I had to combine things or else you would've gotten two short as hell chapter so, unfortunately, this is THE LAST CHAPTER I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. ENJOY!!!

Chapter Thirty Three

I found myself glancing in the direction the howl had come from, Sage's eyes remaining on Anise. There, not too far away stood the yellow-eyed wolf that had led us to the King when we could not find him. She watched the scene that had unfolded before her, her eyes holding more knowledge than any of us were aware.

The dogs' attentions shifted, both baring their teeth at the wolf. As of now, the wolf was a larger threat than I and Sage were. I was both amazed by her presence and grateful for the diversion she had created for us.

"Perhaps all the wolves haven't perished," Anise murmured, a smirk sliding onto her face. "But it does not matter." She then gave a sharp whistle, sending the dogs soaring through the air after not us, but the wolf.

Anise then ran, using the distraction to her advantage. "Go," he urged, not telling me where but I understood, watching as he charged off in the direction Anise had gone.

I went in the other direction, going to where the wolf was. I was not sure if she was able to fend off two dogs on her own, but together perhaps the odds would be in our favor.

I could hear her snarl as one leapt onto her back, sinking its teeth into the scruff of her neck. The other used the opportunity, going for her hind leg. I quickly searched the ground, knowing I would do little to no damage with my bare hands.

I found a sturdy branch, one I prayed would not break within the first hit. I did not give it much through before I tightened my grip on it, swinging it down on the dog riding her. I heard the dog yelp in either surprise or pain, losing its hold on her.

The moment it dropped to the ground, the wolf turned its attention to the other dog. I did not allow my own to gain its senses back before letting the branch soar through the air again, snapping and breaking against its hind leg.

I heard its snarl before it flew towards me, driven by rage. We both fell to the ground and all I could do was grab it around the neck, forcing it away from me. Even so, it snapped its teeth at me, thirsting for blood. It was her howl that saved me.

It was a short one, but enough. Within moments, several wolves joined us, attacking the dogs. I watched in awe, unable to do more.

They worked together gracefully, distracting the dogs from one side before attacking from the other. It was not long before the snarling ceased, both dogs never to be heard again.

She turned towards me but made no move to come forward. I nodded from the ground, whispering, "Thank you." I had no doubt that she understood me. Because she then turned, leading her pack of wolves in the direction she had come from.

My body desired to rest, but I knew it was not the end yet. I instead got up, limping through the forest. When I found Sage, I sighed in relief, leaning against the closest tree.

Anise stood in front of him with a cruel expression, but it was the knife he held at her throat that stopped her from doing anything. When Sage saw me, he nodded his head in the direction of the castle. "Let us go. We have little time to tell this to the councilmen."

I smiled, watching Todd lower his body to the ground, wiggling it before flying into the air, paws landing on the fake mouse that Shaterria had bought for him. He brought the brown thing with him everywhere, treating it as both his foe and cub.

I shook my head, sighing as I finished changing the bandages on my leg. I would surely have permanent scars from the incident but I was grateful that everything still functioned appropriately.

There was a knock on my door, causing Todd to pick up his mouse before jumping on the bed by my side. I reached over, running my hand over his fur before responding. "Come in." I did not bother asking who it was. Only one person ever came to my door.

The door opened, revealing Sage dressed in casual attire. His blonde hair was tied up in a bun and he lacked his usual uniform. He had been forced to take a few days off, despite his desire to do just the opposite.

"Good morning," I said as he closed the door.

"Good morning, Rowan." When he just stood there, I nodded towards the other end of the bed. He understood and walked over, sitting by me. Todd went over greeting him before sniffing his pockets.

"The King requested both of our presences this morning," he explained, reaching in his pocket and giving Todd was he was searching for. Todd happily snapped it up before tilting his head, looking at Sage expectantly.

"Has he settled in fine?" I asked. Neither one of us had been there for the King's return as we were both rushed to the hospital wing. However, Shaterria had shared the details, drastically describing the scowl Warren had worn as the King was brought back. She also told of how Anise promised to finish what she had started as she was dragged away, soon to replace the King in a cell.

"Yes. He was well when I visited. I believe that his time in a cell has pushed him back but it is something that can be fixed." I nodded. I would imagine being trapped in a cell would harm one's mind and body.

"Are we to see him now?" I asked, standing up. Todd stayed by Sage's side, remaining hopeful, while I searched through my suitcase for something appropriate to wear.

"Yes. I would like to speak to you before we leave," he added, and I nodded, not looking towards him.

"Allow me to get dressed first." I then took my clothes into the bathroom. I had decided on a green buttoned-down shirt my father had bought me for Christmas, along with a pair of jeans that were the least faded of them all. I left my hair down, pushing it behind my back.

Sage had thrown Todd's mouse for him and Todd was executing the poor thing yet again. I smiled at my bundle of energy as I exited, leaning against the doorway. When Sage spotted me he stood up, clearing his throat.

"I would like to thank you, Rowan." I frowned, opening my mouth but his pointed look silenced me.

"You saved my life. If you had not shown up when you did, I think the Queen would have ended my life with her dogs. I do not know if the wolf would have revealed herself in time. Your presence bought time and for that, I am in debt to you.

You also saved the King's life. He is improving physically and has escaped his own mind. I think he is finally finding interest in the world around him, because of you. Not only that, but you helped find who was responsible for tainting his name. We, the entire castle, are thankful for your actions."

I shook my head, replying, "You are not in debt to me, Sage. You saved my life. Had you not shown up, her attention would have still been on me. She would have found me eventually and finished me off. It was you who bought time, do you not see that?" I asked. When he opened his mouth, I held up my hand.

"We could discuss this all day and not come to an agreement. No one is in debt to anyone. Is that understood?" I said, fighting a smile at Sage's conflicted expression. He did not enjoy others helping him and not being able to return the favor.

"We should leave now, yes?" I asked, changing the subject. He frowned, still in thought before reluctantly nodding, opening the door.

I passed him, my shoulder brushing against his chest. Before I could walk further, his hand grabbed my forearm and he leaned forward, whispering in my ear. "I will not forget what you did for me, Rowan. Thank you." He let me go, gently nudging me forward so he could close the door.

I looked at his back as he led us towards the King. He was stubborn and I was sure that very nature was going to be the reason he died. That is if we did not tear one another's head off before I returned home.

We arrived upstairs and Sage knocked on the door. I was reminded of the first time I had stood in this hallway, as we were met with silence once again.

"Rowan and I are here, as requested," Sage announced and I sighed, wondering what was the point. The King had most likely known it was us the moment we stepped foot in the hallway.

Sage shot me a look before we were answered. "Come in." With that, Sage opened the door.

The room looked at I remembered. Today, the table had returned. On it, an assortment of breakfast food sat, already waiting for us. Shaterria sat next to the King, her eyes scanning Sage and I.

We walked to the table and once we were there, King Sandalius stood up and walked to my chair. I bit my lip to keep from telling him it was not necessary as he pulled out my chair. I sat down, allowing him to push it in before he walked back to his own seat.

"How was your morning?" He did not say my name, but his gaze was on me as he filled his plate.

"It was well." I began filling my own plate, deciding on the basics of eggs, bacon, sausage, and a biscuit.

"And your injuries? The doctor said you did not return for a check-up." I frowned, focusing on my foot instead of grimacing at his words.

"I am capable of changing my own bandages. I do not need his help. I was given two check-ups already," I replied, ignoring the heated glare I was sure Sage was giving me.

"It is merely for your own benefit-" King Sandalius started but I cut him off, shocking both Shaterria and Sage.

"I am fine. How are you faring?" I asked. When I looked up, I met his hazel eyes. They were as relentless as ever but instead of growing angry I caught a brief smile flash across his face, leaving just as quickly.

"I have forgotten that you lack manners." He ignored my look and continued on when I tried interrupting to snap at him. "I am faring well. This breakfast is to thank you for your services and to inform you that hunting was banned within your forest. The house your father resides in had been placed in his name. The two of you are free to leave now or remain within the town. The choice is yours."

I blinked, surprised. It was more than I had expected. Papa and I now had another place to call our own. He was so happy here that I could not imagine asking him to move back home with me. My mind ran through the possibilities the two of us had when the King spoke again.

"I also have a parting gift I would like to give you." He then stood up, walking away from the table and towards a dresser that had been shoved in the corner. It was damaged but I heard him open the drawers and saw that it was still used.

"Come," he said as he picked something up, his back turned away from me. I hesitated before I obeyed and joined him.

In his hands was a necklace. It was a thin, leather cord and at the end of it was a red jewel and a tooth. "This is all I have left of the wolves that raised me." He spoke so softly that if I diverted my attention for a second, I would miss his words.

"When the deceased King killed them, he brought the head of one, tossing it to me. He told me that I could join them or I could learn the ways of society. I could not speak and perhaps that is a good thing. I would have surely told him that I wanted him to end my life as well.

Sage's father, a guard at the time, found me crying and holding the head. He gently pried me away from it and led me to a room. The next day he returned, telling me my friend had been buried in the forest and I could visit him one day.

He then presented me with this necklace, telling me that they would always be close by, although I may not see them." He ran his thumb along the edge of the necklace, deep in thought. I only watched, unsure of what to say.

When he finally looked at me, he said, "You are as much a child of nature as I am, Rowan. When I was younger, I believed this necklace brought me comfort and strength. I hope that it can do the same for you."

I shook my head. "I appreciate the gesture, but I cannot-"

"It is considered rude to reject a gift from the King. Surely you are not doing so?" King Sandalius asked, frowning. I narrowed my eyes at him before shaking my head yet again.

"Thank you for the gift," I said simply, reaching out for it. Instead of giving it to me, he put a hand on my shoulder, turning me around.

"Allow me," he murmured. I tensed as he lifted my hair right before I felt the thin cord touching my skin. I looked down at the tooth, attempting to concentrate on it and not his fingers that skimmed my neck as he clasped the necklace in place.

"There," he said when he finished and turned me back around. I watched him, spotting when his eyes filled with satisfaction as he looked at the necklace. "I think it suits you," he said, adding, "Now you carry not only a fox but the spirit of the wolves with you."

It was odd, but he was right. The necklace felt as if it had been with me all throughout my life. That night, I dreamt I was already home and that I was running with the wolves, their whispering spirits leading the way.