Zephyrine


    林24%


    Finished


    An old shop. That was where Jurrek had directed me to find the Mirror Monger. Moon and I had departed from White Packst night, and now I sat on the back of my great white horse, staring at the shop.


    I could feel Moon’s eyes on me from behind. As the Mirror Monger had requested in his letter, he wanted me toe alone, so Moon stayed back, watching from a concealed ce. At any sign of danger, he would show himself, but somehow, I doubted I would have any trouble here.


    Finally, I dismounted and patted my mare’s mane before walking into the shop. The bell above the door chimed as I pushed it open, but no one was in sight.


    All I saw were old books and strange ancient relics scattered about. For a moment, I hesitated, then headed deeper inside, stepping carefully. I had nearly reached the counter when a man suddenly appeared from the side.


    I froze at his sudden presence, and he too startled, even letting out a small yelp. He looked like a shopkeeper, an old man with gray hair. I studied him, wondering if he was the Mirror Monger, but the odd way he stared at me told me otherwise.


    “Finedy,” he said. “The energy oozing out of you isn’t ordinary. Where are you from? Why are you here?”


    I looked <i>at </i>him without replying, then lowered my gaze.


    “I am Zephyrine Ashmere of the Ash Pack. I came to see the Mirror Monger.”


    Silence fell. He stared at me in awe, his jaw slowly dropping before he bowed low.


    “Forgive me, mydy. I didn’t know you were the Alpha my master has been waiting for.”


    I raised a brow.


    “Master?”


    “Yes. The Mirror Monger. He has been expecting you. In fact, he left just this morning, leaving behind a letter. It was almost as if he knew you woulde today.”


    I said nothing as he fetched the letter from behind the counter and handed it to me. I took it, nodded, and stepped aside to read.


    The message made my jaw tighten. The Mirror Monger imed he had waited hours for me, but since I hadn’t appeared, he left for his citadel. If I truly cared about finding my brother, he wrote, I should meet him there.


    My shoulders sagged at the words. Slowly, I turned toward the exit, staring at the door nkly for a long while. Then I stepped out, took my horse’s reins, and began walking away.


    I had just left the shop behind when Moon emerged to join me. He studied my face, then dismounted to walk beside me, leading his horse.


    “You didn’t meet him?”


    I shook my head.


    24%


    Finished


    “He’s gone. He wants us to meet him at his citadel. It’s a day’s journey if we start tomorrow. Tonight, we’ll stay at an inn. The roads are dangerous.”


    Moon nodded, and we walked in silence until we reached an old inn half an hourter. Moon went inside to arrange things while I led the horses to the stable. After patting my mare, I turned to head in only to collide with a staggering drunk.


    The ale in his cup spilled down my dress. He stumbled back, scowling.


    “Watch where you’re going,dy!” he snapped.<fnbcb2> The rightful source is find?novel</fnbcb2>


    Before I could speak, Moon appeared from the counter, pulling me behind him protectively.


    “You should be the one watching where you’re going,” he said sharply. Then he tugged me away.


    When we were alone in the hall, he stopped to look me over for any injuries, but I shook my head.


    “I’m fine.”


    “That drunk,” he muttered under his breath, anger in his voice.


    I smiled faintly.


    “I’m fine.”


    “That’s a relief. But we have a problem. There’s only one room avable. Two beds. I’ve taken it, but you can have the space. I’ll spend the night in…” His words faltered when he noticed my expression.


    I gave him a small smile and


    Odded


    “It’s fine. We can share a room.”


    “But…”


    “It’s really fine. Let’s <i>go</i>. I’m tired.”


    Moon hesitated but led the way down the hall. I remained rooted for a moment, turning my gaze toward the bar where the drunk still sat, drinking heavily. Somehow, I couldn’t help but think of him.


    Lycannar.


    If he were here, that drunk wouldn’t live to see morning.


    I sighed and followed Moon, letting the reality sink in. Moon was a knight in shining armor, He cared for me and would do everything to keep me safe. But Lycannar… Lycannar was a devil wrapped in a ck cloak. His care was suffocating, choking, and terrifying even to himself. He would do not just the good, but anything and everything to protect me.


    That was the difference between a soft<b>, </b>gentle lover like Moon and a gray, dangerous man like Lycannar.