章 227: The Past, an Intrusion, and Lashing Out (1/3)

"Do you want me to take you home through the shadows?" The low rumble of Wren's voice filled Rowan with a sense of comfort as he leaned close to speak directly in his ear.

As they walked down the main road, past the shops and restaurants toward the solace of his woods, Rowan was still distracted by the thoughts of self-loathing dredged up by Mallin's reminder of what Ciprian had taught him to believe about himself.

He was filthy. Dangerous. Impure.

An abomination.

Rowan shook his head to clear it of the lies. He knew he wasn't any of those things. Ciprian was the dangerous one. His Creature was the abomination.

"No, I'll be fine."

"Do you want to take *me* home through the shadows instead?" Wren offered as an alternative.

Rowan shook his head again.