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.

hours of contemplating how to approach the girl doesn’t

road signs flashing past in the darkness. Three point seven miles. There’s a tug in my chest, almost a whisper of premonition telling me

now?"

"Same as thirty seconds ago, Your Majesty. The girl hasn’t moved. She’s been stationary for

"And the interference?"

"Still present."

in danger?" I’ve asked

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

headrest. "What do you think, boss?

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

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

Fenris chides. Admit

beta in this car. Why did I bring him along,

moment, turning to face Thom. "Your tracking.

that exists occupies not just physical space but essentialistic space as well. Every living thing disrupts the essence of an area simply by

those, what do you

flutter as he explains, then fall back to his lap, trembling. "But it all boils down to the energy something holds within

file this information away, another puzzle piece I

low. "Must be nice, tracking something so clearly. We lose

is hollow. "It comes at

in the 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 Springs, he’d been merely nervous. Now he

his glasses up his nose again. "The spell consumes my own essence to track

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 anything for his suffering. The warlock is a

You should care more,