The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

listening intently. “I was just curious.”
“There were definitely some powerful changelings
somewhere in both of their bloodlines,” Casteel remarked as
he took Setti’s reins from an unfamiliar stablehand, his gaze
drifting over his shoulder.
I saw three wolven in their true forms. One of them was
the black one I’d spotted near the wall, but it was the
mortal-looking female dressed in all black, breeches and
tunic, that I focused on. I immediately recognized her, even
though her pin-straight brown hair was pinned back at the
nape of her neck.
It was Lyra.
I stole a glance at Kieran as she approached us, but I
picked up on no real discernible emotion from either of
them.
Stopping a few feet from us, Lyra dropped into a swift
one-knee bow. “Meyaah Liessa,” she said. Behind her, the
wolven lowered their heads to the ground.
Unsure of what to do with such a formal greeting after
dancing around a bonfire with her the night prior, I glanced
between Kieran and Casteel, the latter nodding reassuringly.
Before I could say something most likely embarrassing, Lyra
rose. Her pale gaze shifted to Casteel. “We will serve as
your guards as you make this trip.”
“Thank you, Lyra,” Casteel said. “That is most
appreciated.”
I nodded my agreement, hoping I didn’t look as
ridiculous as I felt. I probably did. Lyra gave me a quick,
lopsided smile as her gaze briefly connected with mine. I
turned to see Casteel biting down on his lip as if he wanted
to laugh, and I suspected it had nothing to do with my
response to her greeting but had everything to do with what
we’d watched last night. My eyes narrowed on him as I
gripped the saddle, and he looked as if the struggle became
even harder. I swung myself up onto Setti.