Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 46: Caine: Inane Argument

CAINE

The warlock is an annoying companion on a long drive, but his ability to track the girl’s presence is little short of miraculous.

"I’m telling you," Jack-Eye says, gesturing wildly in the cramped backseat at Thom, "a woolly mammoth would absolutely destroy an elephant in combat. Thicker fur, larger tusks—built for the ice age, man."

Thom shakes his head. His glasses slip down his nose, and he pushes them back with trembling fingers. "Elephants have superior intelligence and agility. African bull elephants can weigh up to seven tons and reach nearly thirteen feet. Your mammoth would be too slow."

"Too slow? Are we forgetting they hunted in packs?" Jack-Eye counters.

This conversation has lasted at least the last thirty miles. It started, oddly enough, with a conversation about chickens.

"We’re discussing a one-on-one arena battle," Thom says, voice steady despite his physical weakness. "Not a pack hunt."

Their absurdity grates on my nerves, and I clutch the steering wheel harder. "How much longer?" I ask, interrupting their inane debate without guilt.

"Three point seven miles, still in the same location," Thom answers, not missing a beat.

"Even without the pack there—"

"This entire discussion is idiotic," I say through gritted teeth. "Woolly mammoths are extinct."

Fenris’s voice is a low grumble. They’re just trying to pass the time. Not everyone broods in silence like you.

I don’t brood. I contemplate.

approach the girl doesn’t

signs flashing past in the darkness. Three point seven miles. There’s a tug in my chest, almost a whisper of premonition telling me I’m close. The distance between us has become physical pain—like someone

about now?" I

thirty seconds ago, Your Majesty. The girl hasn’t

"And the interference?"

"Still present."

against the steering wheel. "Is she in danger?" I’ve asked this a

believe so. It isn’t malevolent, but it’s

do you think, boss?

I growl. "Your hypothetical fight between extinct creatures and modern

slight pang of regret—not for silencing them, but for revealing how tightly wound I am. A king should never appear desperate,

desperate, Fenris chides.

with my beta

moment, turning to face Thom. "Your tracking. Is it by

warlock seems grateful for the change in subject, judging by the relief in his voice. "No, not scent. It’s essence. Everything that exists occupies not just physical space but essentialistic space as well.

mana? In those, what do you call

ether, chi, prana." Thom’s hands flutter as he explains, then fall back to his lap, trembling. "But it all boils down to the energy something holds within the world. Your... Grace... has a particularly distinct essence. Bright.

another puzzle piece I don’t yet know where to

be nice, tracking something so clearly. We lose

"It

rearview mirror. The warlock’s skin holds the pallor of old parchment, bluish veins visible at his temples. His eyes are sunken, rimmed with dark circles. Hours ago, when I first dragged him from Forest

tremble more violently as he shoves his glasses up his nose again. "The spell consumes my own essence to track another’s. A fair trade, usually,

shoots me a look. I can’t see it, but I can feel it in the back of my head. He probably feels bad for Thom, but I can’t pretend to feel

You should care more,