34. Nevarn

Chapter 34

Nevarn

W e talked and came up with a plan to catch the person who murdered Weela. I still couldn't believe who he named, but after Khol laid out the evidence he'd discovered, all of us were convinced.

"We'll put the plan in place immediately," Firion said. Rising and rounding his desk, he slapped my shoulder. "This will be over soon. Once we have their confession, our elder will banish them. Your name will be cleared." He pulled me into a hug. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here on the island with Kerry? You're more than welcome. The rest of your clan can come back too. They'll be honored for believing in you when so many didn't, and you and I can discuss sharing the traedorship."

"I'm honored, but I miss the forest." I reached out to take Kerry's hand. "I can't wait to show my new mate our home within the trees. You should visit us sometime. You might find you like it there more than here."

"And leave our ryvars?" he scoffed.

"They wouldn't survive in the dense forest." They'd never nested there, and they enjoyed diving into the sea to catch fish. "I can't take Faelest with me. She's nesting and will soon hatch eggs." Something I'd learned from my brother earlier. She had a mate and a life here without me.

But I could visit her.

"I want to help catch them," Khol said. "And after it's over, I'm going to leave for a while. I can't stay here any longer." His gaze met mine. "I was wrong to believe you'd done it, but I hope all of this will make up for that and for being with her."

"Now that I have Kerry," I tugged my mate against my side, "I understand."

Time had passed and my anger with her and her lover had faded along with it. If I was in the same position, and it was Kerry, I'm not sure I'd be able to behave in a different way. My heart and soul would keep seeking her until we were finally together.

"Thank you." Khol turned to Firion. "I'm going to pack and leave. I'll notify my family that I'll be back one day, though I don't know when that might be. Thank you for listening and for not chastising me." He gulped, and his eyes shimmered with tears again. How he must've mourned her over the past three years. I could only feel sorrow for them both.

"I'll wait with Molly," Kerry said.

We'd already decided she shouldn't be a part of catching the murderer, that she'd not only be safer behind a locked door, but that it should only be me confronting them with Firion and our elder hiding nearby to overhear our conversation.

I hugged Khol. We'd all lost, but he and Weela most of all. I'd survived my banishment. Not only that, but I'd also thrived and was a stronger male from the experience. I was a clan traedor. My people respected me, as did Helena.

And I had Kerry walking into my future at my side.

"Thank you," he whispered. After giving Firion a long look, he left.

Would I ever see him again? I wasn't sure. I hoped once he'd found peace, he stopped at my clan for a visit. While I was dismayed about what happened, I understood, and I'd already forgiven him.

We left, Firion going to find the elder and Kerry and I hurrying through the village. Inside our temporary home, I patted Molly and gave Kerry a kiss.

My heart sung with joy. Soon, this would be over, and we could go on with our lives. I couldn't wait to return to the Celedar Clan and tell my clansmales what happened. Any who wished to return to the Dastalon Clan could, but I hoped most would decide to remain in the forest with me and my new mate.

"Gods?" I said as I stepped out through the open doorway and onto the path. "Please lock the door and keep my mate safe."

"Be careful," Kerry said, joining me to give me one last hug.

Her worried gaze remained on me as she stepped back inside our small home and the door shut. A snick whispered through the air, telling me that the gods had secured the panel.

My heart and steps heavy, I strode toward Firion's office where we'd meet up with the elder, then put the rest of the plan in place.

In a short time, this part of my life would be over.