Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 183: Lyre: Do You Sense It?

LYRE

The moment we hit the Fiddleback subdivision, the arcana changes. It’s darker, but strangely clean despite the undercurrent of blood magic seeping the land.

I notice the house before Jack-Eye points it out, because it glows like a beacon of bright arcana.

"That’s where they had us stay," he says, as expected.

On the outside, it looks no different from the others. I’m sure the wolves wouldn’t be able to sense how unique this particular domicile is. Perhaps even Fiddleback didn’t know.

The moment we enter, the smell hits. It’s not a physical scent—nothing the wolves would notice. But it’s like a lingering odor clinging to the threads of arcana, mixed with sweat, wolf musk, and the unmistakable residue of werewolf sex.

One scent stands out with embarrassing clarity.

I glance at Aaron from the corner of my eye. "You worked hard."

The flush crawls up his neck like wildfire, starting below his collar and racing across his cheeks. He scratches at his head, fingers tangling in his red hair.

"I was—" he starts.

I wave a dismissive hand, already uninterested in his explanation before it begins. Something else has caught my attention.

"Owen," I say, cutting Aaron off mid-stammer. "Do you sense it?"

The angel-descendant’s silver eyes narrow, his jaw tightening as he gives a single, grim nod. "Yes."

"Sense what?" Aaron looks between us as the blush slowly recedes. "What are you talking about?"

Owen just smacks him on the shoulder and moves deeper into the house, methodically checking rooms.

rolls his shoulder with a scowl. "What the

the stairs, not bothering to explain or see if he

course, he follows. I’m sure he’s trying to think up a

reconnaissance," he mutters behind me. "Getting close

interest. This isn’t new information about the man, after

"Mmm."

of that strange energy signature. It’s too orderly, too perfect—like someone took the chaotic

check each room systematically, but the house is empty of personal effects, outside of what the wolves brought

stronger. The room reeks of Aaron and a wolf—female, young, fertile. The bed is

awkwardly. "There was nothing

surprised by the comment. "Why would there

complicated—relief mixing with what might be disappointment. He really thought I cared about his little

always settle it later, if it comes down to it. But not in the middle of

Priorities matter.

beyond the physical as I inspect the threads

it before? Another in his territory

into the room, his silver

lips twist down.

steps fully inside, gaze sweeping the room without focusing on anything physical. I recognize the look—he’s seeing what I see, the perfectly knitted

radiating heat. It’s annoying how he does that—inserts himself into my space

though his words are rougher than normal. Betrayal does that, though. His fists are tight, his back too straight, as he

way to tell how long it’s been this way, or how many people have touched it. And

isn’t impossible. Unlikely, though. Especially in

tickling my ear. as he

scent is getting on my nerves,

shower," I tell