Magically entwined

Rainy's Choice

** Rainy's POV **

The main tent has emptied, and everyone has gone back to complete their tasks for the day and then get some sleep before the big day tomorrow. I was expecting some people to be too attached to this place to leave, or that they'd be unwilling to try life as part of a real pack again. I was extremely wrong - not a single person wanted to stay. I knew if I was stubborn about staying, Hunter would insist on staying too. And then there was Rylie. If it were just us three out here, we would manage okay for the most part. But if a group of hostile rogues came along, we'd be done for - there was no reasoning with those that had been rightfully exiled, they often went insane or feral or both.

The logical choice would be to leave with everyone else, to set Rylie up in a nice house or cottage somewhere with a proper bed to sleep in, where she could live out her childhood carefree. Cella would be super popular and forget all about me, and Hunter would find himself a great job teaching others how to hunt or fight. And I would risk it all to see Roman go down. I think I'm talking myself into it anyway. I guess we're going to become citizens of Demoria tomorrow. I just hope this isn't the stupidest decision I've ever made.

I look over to my right and see Rylie asleep, her breaths becoming quick and her body jerking as she sleeps - she's having another nightmare. I gently pull her onto my camping cot with me and tuck the blanket up to our chins. From tomorrow, you'll never have nightmares about him again.

"watch all the bad dreams flow down the river

watch all the bad dreams be swept up by the storm

all the bad dreams will sink in the ocean

there'll be no bad dreams any more"

I sing softly, until my own eyes close.

**Jax's POV **

"So mom, we're expecting about 140 people to join us, where shall I assign them too?" I ask.

"There's Viola Square, there should be adequate housing there for them all - haven't you done so well my boy!" says Queen Sophie - my mom - as she pulls me in for a tight hug and gives my forehead a kiss.

"What kind of transport will you need son?" asks my father Felix, giving me a clap on the back. Considering they're rulers of the biggest country in Reneva and previous leaders of one of the biggest wolf packs out there, they're pretty down-to-Earth people.

"As many wagons as you can spare - but we don't want to draw too much attention to ourselves, after all the Crescent Thorn base is only a mile or two away from their location." I reply.

"Of course son, very thoughtful very thoughtful. We'll make sure everything is set up for your guests for tomorrow - you've had a long day! Go rest!" booms my father, grabbing my shoulders and spinning me in the direction of my room.

As soon as I get in there I flop down on the bed. Suddenly, a king sized bed feels way too big for just one person. I wonder if she'll come tomorrow. If she does, how will she adjust to life here?

I would love it if she stayed in the palace with me, but she's spent the past two years in a tent.

You only met her a few hours ago and you're already thinking about living with her! Talk about taking things too far too soon!

Annoyed at myself, I turn face-down onto the pillow and try to drift off to sleep, with very little success.

It's gonna be a longggg night.

~ Moving day ~

After consuming about 3 plates of pancakes smothered in syrup (I'm a stress eater, okay?!) I make my way downstairs to greet Erin and Thomas, who are just finishing loading up the wagons with blankets, water and some snacks for the journey. My mother and father are standing just outside the main gate waving goodbye as I mount one of the horses and signal for our departure. I know that for the entire journey, I'll be restless thinking about whether she'll stay or join us.

** Rainy's POV **

It's about 11am when the prince returns, with about 10 wagons in tow. I see the familiar faces of Erin and Thomas, along with a bunch of strangers I've never seen before. My own camp looks incredibly strange. All the tents have been packed away in case they're needed to provide us with shelter at our new home - what if there isn't enough space as promised? And all the stalls have been dismantled and concealed in the trees. Pretty much all evidence of life has been removed or packed, so that if Roman comes looking, it'll keep him guessing. I see Jax glance over at where my tent was, and I'm half convinced I can see relief or happiness spread out across his face when he registers its been packed away too. But I mean, I could be completely wrong, I don't know the guy. He trots on over to us.

"Are you accompanying us then Miss ...?" he pauses.

"Dennison. Rainy Dennison. And yeah, I guess so. And before you say anything, you have nothing to do with it. I just don't fancy my chances with the bears is all." I quip.

Before he can reply, I pick up Rylie and seat her in the back of one of the wagons. I tuck her up in one the blankets, and hand her her makeshift stuffed animal with very lopsided eyes and a couple of patches (which ironically, is a bear). Just before climbing in beside her, I shout "Get settled in guys, it's gonna be a bumpy few hours".