Chapter 81: Freedom Returned (1/2)

"I'm happy to see you." Rowan meant the words he spoke to his brother despite the nerves twisting in his stomach at what was to come.

He thought it might be better to tell Alaric about Wren right here in the woods, away from all of the eyes that would surely provoke him.

Alaric dismounted his horse with a smooth sweep of his leg and stood in front of Rowan. If it weren't for the tired lines around his eyes, no one would have guessed that he'd recently suffered damage from both exhaustion and an attack by a poison creature. His lips pressed together as if he had something to say and wanted to avoid saying it at the same time.

Rowan knew the feeling. He scratched Cosmos on the nose, and the horse lowered its head to sniff his shirt pocket. The warm air from its nostrils gusted against Rowan's neck. "I don't have any mint, but I do have apples at the house. You've earned them."

"He likes you," Alaric said.