Chapter 41

Draven’s POV

I mounted the horse behind Maeve, wrapping my arms around her waist with practiced ease and letting my fingers drift toward the reins she held. I smiled at the tiny sparks that flickered where my skin brushed the leather. Without a word, Maeve drew her hands back, folding them tightly against her chest.

I exhaled and tugged once more on the reins, urging the horse out of the human village. Soon we were swallowed by the trees again. Instead of following the well-worn route back to the capital, I chose a less traveled path. The Fire Crest Pack could be scattered along the main road, and I prayed Dorian and the others were safe wherever they waited.

We rode for hours as the sun’s blaze slowly dimmed, sinking toward the horizon. I urged the horse to move faster. We needed shelter before the moon rose and darkness cloaked the forest.

After what felt like an eternity in the saddle, we reached a small, familiar cottage on the outskirts of the cap