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.

of contemplating how to approach the girl

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 I’m close. The

about now?" I

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

"And the interference?"

"Still present."

in danger?" I’ve asked this a

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

forward, grabbing onto my headrest. "What do you think, boss? I still

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

but for revealing how tightly wound I am.

desperate, Fenris chides. Admit

silence doesn’t last. Not with my beta in this car. Why did I

to face Thom. "Your

subject, judging by the relief in his voice. "No, not scent. It’s essence. Everything that exists occupies not

brow furrows. "Like mana? In those, what

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

puzzle piece I don’t yet know where

tracking something so

laugh is hollow. "It comes at a

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

shoves his glasses up his nose

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

You should care more,