The Shadows of Erisdar (ON HOLD)

Chapter 7

Alex stared into the mirror above her vanity—not for her reflection, but for the one she truly wanted to see. The surface shimmered softly, the enchantment sparking to life. A familiar face appeared, framed in the silvered glass.

"Alex!" Darcy beamed. "Finally. I was starting to think you forgot about me."

Alex smiled, some of the day's weight lifting off her chest. "I could never forget you."

They had kept in touch for years thanks to the pair of rune-carved bracelets Darcy had gifted them—a mirror-link enchantment, a gift they had purchased when Darcy moved away from the Citadel.

"You look tired," Darcy said. "Tell me everything."

She had told Darcy all that had happened since she returned, including her run-in with a shadow wolf.

"I never really thought shadow wolves were real," Darcy whispered, wide-eyed. "I can't believe you survived."

"If I hadn't gotten up into the trees the first time, I wouldn't have," Alex said. "But I don't know why he didn't follow me the second time."

Darcy shook her head.

"Also," Alex added, "I went back for my bag today—it was gone. He must have taken it. Luckily, my bow and quiver were still stashed up high. I've set traps around the clearing to keep him from coming back."

Darcy let out a short laugh. "I'd love to see him step in one."

"So... what's going on with this Gasham mess?" Darcy asked, tone shifting.

"Apparently, their future Alpha saw me in the market and claims I'm his velari."

Darcy snorted. "How romantic."

"I told Markus I wouldn't know either way—without a wolf, I can't detect a bond. So I'd have to take the guy's word for it."

"Which is already suspicious," Darcy said. "Real velaris smell each other. You smell like nothing."

Alex nodded, then looked away. "Besides, I haven't been to the market in ages. I sent a falcon to Mr. Morley. He said we have been the only wolf to visit Brimhold until a few days ago when three of them arrived. Their expecting more tomorrow"

Darcy raised her brows. "Well, that definitely confirms their lying."

"Why didn't you tell Markus what the Fates said?" Darcy asked gently.

Alex picked at her sleeve. "Because it would break their hearts. And, I don't want to be pitied."

Darcy sighed. "It's not fair."

"It seldom is." Alex's mouth tightened, "Something's off. He—Markus—isn't himself. He's snappy, cold. You should've heard the way he talked about Jason. Albert's changed too. Jason says he's gone quiet. No jokes, no warmth. Something is wrong."

Darcy frowned. "What does Jason think about all this?"

Alex hesitated. "He's just as wary. He even offered to marry me to keep me out of that Gasham Alpha's hands... even though he's not inheriting his position anymore."

Darcy's eyes widened. "He offered what?"

"He meant it," Alex said softly. "He knows we can't bond. He knows we couldn't have a family. But he still offered."

"That's... really selfless," Darcy said. "But also insane."

"I told him no. I could never ask him to live like that."

Darcy sighed again. "So what are you going to do?"

"I have some ideas," Alex said, her tone firming. "I just need to find out what's really going on."