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

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 slowly peeling

about now?"

Majesty. The girl hasn’t moved. She’s been

"And the interference?"

"Still present."

she in danger?" I’ve asked

don’t believe so. It isn’t malevolent,

onto my headrest. "What do you

growl. "Your hypothetical fight between extinct

but for revealing how tightly

Fenris chides. Admit

with my beta in this car. Why did I bring

work?" Jack-Eye asks after a moment, turning to face Thom. "Your tracking. Is

in his voice. "No, not scent. It’s essence. Everything that exists occupies not just physical space but essentialistic space

mana? In those, what do you call them...

many names. Mana, 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

puzzle piece I don’t

tracking something so clearly. We lose scent trails all the

hollow. "It

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

week to recover from today’s work." His hands tremble more violently as he shoves his glasses up his nose again. "The spell consumes

can feel it in the back of my head. He probably feels bad for Thom, but I can’t

You should care more,