Violet
Kael and Rowan had been away from the castle for several days, and aside from my grief, their absence had been a relief I felt guilty for appreciating.
But now Kael was back.
I didn't turn around immediately.
I kept my eyes on the children, on Zephyr, on the small girl who had successfully mounted my wolf's back and was now sitting there with her arms raised in triumph while the others cheered.
His footsteps were quiet until he stopped beside me and then sat down.
My heart jumped, not expecting him to have seated so close.
For a long moment, neither of us spoke.
We just sat there, side by side, watching the children play with my wolf.
"She's patient with them," Kael said eventually. His voice was quieter than I remembered. Rougher around the edges, like it hadn't been used much.
"She is," I said.
