Beyond the Rift by Ankh Alan

Author:Ankh, Alan [Ankh, Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: MM
Published: 2014-10-21T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

CONFLICT

One month later

IVY WALKED through the courtyard of the palace, his head held high, his back straight. He caught the eye of the occasional courtier he knew and nodded in acknowledgment when they greeted him. It was nigh unbelievable that he’d grown so used to living in Nikaret and that the people here were used to him too, but it couldn’t be denied.

Under different circumstances, Ivy would have even stopped to talk to some of the Nikari he knew, although now, he didn’t do so. He had a particular destination in mind, one that couldn’t wait.

In the past weeks, he’d learned some basic facts remained the same no matter what nation Ivy dealt with. Proof in point, the most important thing about accessing a location he shouldn’t be allowed in was hiding in plain sight. If one could look self-assured and pretend he actually had permission to be in a particular place, success was almost guaranteed.

Of course, he could argue that he wasn’t entirely breaking the rules by coming to the nightwolf dens, since his friend always welcomed his visits. Indeed, the first time he’d attempted this, Ivy hadn’t felt quite so certain of his course of action, but he shouldn’t have worried at all.

The moment he stepped beyond the guards and into the den area, he caught sight of Attcha lying on the ground, already waiting for him. They’d settled into a sort of schedule, and whenever Kris was busy with his Morai duties—which was pretty often—Ivy visited the nightwolf. He still had lessons with Katara, but for some reason, after that conversation the evening of his claiming, things between them had grown awkward.

And so Ivy had turned to Attcha, and the nightwolf had welcomed him. Even if Ivy couldn’t open the barrier of the den—apparently only Kris could do that—Ivy treasured the time he spent with the large creature, more so since Attcha proved quite helpful with regard to Ivy’s self-imposed lessons on divination.

Today was no different. Hello, Attcha, he greeted the nightwolf through his new mental communication skills.

Attcha padded to the edge of the barrier and released a welcoming woof. Soft one. Here. Come.

It never failed to amuse Ivy that Attcha called him “soft one,” and it always exhilarated him to hear Attcha’s voice in his mind. Unfortunately, he had to shake his head at Attcha’s plea. You know I can’t. The barrier won’t let me.

Attcha grumbled in dissatisfaction, but he seemed prepared for the response. His large ears slumped comically. Ivy had never thought such a large, dangerous creature could look cute, but somehow Attcha managed, especially when he gave Ivy a wide-eyed, pleading look.

Snickering, Ivy sneaked his hand past the barrier and pet Attcha’s head. Kris was right. I’m spoiling you.

He didn’t mind, though, especially since it had helped him and Attcha bond so much. Even now, Attcha almost seemed to read his thoughts. Train? the nightwolf asked. See?

Ivy nodded. We should go a little further today.

Attcha growled lightly. Not safe. Hurt soft one.

It’s all right, Ivy reassured the nightwolf.

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