Heart of Iron

Chapter 26: Moonlight Interlude

I followed Casimir in my wolf form, doing my best to not lose his trail. Even though he hadn't shifted he was cutting through the thick forested barren without trouble. It was almost like there was a secret path only he knew.

This morning he had surprised me by having us separate from the group that was traveling to Silverfang. I couldn't deny my curiosity over what he had planned. Part of me was nervous he might be trying to lead me back to Ironmoon. But after a few hours of silent traveling, and not recognizing any familiar sight or smells, I let go of that thought.

Now, I didn't care too much where he was taking me, I had long reached the point of exhaustion. Thankfully, an hour back Casimir had taken down a buck and allowed me to eat most of it. The full belly had helped my wolf draw up the last dregs of energy but those reserves were nearly empty.

I didn't understand how Casimir was still going.

My mate was truly a man without equal.

This trip together had proved to me all over again that the Alpha of Ironmoon was a title that only those beloved by the goddess could inherit. Casimir might believe himself to be cursed but I saw the truth he was blind to—something I'm certain his father was afraid of.

I'm certain that whatever he had done to Casimir, was done to try and possess that power for himself. And to kill any thoughts of rebellion. Fear was a powerful weapon. I knew that well myself.

The only reason I was able to move without fear through this barren—the only reason I wasn't being shaken by the memories of the night Ellis died was because Casimir was leading me.

My trust and faith in him was greater than my fear.

I couldn't say for certain when it happened but I had fallen for my mate. And I knew I would follow him down any path, no matter what monsters we might encounter along the way or what might lay at the end.

There was no way he would ever lead us into danger, my heart, my wolf, and the bond sang.

But even if he did, he would have a good reason, Rowan, my thoughts whispered, killing any doubts before they could surface.

I hoped that someday I could soothe his fears the way he did mine. I didn't want to give up on the dream of being mates completely bound as the goddess had intended. She tied us together for a reason.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure what I could give to someone like Casimir. But in getting to know him I had learned the truth. As powerful as he was, he was a man still trapped in the shadow of his father. He needed someone to drive out that darkness and that was what I intended to do.

For both of us.

Slowly, but surely.

I was going to get stronger and make sure the darkness could never touch him or me again.

Lost in my thoughts, I nearly ran into Casimir, who had stopped at the edge of a clearing.

He stepped out into the open after a heartbeat, eyes scanning. I lifted my nose into the air, taking in the scents around us. There was nothing but the scent of earth, a few small animals, Casimir, and water. The last one had me putting a foot out of the tree line.

Casimir's gaze snapped to me and I froze. His eyes narrowed in warning. I waited for a couple more heartbeats as he made sure the area was secure. When his posture relaxed and he slipped the backpack off his shoulder, I knew it was safe.

I made a B-line straight to the small pond, taking greedy laps at it until I had quenched my raging thirst.

Casimir situated himself next to me, pushing the backpack towards me. I shifted into my human, muscles and bones aching.