Page 23 of Wolfsbane

“Hystrix.” She stood, listening. “Change of plans. We shall return to Hellbore. I want you to find your way into their kingdom. Locate this king of darkness and bring him to me.” She bowed. “Let’s see just how strong this kingdom of his stands without their king. He stole my bride, so I shall steal Hesper’s groom.”

“Yes, my king.” Hystrix turned, sprinting over the hill as she disappeared from view.

“Let the games begin, Morel.”

EIGHTEEN

MOREL

As I staredinto the flames of the fireplace, Hesper clung to my side, her arms around my body as her head fell against my arm.

“What haunts you, my love?” I kissed the top of her head, trying not to let my dark thoughts sink into her goodness.

“At sunrise, we go to war with Boletus. I am simply planning my strategies, considering our best plan of action.” Hesper stepped in front of me, looking up into my eyes.

“Are you afraid?” My hand caressed her cheek as I gave a warm smile.

“The only thing I fear in all my existence is losing you.”

“Then what is it? Tell me.” Hesper’s crystal glowed as she stared up at me.

“We know our army is unstoppable, but when we ride out to meet Boletus, we leave the kingdom exposed. If only there was a way to protect them in our absence.” Hesper studied me, clutching the crystal.

“What if there was?” I shot her a look, perplexed by her words. “I am a daughter of the night, same as your mother. You must possess gifts yourself. Together, we could use our gifts to protect our people.”

“Our people,” I smiled. “Do you think it is possible?” Hesper glanced down at her necklace in thought.

“There's one person who might know.” She clutched the crystal tighter, its glow peeking through her fingers. “Where is Dr. Altair?”

“Dr. Altair?”I called his name, finding him in the library surrounded by stacks of books and burning candles. Hesper shadowed me as we approached him, the look on his face showing he was surprised to see us at such a late hour.

“My king. My queen.” He bowed. “Whatever can I help you with? Is everything alright?”

“You knew my mother well,” I started as he nodded. “You knew she was a daughter of the night, didn’t you?”

“M-my king.” He fumbled with his robes, obviously nervous. “Your mother—she swore me to secrecy. Y-your father?—”

“Never mind him.” Hesper pushed past me.

“With Morel’s mother being a daughter of the night, would that not make him a son of the night?” The old man glanced between us both. “Sir?”

“Yes.” My stomach dropped, realizing this was the reasoning behind everything. My past, my trauma, my differences. My world fell into place, learning the truth of myself as I slunk back into a nearby chair. “Please forgive me, my king.”

Words failed me.

“Dr. Altair, I too am a daughter of the night. Tomorrow, when Morel and I ride out to Boletus, the kingdom will be leftwith no one to defend it. Together, could we not call upon the goddess and find a way to protect Grisset?”

The old man pondered for a moment, searching his books for answers to back his knowledge. He muttered to himself as Hesper joined me, crouching at my side.

“Morel?” I showed her a smile. “Are you alright, my love?”

“It all makes sense. Everything. I am a child of the night, just like you. We are souls birthed in the darkness and taught by the stars.” She smiled, gripping my hand.

“Love forged in the shadows, blessed by the goddess herself.”

“There may be a way—” We both stood, joining Dr. Altair as he scanned an old and ancient book. “There is an ancient spell, one that would grant abilities and protection to the land and its people, but it would require a sacrifice—not of blood, but life.” What does that even mean?

“I will not kill an innocent,” I snapped.

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