EIGHT

Adriana, like all of her fellow captive humans, heard it from the prison keepers when the ships had returned from the battle. She heard there were fewer returning than had been sent out to fight, and it made her nervous. Apparently they returned victorious, which she knew had to be because of Destin, but all she really cared about was seeing him again.

It had been pleasant spending time getting to know Shian, and he was as sweet to her as she was kind to him. But he wasn’t Destin. They still hadn’t made the leap that most of the breeding couples had taken, with the season having begun, but she was glad about that. Adriana just wanted to see Destin before the Fulness. Then and only then would she worry about what she was supposed to be doing with Shian.

A day had passed since the return of the ships, and Adriana was hoping that Destin would find his way to her. As sunset neared, she found herself looking toward the water and hoping over and over again that he would sneak up and steal her away from the work of the day. A few times, she thought she saw him, but it was just a deceptive break in the waves.

The sun hadn’t yet found its way down over the horizon by their return to Chainhome, but Shian was already asleep, as he had been the day before, and the day before that. The hard work of their assignment building ships for the royal navy was taking a toll on the young man, but he had complained very little, and then only to Adriana.

Even so, he had taken the first opportunity that presented itself to collapse on their shared pallet upon returning to their home. That day had been particularly grueling, as their taskmasters pushed them to work harder and faster upon receiving word that only six of the ten ships that had been sent south had returned, and all of those in poor repair. The Isles needed more warships, and quickly.

When the great iron gates to the prison house opened far in the distance, Adriana could hear the sound of the hinges like distant screaming, and a clang as they were closed again. Two sets of footsteps came up the hall toward her at a slow, even pace, until she could see two figures approach. Both figures were dressed in plain, unadorned brown robes with their hoods pulled up, mostly covering their faces.

The shorter of the newcomers, whose matching brown beard she could see inside the hood he wore, slowed as he approached her cell. He clasped his hands in front of him before taking a few steps closer to the bars.

“You are Adriana, I presume?” When he spoke, his voice was incredibly soft, and soothing in a way that immediately made many of her aching muscles relax, just at the sound of her own name. His expression and his tone were otherwise unreadable, but he didn’t move to approach the cell any closer.

“Yes, I am Adriana.” She replied as she tried to see as much of the figure as she could, but it was difficult in the dark. “Who are you?”

“I do not believe we have met, though I have heard a great deal about you.” He reached up and slowly put back his hood, revealing a soft face that looked immediately friendly and warm in ways that were difficult to explain. When he lifted his eyes to meet hers, though, all warmth fled in the face of instinctual fear.

Violet eyes.

“My name is Leander. I’ve been a friend of Destin and Daiva’s family for a very long time.”

Adriana backed away from the bars slightly, since she hadn’t known that there were other Heartborn lingering around the Isles other than Chiara. She stared at the wolf for a moment with her words caught in her throat before she found the courage to speak. “Did…did Destin send you?”

“Not precisely.” He took a step back from the bars as well, respecting her fear of him, and methodically sat down on the stone floor of the hallway facing her. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees to speak with her, gesturing to the floor on her side of the bars if she wanted to be seated. “I have news of him which you should be aware of. As one who loves him, you have that right.”

“News?” She moved forward to grip the bars, but she slid down the bars to the floor, since she knew that if Destin wasn’t there in front of her, something had happened. “Is he hurt? Did he get captured?” Her voice was already shaking. Somehow, in a society that made it almost impossible, she had found a way to get close to a wolf and to love him more than anything else in her entire world.

Leander cringed under the flood of emotion from the human in front of him, but he soaked it all in for a few breaths before he opened his deep purple eyes and spoke again. “During the battle with the Genovin, he overturned the ocean itself, by all reports, and drowned half the Genovin fleet with his own gifts. Afterward, by Daiva’s own witness, he was exhausted, and fell unconscious back into the ocean. Others of his kind searched for him for hours after the battle was won, but they could not find him. They said he was swept away in the deep currents of the ocean. He has not been seen since.”

Adriana wasn’t exactly sure how to respond, especially since it felt like the Heartborn had put a knife through her heart. It sounded so final. “But that doesn’t mean he’s dead. He’s…he could still come back.”

The Heartborn nodded, obvious sympathy in his strange eyes. “That is Daiva’s hope, and I knew it would be yours as well. The mistress over the waters of the Reef, the lord Hassir’s sister, has ordered her people to be on watch for him as well, should the ocean carry him through her territory.”

She let out a tiny sigh, and glanced back at Shian’s sleeping form before she looked at the Heartborn again. “How did you know? About me? Is it obvious?”

He shook his head and kept his voice down as he answered, since he hadn’t taken the time to check the minds and hearts of those close by who might overhear their conversation for malice. “I am occasionally called upon by your lord and Daiva to supervise their younger siblings when they cannot do so themselves. On one such occasion, you and Destin returned to the veranda on the shore.”

He allowed himself a smile, and the warmth of his intentions and regard for Destin’s family was a tangible sensation running through her. He felt her emotions at a depth that only Heartborn were capable of experiencing. “My senses have always been far-ranging, and a connection such as the one that you and my lord share is not easily ignored for my kind, especially at the times of its renewal.”

When he smiled she felt comfortable smiling a little bit as well, though she was still trying to convince herself that Destin was alive and he would return to her. Even though the news that the Heartborn brought to her might indicate that she should not hold such high hopes. “Will you…if they find…”

“Of course.” He answered hurriedly, though his smile weakened a little at that thought, since he knew how unlikely it was that Destin would resurface anywhere among the Isles, if he ever returned at all. “I know they will not stop looking for him. He is too important to be lost if there is still a chance of him being found.”

Adriana’s smile faded as quickly as it had surfaced, and she looked down at the floor before she closed her eyes. “Thank you for telling me. You’re kind to do so. I…I should…” She opened her eyes again and looked back at Shian, who looked peaceful even though she knew every part of him was probably still aching from all the back-breaking work. “Maybe this was what they wanted all along. What they planned.”

“I can promise you that it was.” He glanced up at the woman in brown robes near him. After a quick, silent conversation to which Adriana was not privy, he returned his attention to her. “The blame for Destin’s death needed to be placed on someone else, to draw supporters of their family back to the king and queen and set the entire kingdom against the Genovin. They will never do the work of eliminating an enemy if there is someone else to do that work for them. That is true for wolves both inside and outside their own kingdom.”

“You know, I’m not the only human who respects Destin.” She spoke very softly, though she was sure the Heartborn could hear her. “Once everyone finds out about this, there will only be more unrest. I’m not the only one who thought that maybe Destin would change the world as we know it.”

Leander’s eyebrows narrowed over his nose, and when he spoke again, it was with a voice that Adriana could only hear in her mind. Destin had described the silent communication of wolves while out of their human form to her before, but he had never mentioned the ability of a wolf to do so while still appearing human, and the sensation was more than a little unsettling. What kind of changes did you and the other humans have in mind?

Adriana wasn’t sure how to respond to the wolf in a similar manner, but she was under the assumption that if Chiara could read her thoughts, then the wolf in front of her could as well.

The man in here with me, Shian, came from Calis and Ressa’s island. He was raised with his family. He knows his parents. He was given a bed that was more than a few pieces of straw, and food to support his hard work. He also said that he has never seen so many humans in one place as he has seen here. I imagine most of us would follow a wolf to the bitter end if we were promised just a little more…dignity.

Leander clearly understood her thoughts and the intentions inside her, but the expression on his face was sad as he looked back at her. He glanced around at the rest of the humans in the immediate vicinity. You may someday be turned, and lead a life at Destin’s side, should he return from the sea. But the rest? What life can humans ever have beside wolves? What could your entire number, your entire race contribute, in a war of our kind? You would be consumed like dry leaves in a fire.

Yet, for some reason, this entire island needs all of us to function. She said with more defiance than she intended to reveal. We hunt for your food. We tend to your every need, your homes, your fields, your ships, your families. If we’re so useless, why do you breed us like rabbits?

Just because you are useful does not mean you are powerful. He still wasn’t convinced, even by her defiance, but he respected her spirit. For this world to be changed, it will take force, and that is something you cannot match when fighting against wolves, of any kind.

You are wrong. She narrowed her eyes at the wolf in front of her. If you intend to support Destin’s plan, then why would you refuse our help? How could it possibly hurt to include us if we want to fight?

His look softened, and he shook his head, since he knew she hadn’t understood the basis for his objection. My kind, and Chiara’s, though the shared identity between them clearly pained him from the look on his face, feel death in a way that I can’t explain to you. All death is the severance of ties with others. An enemy you can no longer hate, a child you can no longer love, because they have been taken from this life. I have no desire to see any more lives lost than will already certainly be the case if Daiva’s plans come to pass. You and the other humans, numerous as you are, will be nothing but a diversion in any war of wolves, and a diversion quickly dealt with.

She scoffed and slid away from the bars slowly. Maybe you are close to Destin’s family, but you’re just as much a wolf as all of the rest of them. Adriana shook her head and moved closer to Shian, clearly quite irritated with the entire conversation. We are more powerful than any of you give us credit for, especially in large numbers. You’ll see.

Perhaps I will. He stood up at that, since clearly the conversation was over, but he stepped back over to the bars again, wrapping his fingers around one as he whispered to her. “Be safe, Adriana. I hope I return soon with better news.”

Adriana looked back at him once before she crawled back onto the mattress and laid down against Shian. It hurt to think that she might never get the chance to be so close to Destin again, that she might not hear his steady heartbeat beneath her as she could hear Shian’s. Shian unconsciously wrapped his arm around her and held her close, and she let out a shuddering sigh as she fought tears. If Destin wasn’t alive, then all of her dreams about a life outside her cell died with him, and instantly, she could feel her heart breaking.

Leander bowed his head against the bars for a moment, but then reached back and put his hood up again. He tapped the bars one last time in farewell, then moved away with the woman who had accompanied him into the prison house, the two of them walking shoulder to shoulder toward the exit.

I was not aware such arrogance existed in humans. I always thought that was a distinctly Fireborn trait.

Once they were out of Chainhome, the woman immediately pulled down her hood, since she didn’t like the idea of sneaking around. She was a stunning young-looking wolf with honey-brown eyes that shined with her adoration for the wolf next to her.

I knew there had to be a reason why Destin would care about a human so much. She shrugged and reached out to grab Leander’s hand, since she knew he craved contact almost constantly and she was more than happy to give it to him. Maybe we do underestimate them. The rest of wolfkind underestimates Earthborn too, and you know how many times I’ve protected your attractive backside.

Only because you found it attractive in the first place. He put down his own hood as well, since he’d only hidden himself because he knew he would frighten the humans with his passing, and he hadn’t wanted to do so. They may be useful when the time comes, and I know Adriana will do what she can now to stir them all up against their masters. But I don’t have much hope of their odds. I’ll let you gloat when you’re proven right.

She paused for only a moment on their path to pull him in for a quick kiss before they continued onward.

They headed to visit Dola and Gale so Leander could talk to Dola about what happened and what Dola’s opinion about whatever was going to happen next. Daiva had been very tight-lipped, but they both knew that Dola would be more talkative. I was hoping that maybe you and I would find some way to the Genovin kingdom and talk with someone before an attack happened. It would have been nice to get some kind of connection there.

I don’t think any of the nobles among the Genovin would be very receptive to anything we have to say anymore. Not after the slaughter they endured at Destin’s hands. Even moreso when they find out about the Reef’s involvement. That facet of Daiva’s plan wasn’t something that everyone was privy to yet, for reasons Leander could understand, but it still complicated things greatly for their cause.

Daiva had to get help from somewhere.

Marella, Leander’s mate, was an odd match for a Heartborn, but she liked to think that her personality complemented his own. He was always so serious and contemplative, even though he was just as kind and compassionate. She was mostly straightforward and playful, but she was smarter than most Earthborn, even if she played the part of simpleminded so everyone would always underestimate her.

Leander had seen through her game the first time he met her, of course, but she was glad for it. It brought them together, and as soon as she had convinced him to kiss her, she’d never let him go. We don’t have a lot of options, or a lot of time to find options.

No, I don’t suppose we do. He stopped them for another quick kiss, taking a moment afterward to savor the feeling of his mate so close against him before they proceeded away from the heart of the capital. They walked toward the center of the Queen’s Isle where Dola and her mate lived. Do you believe he can come back? Could you, if you were lost to the earth for so long?

I believe Destin can, yes. Could I? She thought about it for a moment and squeezed Leander’s hand a little bit tighter but careful as always not to hurt him. I don’t come from a royal line like Destin, or a family as pure as yours. I don’t know if I could come back, but for you, I would die trying.

He squeezed her hand and basked in the devotion he constantly felt from her. It sustained him, in ways that were a mystery even to himself sometimes, but he was grateful for it with every beat of his heart. He will come back for Adriana, if he is able. I just wish we knew how long that was going to take.

Marella looked back toward Chainhome and shook her head slowly before she looked away. I fought alongside Piers and the humans that died those years ago. It’s going to be complicated. Human pairs get complicated.

I’m sure he knew it would be complicated the moment he allowed himself to fall in love with a human. Leander still didn’t have much regard for humans or their lack of gods-given abilities, but he did know that their emotions and their thoughts were just as valid and clear as any wolf’s.

The man they’ve paired her with is young and inexperienced, but seems to be a decent human. He won’t give Destin any cause to kill him because of his treatment of Adriana. But Destin has to come back first. Leander was trying to be hopeful about that outcome. He just couldn’t delude himself into thinking it was a foregone conclusion. There was too much to be done to rely on something so uncertain as a wolf coming back from the dead.

* * * * *

The great estates belonging to the nobility of the Isles were clustered along the eastern shore of the Queen’s Isle, with some few stretching inland. Beyond them, Leander and Marella walked through the great marketplace of the capital, a broad plaza filled with wolves from everywhere in the known world. There were Earthborn herders from the Isle of Eagles selling what remained of their livestock, Stoneborn artisans from the Reef with cups and jewelry of such intricate design it dazzled the eye. Forestborn from all over the Isles and from the Falls to the south presented the fruits of their own efforts. There was even a low stall of Ironborn keeping mostly to themselves, offering cutlery and other implements of their creation.

Leander waved at several of the wolves in attendance through the market and received knowing nods from several others. A contingent of Forestborn weavers was immediately saddened at the sight of him, freshly remembering the loss of Destin, but Leander could feel that the captain’s absence would have no effect on their loyalty.

The same was true of a group of Stoneborn in attendance from the Shield Isle offering the stone from their quarries. Their expressions were more stoic and dispassionate, but Leander could feel the rage just beneath the surface, waiting to escape. He allowed each of them to feel just how deeply he agreed with their sentiments, then moved on beyond the market into the more open lands outside the capital proper.

I wonder how many we lost. Marella glanced around the wolves, actually grinning at her own friends when she passed by them. Daiva is well respected, but not nearly as well loved.

Those we lost, if we did lose any, must have been following Naisa and Kensin for the wrong reasons, if their loyalty was lost with the death of those leading us. The Oceanborn believed in a world without Melyssa’s insane tyranny. Their loss does not make that world impossible. He knew he didn’t have to preach to Marella of all people, but it was still good to remind himself of the same things sometimes. Even so, those who have always followed Daiva are some of the key fighters we will someday need. Her appeal among the Stoneborn is unmatched by any other wolf, even Ciula. Who is even less easy to love.

I hope it’s enough. She held Leander’s hand firmly, but she was always aware of her unnatural strength so that she wouldn’t hurt him. It would be nice to be around some people who didn’t think you were crazy for loving and mating with an Earthborn.

I was crazy. He grinned over at her and squeezed her hand teasingly as they walked. I still am, most of the time. But I occasionally allow you to set me straight when I’ve gone too far.

I’m just lucky that I’m beautiful and youthful. You might’ve looked me over otherwise. Marella caught sight of Dola and Gale’s home and she grinned before she looked at Leander again. “You know, it might be contagious. Wanting puppies.”

“Don’t even start.” He gave her a playful shove toward the house. He could be as rough as he felt like being with her and still never do her harm, Earthborn as she was, so he never held himself back with her. In any way. “We have centuries yet for me to put you through that kind of abuse. Our time for little ones will come.”

“But they are so cute!” She argued as they got close enough to hear the little yips and barks from inside. “I can make it happen, you know. I know how vulnerable you get around the Fulness.” She pinned him with a shameless smirk. “And I know you like it, even if you try to convince me that you don’t.”

“It was never a question of me liking it. Resisting you was never my strong point. Temptress.” He smacked her playfully on her backside as they waited after Marella knocked loudly on the ceramic door. Their house was one of the stranger dwellings Leander had ever seen, but the two of them seemed to enjoy it well enough. The door they stood at was set back into a hillside that covered most of the subterranean house.

On the crest of the hill, there was a brick tower built several stories high so that its heights could catch the winds that constantly blew above the nearby foliage. Smoke was rising from a chimney set into the earthen tower, and Leander hoped it was a portent of a delicious meal to come.

He was starving.