Chapter 16: Lily

Leana and Drake wake early on sixth day. We push hard all day, moving quickly through the forests, slowing only for food or when we have to cross pack lands. We’re making great time, and if we’d been able to do this, every day, I’d have been in Araphyra days ago.

When we stop for the night, I know it will be close. I need to arrive tomorrow. I don’t know what Aolis’s plans are, or if he’ll give me another day or two if I don’t meet his deadline. He’s never been strict with me about anything. He’s always forgiven me or let me get away with things when I was growing up.

I remember, on my 10th birthday, I was so excited to get my wolf. He had called first thing in the morning, wishing me a happy birthday and telling me that he’d be there for my party in the evening. Aolis, being ten years older than I am, was already involved in being a royal and ruling over his people. He didn’t really have time to come to a 10-year-old’s birthday party, but he was making time for me, just like he alwa