Page 34 of Salt Between the Wolves

Simply loosen.

The mountains remained exactly where they had always been.

It was her understanding of them that had changed.

Behind them, one of the hunters called that they still needed another hour before sunset if they wanted to reach camp before dark.

The moment dissolved naturally.

Riven pushed away from the ridge and dusted snow from his gloves.

“Come on.”

He nodded toward the trail.

“If we stand here looking thoughtful much longer, people will start assuming we're interesting.”

A reluctant smile touched the corner of her mouth.

“That would be unfortunate.”

“Catastrophic.”

Together they returned to the waiting horses.

They made camp beside a frozen stream shortly before sunset.

The place had likely served as a stopping point for countless patrols before them. A shallow hollow between the trees offered shelter from the worst of the wind, while a ring of old stones marked where fires had burned through many winters.

By the time darkness settled over the mountains, several small fires were already glowing beneath the pines, and the patrol spread naturally around them as though everyone knew exactly where they belonged.

Some tended the horses while others unpacked provisions or checked equipment for the following day, and conversation drifted easily through the camp, rising and falling without any single voice trying to dominate it.

A place was made for her beside one of the larger fires before she could even decide where to settle.

Riven appeared carrying two wooden cups.

“You look cold.”

“I am cold.”

“Excellent.”

He handed her one of the cups and settled onto a nearby log.

“I've solved the problem.”

Steam curled from the dark liquid.

Eira raised it cautiously.

“What is it?”

“One of life's great mysteries.”

She took a careful sip.

The drink was hot enough to sting her tongue and throat before warmth spread through her chest, and beneath the heat lingered the taste of herbs, berries, and something stronger she couldn't quite identify.