RETH
Suhle rushed forward and threw her arms around him. He pulled her close and squeezed her. She trembled slightly, but made no sound.
When she took a deep breath and stepped back, Reth caught Charyn's concerned gaze. But he spoke to Suhle first.
"What kept you so long? I was convinced they'd discovered you."
She shook her head. "It has been… difficult," she said quietly, her bright eyes peering up at him through her lashes as she kept her chin low. "I almost couldn't stay. There were… evils at work. But Lucine took me in first. Then, after her death, Lerrin."
Reth blinked. "You've been the wolf's handmaid?" his eyebrows climbed almost to his hairline. He'd always known she was brave, but… "Suhle," he breathed. "Are you hurt? Do you need—"
"No, no. I am well. And safe. I have been kept safe. He is an honorable male," she said softly.
