60. Auslin

Chapter 60

Auslin

" W here do you intend to travel to next?" Lenwat asked over breakfast the following day.

"I was considering Sybir in Odatam," Kitsuki answered. Auslin tensed but tried to relax before either shifter noticed something was amiss with his reaction. "King Kehnon has long been an ally of our lands. I think it would be wise to visit him since it has been some time since we last met."

Lenwat's expression grew concerned. "Lately, I have been hearing a lot of rumors about rising discontent in Odatam. Although shifters and humans coexist there more peacefully than most kingdoms, it seems the shifters resent King Kehnon for privileging the humans at their expense."

"I had not heard that," Kitsuki replied with a frown.

"Perhaps a visit from you would show the shifters King Kehnon is still prioritizing their interests," Lenwat suggested. "It may help quash some issues before they become actual problems."

"Thank you for the sage advice," Kitsuki said with a bow of his head.

Auslin told himself to stay out of it, but he couldn't. "Are things really as bad as they say?"

"As I have not been to Odatam in some time, I cannot confirm from direct experience," Lenwat replied. "However, word of the unrest has reached my ears, which is worrisome. That kind of discontentment spreads."

Auslin frowned at the answer. How had so much changed in the two years since he had last visited?

"It seems to be of some concern to you," Lenwat added.

"I used to travel there frequently and stay at a temple in Sybir for long lengths of time." Two shifters with sensitive noses surrounded him, so Auslin kept a tight rein on his emotions. "I know some people who would be affected if things grow bad there, so I'm concerned."

"For what it is worth, I hope I am wrong," Lenwat said. "Perhaps it is only rumors spread by malcontent shifters trying to start trouble for some inexplicable reason."

"I think it is in our best interests to investigate matters." Kitsuki turned his attention to Auslin. "That way, you may confirm for yourself that your friends are well."

As much as Auslin wanted to make sure things were okay, he feared what a visit might bring. Over his years of going to the temple in Sybir, Auslin had grown very close to a fellow mage who lived there. Eldin had been a source of great comfort to Auslin throughout the degeneration of his relationship with Kio. However, the closer they became, Eldin's feelings for Auslin became increasingly romantic.

It had been so tempting to give in and be with someone who truly loved him, but Auslin's loyalty to Kio had ultimately stopped him from going through with it. Nothing good could come out of Eldin finding out Auslin had mated Kio's older half brother.

Auslin couldn't avoid Eldin if they visited Sybir. Painful as it would be, Auslin owed his friend the truth. It didn't make it any easier to face, though.

Mistaking Auslin's sudden upset as being a reaction to the news, Lenwat attempted to reassure him. "Please do not be distressed, Auslin. I do not truly think it is such a dangerous situation. Rumors are usually overexaggerated, so it is probably nothing."

It made Auslin realize the shifters had picked up on his emotions. He forced a smile. "Hopefully, everything will be fine."

Auslin put his thoughts about Eldin and what had happened between them out of his mind. There would be time to worry about that later. Auslin focused on finishing his wonderful food as the two shifters moved on to other topics.

As enjoyable as breakfast had been, it was a relief to return to their room. However, that feeling was short-lived when Kitsuki asked him, "What is troubling you?"

"Nothing." Auslin tried to wave away Kitsuki's concerns.

Kitsuki's eyebrows furrowed. "Something about Sybir distressed you."

Sometimes it was really inconvenient to have a shifter mate with such a sensitive sense of smell. Auslin struggled with how to explain himself. "I hurt one of my closest friends when I left Sybir last time. If we visit, I would have to deal with what happened last time. Thinking about that confrontation upset me."

Kitsuki caressed his hair in comfort. "If it is so distressing, then you need not confront him."

"No, I owe him an explanation for my long disappearance. He's probably been blaming himself for the last two years, which isn't fair to him."

"If you feel it will help you, then do what you must. But you do not have to see him."

"It's the right thing to do." It was true, but it didn't make things any easier to handle.

"If you do not wish to go to Sybir, we do not have to," Kitsuki said. "King Kehnon is not expecting us, so there is no harm if we continue our journey to other places. I am sure you have friends in other towns you would prefer to visit."

Auslin couldn't accept the offer to avoid the awkward situation. "No, this is something I have to do."

"Only if you are sure." Kitsuki pulled Auslin into a hug before he kissed his temple. "I have no interest in making you do anything you do not wish to do."

Auslin surrendered to the strength of his mate's embrace. He wanted to believe things would go fine with Eldin, but he couldn't shake the sneaky suspicion something bad waited for him in Sybir.