”

Once they were alone in the corridor, Rylan surprised him by stopping and pulling him into a gentle hug that avoided his worst injuries. “I’m so glad you survived. When I heard what happened, I feared we’d lost you.”

Rylan pulled away but kept his hands on Maseo’s shoulders. “You know, Bitris isn’t wrong. The eye patch gives you a roguish charm.” His smile turned playful. “If I didn’t value my position and my life, I’d show you how attractive I find it.”

A warm flush crept up Maseo’s neck. “It’s strange being thanked for patricide with flirtation.”

“When your father is that awful of a ruler and parent? You deserve all the praise and admiration in the three realms. Besides, flirting with handsome heroes is how I show I care.” His expression softened.

“And I do care, Maseo. We all do, though some of us are more sexually harassing about it than others.”

As they walked, Rylan’s steady presence beside Maseo comforted him. “Is General Jaega really here? I thought he was staying in Norello to help with the Claim of Conquest.”

“Now that arrangements have been made for Kisano to become the new king of Kunushi, our general felt the situation had stabilized enough to leave another one of the lieutenants there to oversee the final preparation for Kisano’s arrival. His need to see his mate was too strong to stay any longer.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t pick you to stay in his place.”

Rylan shook his head. “I’m much better at subterfuge than bureaucracy. Besides, someone had to keep Bitris’s claws off you.”

Maseo chuckled as they rounded a corner. “Thank you for your service.”

“What can I say? I live to please.” Rylan’s charming smile set Maseo even more at ease. “Let’s not keep the general and Princess Kizoshi waiting. The sooner we finish this, the sooner I can return you to your admirers. Though I’m still not convinced Bitris deserves the pleasure of your company.”

A small smile tugged at Maseo’s lips. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead and the pain coursing through his body, there was comfort in having a place to return to where people were happy to see him for the first time in his life.

When they reached the meeting room, Rylan opened the door and ushered Maseo inside with a gentle hand on the small of his back.

General Jaega stood near a large map table, deep in conversation with his niece. Both looked up as Maseo entered. Jaega’s face, which had been so stern during battle, now brightened with a proud smile. “Please sit. You look ready to collapse.”

“Thank you,” Maseo replied, sinking into the offered chair. “Am I in trouble?”

“Far from it. I commend you for your efforts during the war. You fought bravely at great personal cost.” His gaze lingered on Maseo’s bandaged eye.

“I did what needed to be done.”

“You did far more than that,” Jaega countered. “You stood against your father and homeland with no doubt about doing the right thing. That speaks to your character.”

The general moved closer, his massive frame less intimidating than usual as he clasped the half-wolf shifter’s shoulder while holding his gaze. “I want you to know that I am proud of you, Maseo. You more than proved yourself a worthy warrior in this battle and upheld the honor of our Ariake clan.”

Pride from a father figure was something Maseo had never experienced and had stopped hoping for long ago. His throat tightened as he tried not to cry. “It was my honor, sir.”

When Jaega stepped back to speak with Rylan, Kizoshi came over in a gown that seemed woven from living flame, crafted from deep crimson silk that shifted to burnished gold and fiery orange with each movement.

The fabric clung to her form before cascading to the floor in rippling waves that mimicked dancing fire.

Intricate embroidery in metallic thread traced dragon scales along the bodice and sleeves, catching the light with each breath she took.

Her shoulders were bare, revealing skin that seemed to glow, while the high collar framed her face.

A beautiful diamond pendant hung around her neck that flickered with red-and-purple flames that reminded him of Kitsuki’s ring.

She sat in the chair beside him with elegant poise. “I am sure you have questions.”

“You said Ishibiya isn’t gone for good, but is my father?” Maseo asked, embarrassed at his presumption to question a Power. “Before he died, he claimed he was beyond death itself and threatened he’d return to make me suffer.”

Kizoshi’s expression grew somber, the fierce satisfaction dimming to something more guarded. “Nasume spoke the truth wrapped in malice, as was his way. Death is not the end mortals believe it to be.”

Maseo’s stomach dropped. “What do you mean?”

“The threads that bind a soul to existence are not easily severed when one has meddled with forces beyond the natural order. Victory always comes at a cost. Those wounds he inflicted on you carry more than pain; they carry purpose.”

“How?”

“Oh, sweet child of suffering.” She patted his cheek with a sympathetic expression.

“What I can tell you is that the path ahead requires you whole. Not as you are, but as you were meant to be. And when you stand at the crossroads of never and always, become what is and is not when shadows threaten to swallow your light.”

Her words made his head swim. “Does that mean Auslin can heal me?”

Kizoshi gave him a reassuring smile. “Auslin will meet with Liros later today to get his answers, and Sophina will guide your fate. Trust that you will receive their blessings in abundance.”

His brow wrinkled in confusion. “But why me?”

Kizoshi toyed with her pendant before answering. “Because your mother’s wishes were not in vain.”

Maseo raked his fingers through his hair as he struggled to make sense of it all. “They’re just delayed?”

Kizoshi’s laughter brightened the mood. “All good fates take time, dear pup. Your patience will be rewarded if you trust in Powers who look out for your best interests, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Do not give up hope.”

“That actually makes me feel better, thanks.”

“You are welcome. But there is one more important thing to remember before you go. You must listen to the echo that has never been heard in a reflection that has never been seen. Only then will you live in truth.”

“You couldn’t let me leave on a positive note?” Maseo joked before he realized who he had said it to. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t?—”

She chuckled. “No apologies are necessary. Being vexatious is my way.”

“I understood only a fraction of what you told me, but I still appreciate you helping me.”

“You are both an Ariake and the slayer of Nasume. For that, you will always have my loyalty.”

Her words filled Maseo with a happiness that was becoming more common. “In that case, I know I can survive anything fate throws at me.”

Kizoshi shifted her attention to Rylan, who had finished speaking with Jaega. “Lieutenant, please escort our brave wolf to his quarters to rest.”

“It is my pleasure to serve.” He bowed before stepping forward to help Maseo out of the chair.

Maseo’s body protested every movement as he stood up with great care. The ache in his wounds seemed deeper now, as if Kizoshi’s words had awakened something dormant within his injuries. He bowed to her and the general, despite the pain. “I appreciate you looking out for me.”

“Be well,” Jaega said before Rylan guided Maseo from the room.

The raven shifter’s steady presence was a comfort as they navigated the corridors through the barracks. The familiar sounds of the warriors in their quarters felt distant, muffled by the weight of Kizoshi’s cryptic warnings.

“You look as if you’ve seen a ghost,” Rylan observed as they walked.

“I think I have,” Maseo replied with a tired chuckle. “Or maybe I’m about to become one. Did anything she said make sense to you?”

“From what parts I heard, not one damn word of it.” Rylan’s hearty laughter echoed in the hallway. “Good luck, pup. It sounds like you’re going to need it.”

“Thank you for everything,” Maseo said as they stopped outside the door to his room.

Rylan squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m about to deliver you to Bitris, who has undoubtedly planned an entire celebration that will probably re-injure you within minutes.”

Maseo laughed despite the pain. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I’ll return later to escort you back to the castle, so try not to hit the fire whiskey too hard.”

With a fond pat on the shoulder, Rylan pushed open the door. Three pairs of eyes turned toward them, brightening at the sight of Maseo.

“Finally!” Bitris exclaimed, already pouring whiskey into cups. “Our illustrious hero returns. We were having fun planning your victory celebration.”

“Nothing too strenuous,” Drayden promised. “Just good alcohol and tales of our battlefield glory.”

“Mostly yours,” Sudryl added. “Though Bitris has been embellishing his own exploits considerably in your absence.”

“I don’t embellish,” Bitris protested. “I enhance for dramatic effect. There’s a difference.”

Rylan guided Maseo to his bed. “Try not to kill him with your celebrations. He needs rest more than revelry. But remember, if he’s in the healing quarters by morning because of you, you’re all running laps until sunset.”

“Such little faith,” Bitris lamented. “Don’t worry. We’ll take excellent care of our precious hero.”

“I’ll come collect him later, so please don’t get him too drunk to walk. If I carry him to the castle like a swooning princess, the king will have my head.”

Everyone laughed, but Maseo didn’t know which part made him blush more as Rylan left.

“To Maseo,” Drayden said, raising his cup. “Who faced the worst monsters and lived to tell the tale.”

“To the end of Nasume’s reign,” Sudryl added, “and the downfall of Ishibiya.”

“To our friend,” Bitris finished, his usual flirtation softened by genuine affection. “Who proved that family isn’t about blood, but about who you choose to fight for.”

Bitris launched into an exaggerated account of a battle Maseo was certain never happened that way. Drayden corrected the most egregious falsehoods, while Sudryl rolled his eyes at them. The familiar rhythm of their banter washed over Maseo like a healing balm.

Whether Ishibiya returned, his life could be saved, or Kizoshi’s cryptic promises came true, Maseo knew he had found a pack of his own, made from his chosen family. And that, perhaps, was the greatest victory of all.