Misguided Wolves

22. Sanctuary in Logi

The journey to Logi stretched long, Kate’s fragile condition demanding a gentle pace. Kyle rode close, his watchful eyes scanning for signs of dizziness or fatigue, as the Vargr doctor had warned. Kate was grateful for his doting presence, though words were scarce. Silence suited her—she wasn’t ready to speak of Elliott’s rejection, the miscarriage, or Vargr’s betrayal. Kyle’s quiet company was a balm, his steady presence anchoring her through the hollow ache in her heart.

Logi’s sprawling grasslands unfurled before them, endless waves of emerald under a starlit sky, dotted with rune-carved stones that glowed faintly with ancient magic. At the castle gates, Jackson waited, his usual radiant smile replaced by furrowed brows and eyes heavy with worry. His dark braids gleamed in the torchlight, but his posture was tense, as if he’d sensed their arrival. He glanced at Kyle, a silent exchange passing between them—not a mind-link, impossible across packs, but a shared understanding of grief. Jackson closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh, disappointment etched in his features.

“I’d hoped your return would be under better circumstances,” he said, his voice low and warm. “But you’re welcome here, always. Dean’s been eager to see you. Come, let’s get you fed.”

Kate nodded, appreciating his restraint—no questions, no probing. Inside the castle, Dean swept her into a tight embrace, his enthusiasm nearly knocking her back. Kyle fidgeted, trying to signal Dean to be gentle without revealing her loss, but Kate offered a small, knowing smile, urging him to let Dean be himself. Kyle relaxed, though his hands still twitched with anxiety.

Over a dinner of spiced venison, roasted root vegetables, and warm Logi flatbread, they caught up, the conversation light—Vargr’s vibrant culture, a recent noble wedding, the tree cake’s golden rings. Kate skirted the heavier truths, claiming a need to return to Fror. Dean’s brow furrowed at her vague answers, but he didn’t press, his kindness a quiet comfort. The meal’s warmth and the castle’s hearth, carved with Logi’s sun-and-moon crest, eased Kate’s heart, if only slightly.

That night, Ara slipped into Kate’s room, her violet eyes soft with concern. Kate welcomed her eagerly, gesturing to the plush bed draped in furs. “How are you holding up?” Ara asked, settling beside her.

Kate shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. “As well as I can. I just… I can’t believe he turned so cold.” Her hazel eyes glistened, Elliott’s piercing blue eyes haunting her—the warmth gone, replaced by that emotionless mask.

“It’s not your fault, sweetie,” Ara said firmly, taking Kate’s hand, her grip a steady anchor. “Don’t blame yourself for his choices. Once we’re settled in Fror, I’ll get updates from Kyle. We’ll sort this out.”

They lay together, hands clasped, talking for hours about Fror’s forests, Ara’s aerial scouting, anything but Vargr. Exhaustion claimed them, and they fell asleep, fingers intertwined, a fragile tether against Kate’s grief.

****

In the castle’s gardens, Jackson sat with Hova under a canopy of stars, the air sweet with the scent of grass and night-blooming wildflowers. Hova’s blindfold rested in her lap, her silver eyes reading the constellations, their light reflected in the dew-kissed plains.

“I knew she’d return because of rejection,” Hova said softly, “but I didn’t foresee the depth of this pain.”

Jackson leaned forward, his face buried in his hands, braids falling loose. “Elliott doesn’t know what he’s done,” he murmured, voice thick with frustration. “He broke her.”

Hova rubbed his back, her touch soothing. “It was written in the stars, sweet child. We must protect Kate and Kyle now, guide them until they meet Elliott again. This will resolve, in time.”

Jackson shot to his feet, his braids unraveling as he tugged at them. “How can you be sure? This could destroy her! And those twins—Castiel and Deborah—I knew we shouldn’t have trusted them!”

Hova stood, removing her blindfold fully, her eyes tracing the stars’ patterns. “There will be war and destruction before this ends. Blood will spill. Our princess will lead in battle, and you, my child, will stand by her until you’re forced apart for a time. This pain will forge her into our future queen.”

Jackson fell silent, his shoulders slumping. He sank to his knees, praying to Fenrir and the Moon Goddess for guidance, the weight of fate heavy on his heart.

Hova turned as Kyle approached, his footsteps soft on the grassy path. She reached for his hand, her voice warm. “I’ve been expecting you. Thank you for protecting the princess. She wouldn’t be here without you and Ara.”

Kyle squeezed her hand, his eyes shadowed. “Don’t thank me. I failed them both—Kate and Elliott.”

“Nonsense,” Hova said firmly. “You did as the stars intended. The serpents—Castiel and Deborah—are cunning, but you have a new task. Return to Vargr. Support Elliott. Show him the truth about the lies that misled him. Don’t let the twins win, or history will repeat itself.”

Kyle’s jaw tightened, doubt flickering, but he nodded. “It’s too late for him to undo this, but I’ll try.”

“Go at dawn,” Hova urged. “Be the first Elliott sees. Beat the twins at their game.”

Determined, Kyle rose early, leaving a note for Kate and Ara with Jackson. He urged his horse to a gallop, the wind carrying him back to Vargr, driven by Hova’s warning and his resolve to save his cousin from Castiel and Deborah’s schemes.

****

Kate and Ara slept late, the Logi castle’s warmth a gentle reprieve. They took long baths in grass-fringed pools, the water scented with wild herbs, and dressed together, Kate in a simple blue gown, Ara in leathers. The shared ritual was a welcome distraction, easing the tightness in Kate’s chest. They sought Kyle for lunch, but his room was empty, his belongings gone. Kate’s heart sank—he’d left without a goodbye. She clutched her chest, the sting of abandonment sharp, but Ara’s hand on her shoulder steadied her. “He had a reason,” Ara said softly. “Let’s eat.”

In the dining hall, Jackson greeted them with his radiant smile, the sun-and-moon crest glowing behind him. “I was about to drag you two down myself!” he teased, handing Kate an envelope. Her breath caught at Kyle’s familiar handwriting.

I’m sorry for leaving without a goodbye. Hova gave me a grave warning that needed my attention. We’ll meet again, under better circumstances, I promise. I’ll give my cousin the ass-whooping he deserves. Take care, Kate. This isn’t goodbye, but see you another day.

Kate pressed the letter to her chest, a faint smile breaking through her grief. “Thank you,” she whispered.

They enjoyed a lunch of grilled fish and Logi’s spiced fruit, planning their journey to Fror. Ara insisted on a few more days in Logi to rest, her violet eyes firm, and Kate agreed, craving the sanctuary. After lunch, Jackson asked Kate to walk with him.

He led her to a small stone temple in the grasslands, its walls etched with runes, a skylight revealing Logi’s sun-and-moon crest. Cushions circled the floor, and a statue of Fenrir and the Moon Goddess, entwined in an embrace, stood against the back wall. Jackson lit massive candles, their flames casting a warm glow. Hova joined them, sitting before the statue, her blindfold off, her silver eyes serene.

“Thank you for coming,” Hova said, her voice resonant with prophecy. “Before you leave, we must discuss what lies ahead in the coming year…”