Page 35 of A Crown Without Mercy

“I don’t,”Amarok replied.

“I know,”Sylvana smiled.

Amarok rose on all fours and walked in a small circle and then sat again.“I have news for you.”

“Did you find my father?”

“Yes, he headed for the Black Moor.”

“Shit! Really?”This is not good. Why would he go there?she asked herself.

“I tracked him as far as I could. The Lycans have changed, and it’s become dangerous for our kind. They’ve been hunting on the other side of the river.”

She leaned forward and kissed the top of his head.“I don’t know what I will do if something happens to you.”

“I haven’t survived for as long as I have without keeping my wits about me.”

“How have they’ve changed?”

“I’m not sure. They are volatile, without their innate abilities, and appear to be rabid.”

“Do you have any idea why my father would travel there, of all places?”

“I have an idea. My pack chased two of their scouts from your lands a week ago. He might be hunting?”Amarok rubbed his head against her chest, trying to provide a bit of comfort.

Sylvana sighed and sunk her fingers into his thick, soft fur.“Thank you for doing that. They’ve been sneaking around for some time now.”

“A word of warning. I believe they suspect one, or all of you, may be a purebred Ascelin.”

Sylvana placed her hand across her stomach and stared blankly at Amarok.“How the hell would the Lycans know?”

“I have the same questions.”

“You’re not the only one who has warned me about this lately.”

Amarok flicked the tip of his tail.“Again, be careful and call to me if you need. I’ll always be listening.”

“Thank you, as will I.”

His eyelids slowly rose and fell, and he tilted his head.“I owe you my life.”

Sylvana grabbed his face and playfully shook his head.“You don’t owe me a thing.”

Amarok rose to all fours and shook his entire body and looked at Klyn.“Your friend appears to be nervous.”

“He thinks you’re a Faye.”She winked.

“A Faye?”

“Yes, it seems we have both gained ill-fitting reputations.”

“It’s a shame.”

“That it is,”Sylvana agreed.

“Did you tell him I’m a shifter?”

“No.”

---