Chapter 38

Outside Almera’s cabin

In his werewolf form and on guard duty, Finn was confused as to why he unexpectedly felt too sleepy and exhausted. It was like he had been under some mysterious spell. All the memories came running fast, the pain was intense, and the past emerged from his brain like a tidal wave. Yet, the best thing about him was his magical warmth, which wasn't a drawback; it had become a floor that anchored him to his anger and his past. It was the bedrock of who he was, of the person he was born to be. Though he was born gentle and vulnerable, weak and kind, now he is a warrior, deadly and powerful. He wore his heart for all to see, and it took strength to do that, but he was no longer smooth or peaceful; now he was his own hero; he was his own champion. The disastrous course of his circumstances commenced that night. Many many decades ago.

The young man lay on his stomach on the ground of the large common tavern in the rogues' quarters. To Finn's right, a group of his