Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1

CHAPTER 23 - MESSENGER IN THE DARK

Days had passed since my date with Egon. I was upholding the promise I made to him to keep a low profile. I gave him my word that I wouldn't wander aimlessly through the streets of Blackbridge again. Instead, I would head straight to the inn I was staying at after work, at least until we understood Lord Blackbridge's plans.

Surprisingly, Runelda didn't show any disapproval when I informed her that I wouldn't be going to the camp for a while. In fact, upon learning about my encounter with her father, she seemed to agree that maintaining a low profile was the wisest choice.

I couldn't help but wonder why she was so quick to agree with me, but I didn't press the matter further.

I had anticipated that this would mark the end of our developing friendship, but Runelda surprised me by offering to teach me how to read. It was her way of expressing gratitude for what I had done for her, and I eagerly embraced the opportunity.

I wanted to grow. Lately, I began to feel like a burden to Egon, especially with the ongoing problems that keep arising too frequently, some even worsened by my human limitations. I was determined not to be any more incompetent than necessary.

Runelda's passion for reading was unmistakable, evident in the extensive collection of books lining her library walls. Some books appeared thick and dull, while others immediately caught my attention with their colourful covers and elegant fonts.

Runelda had picked up a number of books for me to choose from. When she showed me a book about shifters, I didn't hesitate to choose it. I was eager to learn more about Egon's world. It felt like killing two birds with one stone.

Ever since then, my days have been consumed with hours of reading and learning. Runelda started by teaching me the individual letters before demonstrating the countless combinations they could create. At times, I began to doubt whether I would ever master the skill of reading. The combinations seemed endless, the words overwhelming.

With a frustrated sigh, I pushed aside the thick book in front of me. I got stuck on the challenging sentence in front of me.

Cyrus came to mind instantly, and concern rushed back in full force. I thought about him almost every moment of the day, wondering about his whereabouts and fearing for his safety. I couldn't imagine why he would do something as reckless as running away. I kept attempting to distract myself with reading, but when I faced a challenging section like this one, it proved futile.

With a frustrated sigh, I collapsed onto Runelda's bed. I was in her room, alone, while she was summoned by her father.

Over the past few days, we had grown remarkably close. It appeared that the icy demeanour she initially presented was nothing but a show. She was actually very kind and ambitious.

She had big dreams of restoring Blackbridge to its former glory. She wanted to infuse the people with renewed life and hope, breaking them out of the shadows of oppression.

Suddenly, the door to Runelda's room flung open, and she came bursting in, clearly seething with anger.

"My father! He's insufferable. Why can't he pull his head out of his rear and listen for once!" she exclaimed angrily.

I straightened up and looked at Runelda in surprise, wondering what had caused her outburst. I had spent enough time with her to know that Runelda possessed a fiery spirit. She wasn't one to be easily manipulated or toyed with. I had witnessed her intense determination on previous occasions, usually ignited by interactions with her father.

She dropped down beside me on her bed, which was spacious enough to comfortably fit four people.

Glaring at the ceiling, she began to explain, "My father wants me to get married. He says he's invited Lord Hunnington, who is the Lord of Dohm, and his superior douchebag of a son for an introduction tonight."