Moonfall | Book Two

CHAPTER 32

Other than the occasional birds getting out their final chirps before settling down for the approaching evening, their walk across the green fields towards the burial grounds was quiet. Although it was unnecessary for Michael to lead the way, he had found himself several steps ahead while Lukas lagged behind.

The distance had nothing to do with his role as Michael's guard, but everything to do with the older wolf's nerves. It was hopefully going to be the first time Lukas visited Gabriel, as all other attempts had resulted in him either turning back midway or refusing to go past the gates.

To distract him, Michael slowed his steps until they were walking side by side, then spoke. "After two months away, Danica will be returning in a few days."

"Yes."

"You must be happy."

"Happier than you, I am sure."

Michael looked at him. "I will treat her well."

"I know you will." Lukas glanced at Michael. "You are similar to your brother in that way."

"In what way?"

"Doing what duty demands."

It was not lost on Michael how bittersweet such a realization must have felt for Lukas. On one hand, duty was what kept him and Gabriel apart, and on the other, duty was what was going to ensure his sister lived the rest of her life a part of and protected by the pack she would one day lead by his side.

For Michael, however, he did not know if bittersweet was how he would describe his own feelings over the situation. His father had given him as much time as he could—to heal and to grieve—but that time was nearing its end and he was to be mated to Danica by the upcoming Moonrise in just a few weeks. So, he was not quite sure what he felt as one needed a heart in order to feel heartbroken and his was long gone.

The gates of the burial grounds came into view, but it was not until they stood in front of it that they noticed it was ajar.

Michael swung it open and entered, his eyes immediately drawn to the tiny cloaked intruder kneeling in front of Gabriel's headstone. Although their back was turned to him, one look at the black hooded cloak and he knew it was Zanna.

As he had not seen her since that night, a range of emotions washed over him, propelling him towards her rather than rooting him in place. Lukas trailed behind him as they approached, and when they were half way to her, Zanna turned her head and looked their way. She immediately rose to her feet and turned to face them, the hood of her cloak concealing most of her face.

Lukas protectively grabbed hold of his arm to stop him. "She is a witch."

Michael pulled his gaze from Zanna and looked at Lukas. "She is a friend," he corrected. "Mine and Gabriel's."

Lukas glanced at Zanna then back at him before releasing his arm. "Then I shall leave you with your...friend."

"But—"

"Tomorrow. I will try again tomorrow."

Michael nodded. "Tomorrow."

Lukas looked at Zanna a final time before turning and heading back towards the castle.

"He does not like me, does he?"

Michael turned to face Zanna. "He is not particularly trusting of witches, is all." He walked up to her, his body towering over hers as they stood only a few inches apart.

She reached up and pulled back her hood. Her dark brown eyes looked up and sought out his, a soft smile on her lips. "Have you been well?"

"As well as someone who was nearly stabbed to death can be, I suppose," he joked.