A Curse of Shadows

I’m not surprised by that, but it’s all I can offer at this time. While the people of my territory have always been important to me, I won’t hold them above Isla. I’m sure that’s exactly what they’re concerned with now, but I can keep my mate’s privacy secure while also making sure our land is protected from threats.

“What else is on the agenda for the day?” I press, hoping the conversation of Isla is handled for the moment.

Henree speaks up next. “Noen and Declan, they’re due back soon. Have you heard how their negotiations are going with Selaris, Your Highness?”

A topic I don’t mind discussing.

“I haven’t spoken to them myself in a few days, but Malimorte let me know before he left that things are going as expected,” I explain. “We should be getting the minerals we need for our crops in exchange for lumber and the families who have requested to move have been approved with new members joining us from their lands as well.”

The last part is my least-favorite part of negotiations. Approving members of my pack to leave isn’t something I enjoy because typically, it means they’re not happy here. Though sometimes, it’s as simple as mates finding one another and being from different islands. Someone always has to move, and I’ve never denied my people their happiness by forcing them to stay.

The biggest downside is bringing in new wolves from other islands. I haven’t had a threat made against my crown in over a century, but bringing in those who have been raised under a different leader never fails to make me wonder if one could return.

Our four islands have operated smoothly for years, but everything is surface-level diplomatic. One misstep and any deals we’ve made for peace could come crashing down around us.

“Speaking of new members…” Arthur says, looking over a piece of paper in front of him.

As I navigate through the rest of the meeting, my thoughts stray, unbidden, to Isla. Her image—the taste of her kiss, the sound of her laughter—invades my senses, a vivid reminder of what I’ve regained. The meeting drags, each minute an eternity away from her.

Once dismissed, I’m left with the echo of my council’s concerns, but none weigh as heavily as the need to protect Isla. I know what I must do. The kingdom can wait. For now, my heart cannot.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ISLA

It’s been hours since I’ve returned to my room. Cain brought me lunch and updated me on Asher, stating his meeting is running longer than usual, but that he will be with me soon. Though Cain has nothing to say about the subject I’m most excited about right now.

Elodee.

She could be here tonight. I could have my best friend with me and she can properly freak out with me over the unreal reality that this world, and everything in it, actually exists.

I’ve spent the afternoon weighing everything I’ve learned about this strange, enchanting place. Aside from missing Elodee, I find few downsides. Even the daunting prospect of turning into a wolf sparks more curiosity than fear as I lounge in the bath, my mind swirling with what-ifs.

Attempting yoga on my bed after bathing, I seek the elusive peace that might connect me to the wolf Asher insists lingers within me, a creature reborn through death and time. The notion feels like a myth, an ancient tale told by a fireside, under the stars.

Still, no new memories have surfaced and I haven’t sensed another being hanging inside my head, but I have decided that I want to see Asher’s wolf. I’m pretty sure that was him I saw the first night I was on the balcony. He was so far away and it was dark. I think if I’m going to bring my animal spirit to the surface, I need to better understand how all this works.

What does it take to transform from human to beast? Who is in control? How do I change back? What happens to my clothes? So many questions and not enough answers to come by as I sit here alone.

I get up from the bed and head to the small desk to grab pen and paper. My mental list feels as if it has hit capacity. I need to start writing these things down before I forget some of the more important pieces.

After filling up nearly two pages of notes, there’s finally a knock at my door. I drop my notes onto the end table and before I take a step away from the bed, Asher is letting himself in.

His sapphire eyes light up the moment they settle on me, causing a warmth to spread throughout my chest. I take a step forward, then hesitate.

I barely know this man. I shouldn’t want to wrap my arms around him the second he’s within my sights. I shouldn’t want to taste him again and wonder how much he was holding back earlier because we were in public.

Yet my skin tingles in anticipation and my muscles bunch, wanting to leap forward into his embrace.

“Isla,” he cautions, his voice a low thrum. “As a wolf shifter, my senses are… acute.” He steps closer, his gaze intense, predatory as he inhales deeply. “And right now, your thoughts are like a siren to the beast within me.”

Oh.

Oh.

Son of a… He can smell my thoughts? Or probably more like the reaction my body is having to said thoughts.

I’m in so much trouble.