chapter 73

Everly Finally, everything is back in order, and I decide that I can't put it off any longer. Since Valarian is with his father for a few more hours, I decide I’ll go out to the reserve and shift. After everything with the forsaken and the missing rogues, I’ve been putting it off because I promised I would take Valarian with me next time. Yet, as much as I want to keep that promise, it isn't a promise I can keep without putting him at risk. Plus, it’s been ages since I last shifted, and I’m nervous about what I know will be an excruciating transformation. Going through the gate, I pull my small backpack off my shoulder before glancing around uncertainly. This place is too quiet today, far too quiet. It sets my senses on edge. Yet, I’m already here, and I need to do this as much as I’m dreading it. I remove my clothes and quickly tuck them into my backpack, stuffing it inside a hollow log. The shift takes a bit longer than usual, but surprisingly, it’s not nearly as painful as I expecte