16. Rhyson

16

Rhyson

We'd returned with two bucks and half a dozen rabbits for the village. They lined up to meet us and accepted our offering graciously. Juniper joined my side with a sunny smile but Maya, I noticed, stayed close to Sera.

"This is more than wonderful," Charles said as he shook my hand. "We thank you for the bounty."

It wasn't just to say thank you. I wanted to move freely around the perimeter of the village to see what lurked on the other side of the boundary. We didn't run into a single wolf, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was magic.

While the carcasses were carried away, Maya stared at me stonily. Ignoring her, I turned to Sera. "I would like to speak to your resident witch before we leave. See if he or she has some foresight into our journey."

"That won't be possible. She's been traveling, and we're not certain when she will return," Sera said brightly. "Come. We have some things we'd like to supply you with for the rest of your journey."

Supplies. Food. More medicine? They were the goddamn welcoming party to Shadowed Moon Mountain. Hard to believe that they would be so kind without strings attached. Trackers? Most likely, but why would they care? What kind of stake did they have in all this?

Humans in a world of werewolves. They had an agenda.

"That is kind of you, but I would not want to impose on you any more than we already have. We should get going soon. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Are you certain?"

"We're wolves, Sera. We travel light."

After a moment, she nodded. "Please know that you can always return here if you need help or a place to rest. If there is anything we can do for you before you leave, please let me know."

"If you have any insight on how to best navigate the mountain, we would love to hear it."

"What is it that you seek?" Charles asked.

I hesitated. Eventually, I was going to have to release the name, trusting that it would either lead me to my brother's killer or lead my brother's killer to me, but they weren't wolves. I found it difficult to release my secrets to humans. I looked over at Juniper, who gave me a small nod. While we were out hunting, she was supposed to be looking around for the source of their magic.

And keeping an eye on Maya. From the way Maya was still glaring at me, I had a feeling that she didn't appreciate Juniper's job.

That was not my worry.

"A wolf named Emerson," I said finally.

"Emerson," Sera repeated slowly. Was it my imagination, or did I see a slight smile on her face? "I think I know of someone who can help you. There's a wolf not far from here, Jax Bishop. I believe he and his mate Anna might be able to point you in the right direction."

Vague. Suspiciously vague. "And why do you think that?"

"There has been a recent shift of power among the wolves on this mountain, and I believe this Emerson was involved. Jax and Anna were also involved."

Still vague.

It made sense that there would be fights for power among the rogues. I was no stranger to power shifts within the wolf world. Dominant wolves still wanted to dominate even if there wasn't much power here to seize. "Would we find Jax to be friendly with outsiders?"

"You'll find no wolf to be friendly with outsiders," Sera laughed. "But I think you already know that. Tell them that I sent you. That should open things up for you. And Maya, while you're there, I think you should spend some time with their witch, Janelle."

Great. Apparently this mountain was crawling with witches except for when I needed to speak with one.

Maya's eyes widened. "Why do you think I need a witch?"

"I have a feeling she'll be able to take one look at you and give you all the answers that you want. Jax is on this side of the mountain, about a four-day journey as a wolf, closer to the peak of the mountain. The closest and safest way is through a thicket of woods. It used to be home to a powerful coven of witches, but has since been abandoned. Some of the spell traps are still active, so take this. It should help you navigate them."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out an amulet. Duke snagged it before she could drape it around her neck. "What is it?" he growled, eyeing the strange symbol amateurishly melded into a circle.

"It's magic. When it warms against your skin, a trap will be near. The closer you get to the trap, the hotter it will get. I would suggest wearing it as a human. It will sear the skin before you reach the trap. Simply change directions, and you should avoid the danger. I realize this will lengthen your journey, but most wolves avoid the area because of the traps. Your journey should be relatively safe. When the necklace has gone completely cold, like it is now, you'll be at the end of the coven property. There will be more wolves but not more spell traps."

I reached out and took it. Sure enough, it was ice-cold, as if she'd kept it in the freezer. Strange. "And what exactly is a spell trap?"

"Exactly as it sounds. A boundary spelled to do something as you cross it. Some are mild, and might make you a little itchy or sleepier than usual. And some might stop your heart instantly. The remaining member of the coven has refused to take them down, and the magic of the mountain feeds them."

She sounded almost sad as she said it. Carefully, I looped the amulet around my neck and waited to see if I would feel anything. It was still completely cold. "If I'm traveling as a wolf, how will I know if I'm close to the border?"

"Interesting question. I suppose you could always hold it in your mouth against your tongue," she said dismissively. "Good luck."

The woman knew more than she was letting on, but she just gave us an innocent smile. When I turned, she cleared her throat. "I don't suppose you'll tell me why you're looking for this Emerson?"

I almost didn't tell her. She could have leveraged her information for my information, but she'd given hers freely, along with directions and something to help us through. In fact, they'd been nothing but helpful from the moment they'd invited us in, which was beyond suspicious.

"He killed my brother."

Maya's eyes widened, but Sera just studied me. "The world of wolves is violent," she said softly. "But our world is much smaller than yours. That they are intersecting is a sign of great change. You have darkness in your heart. It will change you if you do not let some light in, and I think your brother would not want that."

"And what do you know of my brother or my heart?" I challenged.

She glanced at Maya. "More than you, it seems. I wonder if I will see you again. I hope I do. Unfinished stories are unsettling for me."

The woman was babbling nonsense. I turned to my group. "Let's go."