Page 27 of Curses and Casualties
“But these are matters to be discussed in the morning. Tonight, know this—once you have shared our hospitality, once you have eaten at our table and drunk from our cups, you become part of our pack story. What happens to you, happens to us. This is the first and most sacred law of the Úlfhéðnar.”
“This is the way,” the other Úlfhéðnar echo in unison, and the weight of their words settles over us like a mantle.
As we’re led to our quarters—a hollowed-out section of an enormous oak tree—I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve just participated in something far more significant than a simple welcome. The way the other wolves looked at us when Ragnar spoke of guest-right...
Sacred,Luna confirms in my mind, her voice stronger than it’s been all day.Old magic. Binding magic. They tie their fate to ours now.
Ryan’s thumb traces soothing circles on the back of my hand as we walk, and through our bond I feel his mix of hope and concern.
“Your rooms.” The young Úlfhéðnar guide gestures as he opens a sturdy, carved door that blends seamlessly into the tree’s trunk. Inside, the chamber is surprisingly cozy, with soft furslining the floor and walls, and a small window letting in the last rays of the setting sun. Scarlett and Ethan are led into the room adjacent to ours, Amara and Darius next to them.
As soon as we’re alone, Ryan pulls me into his arms.
“Talk to me, love,” he murmurs into my hair. “What’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours?”
I take a shaky breath, burying my face in his chest. “Did you hear what Ragnar said? About the gods already setting things in motion?” I pull back to look at him. “What do you think he meant? And Luna... she’s more present here. Like this place awakens something in her.”
Ryan’s eyes darken with thought. “I noticed. The way Ragnar reacted when he sensed her...” He cups my face gently. “Whatever happens tomorrow—trials, alliance, or something else entirely—I think we’re exactly where we need to be right now.”
“But we don’t know what they’ll ask of us,” I admit, the uncertainty gnawing at me. “What if we’re not ready for whatever test they devise? What if we fail and lose our only chance at breaking Luna’s curse?”
“Then we face that when it comes,” he says firmly. “But tonight, we’re their guests. And from the way they spoke of guest-right...”
“It’s sacred to them,” I finish. “More than just tradition. It’s... binding.”
The sound of drums reaches us, deep and rhythmic, calling us to the feast. The vibration seems to resonate in my chest, and Luna stirs again, drawn by the ancient rhythm.
Old ways call,she murmurs.Be ready. Change comes with the moon.
“Ready?” Ryan asks, squeezing my hand.
“As I’ll ever be,” I say, taking a deep breath and hoping that my legs will carry me to the hall without buckling. I don’t reallyknow what is going to come of tonight, but I do know that Luna isn’t afraid. And right now, in this strange place inhabited by enormous wolves, that’s the one thing I’m holding on to.
Chapter 12
Ryan
The Úlfhéðnar settlement looks carved from legend—massive, hollowed trees hollowed into homes, their branches arching into natural walkways that glow softly with hidden light. The feast is held in the largest of these, a grand hall with walls adorned with banners and pelts that tell stories of the many hunts and battles fought by these fierce warriors.
‘What do you think?’ I ask Georgia through our bond, noting the way she looks around the hall with wide eyes.
‘I don’t know what to think. It’s not every day you get invited to a Viking-style werewolf feast.’
I attempt to suppress my chuckle, but it’s no use.‘Just try not to stare too long at their fangs. It’s considered rude.’
Her eyes widen playfully.‘Oh, and here I was planning on asking for dental hygiene tips.’
I shake my head, unable to contain my amusement. This woman. Despite being thrust into a world beyond her wildest imaginings, she still manages to find humor in the chaos. If my twin were here, Owen would be pointing out how lucky a broody bastard like me is to have her. And I’d have to agree.
“What’s wrong?” Georgia asks suddenly, bringing me back to the moment. “Your mood just darkened.”
“It’s nothing, love,” I say, lifting her hand and pressing a kiss against the back of her hand. “I’m just worried about Owen. As I’m sure you’re worried for Jason.”
Georgia nods, sighing softly. “Yeah, it’s hard not to worry about them. But let’s keep our focus on getting through tonight. With the look of that spread, the Úlfhéðnar really know how to put on a party.”
I follow her gaze to the long wooden tables that seem to be groaning under the weight of platters that are piled high with food. The air smells of meat, rich and smoky, mingling with the earthy aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread. The Úlfhéðnar aren’t just celebrating, they’re demonstrating their power through abundance and strength.
Laughter mixes with the growls and low discussions around us. The Úlfhéðnar are a mix of skin and fur, some more human appearing, others more wolf.
