Page 248 of Salt Between the Wolves

Soren glanced toward him as the wind swept between them.

For a moment neither spoke, then Leander added, "Just don't forget everything the moment you get there."

A faint shadow of irritation crossed Soren's face, the closest thing either of them would ever get to a smile.

Then he looked toward the sea one final time, toward the horizon and the questions he still did not have answers to.

What was it created to do?

The thought surfaced uninvited and remained.

A moment later he turned toward the waiting horse and toward Ironfang.

Chapter 29: What Cannot Be Forced

Soren

The gates of Ironfang stood open by the time Soren returned.

Torches burned along the walls despite the lingering daylight, and guards moved with the quiet urgency that always settled over the fortress when troubling news arrived before its Alpha.

Word had outrun him, as it usually did.

The moment he rode beneath the gatehouse arch, he saw it in the faces around him—expectation, concern, and far too many questions.

Stablehands hurried forward, a guard moved to take his horse, and someone called his name, but Soren barely heard any of it.

His mind remained somewhere between the sea cliffs of Silverwake and the folded letter tucked inside his cloak.

The bond was never yours to command.

The words did not belong to Leander, who had never said them, yet they lingered anyway, taking shape from everything that had been said—and everything that hadn't.

He had almost reached the inner courtyard when a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Soren."

Kael was already there, striding toward him with purpose, dust covering his boots and his cloak thrown hastily over one shoulder, as if he had not left the courtyard since word of Soren’s return had reached him.

"You finally returned."

Soren slowed, though only slightly.

"What is it?"

Kael’s jaw tightened. Normally, Soren would have demanded every detail before Kael even spoke, but now he looked as though he wanted the conversation over before it had begun.

"The council is assembled."

"I know."

"They’ve been waiting for hours."

"I know."

Kael stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"Garrek is already inside. The others too. We need to begin."