Omen

GAHRYE

Gahrye was trudging back down the trail, less than a mile from the disformed cave under the light of the moon when the guard found him.

It had been a strange day, full of reunions and joy with friends, difficult conversations, secrecy and… hope. Also pain. The constant, nagging pain of not knowing if Kalle was safe. If she was well. If she was… pregnant.

Gahrye swallowed and followed the guard straight through the trees, who muttered about having to stay in human form so he could keep up.

His stomach clenched. "You can leave me. I'll go straight there, as fast as I can. I have no desire to leave the Queen waiting—"

"No," the guard replied sharply. "It's my duty to make sure you're there as quickly as possible. We've already been looking for you for an hour. Why did you leave her so long?"

Gahrye frowned at the male's back. "That would be none of your business," he snapped.

"I was sent by the King—"