Chapter 197: Worry and Worn Gears (1/2)

"I don't know…maybe we should just leave. He might not be ready for visitors yet," Willow said to Kit.

They both stood facing the shrine, oblivious to Rowan's presence as he crossed the bridge behind them. He was surprised to see that Tamlyn was with them, sitting quietly astride her horse, platinum hair hanging loose almost to her waist.

Her face was turned so Rowan couldn't see her expression, but the gentle curve of her neck and loosely clasped hands betrayed a melancholy that she was doing her best to hide.

Kit and Willow's horses stood one on either side of her, looking much too hungry for Rowan's comfort.

Visitors he was fine with. But why did it seem like there were horses everywhere he looked anymore? He'd finally reached a point where he didn't worry about Cosmos biting off his fingers, but that didn't mean he was ready to embrace them all.