Veiled Bonds

Shadows of Kin

Upon being informed about the closest living colonies, Zephyr rose to his feet, determination etched into every line of his face. His mate, still clinging to him, had a swollen ankle, evident only when he attempted to lift her. Frederick, his loyal guard, intervened, suggesting, "Your majesty, let me carry the child." Zephyr, seemingly disregarding the guard, was halted when Frederick quietly mentioned, "Your majesty, the other soldiers will be suspicious of your care for this child."

Pausing in his tracks, Zephyr reluctantly released his grip on his mate. Her eyes, filled with unshed tears, tugged at his heart. Kneeling in front of her, he introduced Frederick as his best friend, reassuring her that he would be with her the whole time. The promise of finding her family strengthened her resolve, and she nodded.

As they traversed the forest, they encountered soldiers. Zephyr maintained his cold exterior, instructing his mate, not him, to address Frederick with important queries. They reached the forest's edge, where waiting cars signaled the next phase of their journey. Frederick placed Anastasia in the backseat with Zephyr, instructing the driver to depart. The convoy, guarded by soldiers, moved towards their destination.

Zephyr, finally able to exhale a slightly relaxed breath, urged, "Kid, please, at least now tell me your name." Following her mother's advice, Anastasia hesitated, stating that she wasn't supposed to tell her name to strangers. Amused, Zephyr highlighted the necessity of knowing her name to find her family. She relented, revealing her name as Anastasia Sallow.

As the car came to a stop, Frederick announced their arrival. Zephyr acknowledged and turned to Anastasia, asking if the place was familiar. Her eyes widened, confirming that they were near her village. Keeping a stoic expression, Zephyr realized that the town was known for retaliating against supernatural forces.

Guided by Anastasia, they approached the village outskirts, where soldiers patrolled. The soldiers respectfully greeted Zephyr, who ignored them, aware of his mate's discomfort. Farther from the soldiers, he questioned Anastasia about the one who harmed her. She identified the culprit, a soldier with a beard, prompting Zephyr to assure her that he would handle the situation.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out, shouting Anastasia's name. A man, seemingly her father, attempted to break free from the soldiers to reach them. Sensing the man's desperation, Zephyr instructed, "Let him through without any harm."

As the man approached, claiming Anastasia as his daughter, Frederick whispered to Zephyr that the man was indeed human. Zephyr nodded and declared, "Let him through." The reunion between father and daughter was imminent, and Zephyr braced himself for the unfolding emotions and the potential challenges ahead.