Page 233 of Fallen Nocturne

Rhianelle picks one up and smiles. “Your writing is getting better.”

“I’ve been practicing,” Shade says without looking up. “Lucien refuses to let me sleep until I’ve filled a page.”

The sentence on the page is uneven, but readable. Funds for the southern infirmary. Another page lists materials for three damaged homes. A third contains the names of families who lost everything during the flood.

Rainer gave Shade enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of his life. But Shade appears determined to spend most of it rebuilding Völundr and helping people he does not know.

Perhaps he truly is Rhianelle’s brother.

Or perhaps he is simply an idiot.

The wolf lies near the hearth with his dark head resting on his paws. He lifts it when we enter, sapphire eyes moving first to Rhianelle and then to me.

“Good afternoon, Lucien,” Rhianelle says.

His ears twitch at the name.

Shade crouches beside him and scratches beneath the wolf’s chin. Lucien leans into the touch without looking away from us.

Rhianelle has been trying to recreate the negating spell Lilith used inside the palace. Each attempt allows Lucien to remain in his elven body a little longer. The first transformation lasted only a few breaths. Her most recent attempt held for nearly an hour.

I accompany her because when the wolf becomes an elf, he also becomes completely naked.

I do not care what unfortunate curse causes it. No unclothed male is standing beside my wife without me present.

Rhianelle sets her satchel on the floor and begins arranging chalk, powdered herbs, and several small crystals around Lucien. Shade watches her closely, one hand resting on the wolf’s back.

“This should hold longer today,” she says. “I changed the binding sequence and strengthened the negation around the heart.”

Shade takes up a slate and writes carefully.

How long?

“I’m hoping for several hours.”

Lucien releases a doubtful huff.

Rhianelle points at him. “That is more confidence than you showed last time.”

I sense someone beyond the house before she can begin. A familiar presence waits restlessly near the front gate.

Shade notices my attention shift. “What?”

“It is him again,” I say.

The assassin glances toward the door.

Rhianelle looks toward Lucien. “Garrett is outside. Do you want to see him?”

The wolf does not hesitate. He shakes his head once.

Rhianelle and Shade exchange a glance. Neither seems surprised.

I do not know what happened between Garrett and Lucien, but whatever it was left wounds deeper than the curse.

A faint crease forms between Rhianelle’s brows.

“Try not to think about him right now,” she tells Lucien gently. “You need to concentrate for the spell.”