Chapter 24 A Path Forward

Chapter 24 A Path Forward
Izzy chuckled, waving her hand slightly. “What's got into you, Zephyrine?” She said, trying to steer the conversation since Zephyrine was getting too serious about it.

Zephyrine's words died on her lips. 

Izzy stood up, brushing her hand over her dress, dusting off a little dust. 

“What's next, Mother?” It asked, flying up to meet Izzy's height. With a teasing tone, she asked, “Are you willing to go back to Father, or do you still need some time alone... not entirely alone—me and you here?”

Izzy's grin softened as she reached out, gently ruffling Zephyrine's hair. “I've had my fill of solitude,” she said. “We can go back now...” Her gaze swept the forest, her brow knitting in concern. “But I've lost track of the way.”

“Father...” Zephyrine's voice pierced the air, and Dixon appeared before Izzy, as if summoned by the very woods themselves.

“Oh!”

Izzy's eyes widened, startled, and her feet slipped from under her. Dixon lunged forward, catching her in his arms, holding her steady against his chest. Her mouth and eyes still agape, he supported her until she regained her footing.

He stepped back, his gaze dropping to the forest floor, his arms hanging loose behind him like a supplicant awaiting judgment. He had words on his mind, but they wouldn't come. A first for him, this fear. He'd always spoken his mind, unafraid of anyone, even his father, the Alpha King. Yet now, he stood mute, terrified that his voice might startle her, and she'd flee once more.

The silence stretched between them, Zephyrine's gaze ping-ponging between Izzy and Dixon, expectant. It could sense Dixon's unease, see the weakness in his eyes, but it still waited for him to speak first.

When Dixon remained mute, Zephyrine took matters into its own hands. “Fa–”

Izzy cut it off, her tone sharp. “Zephyrine, has he been eavesdropping on our conversation?” She pretended to be angry, her eyes narrowing.

Zephyrine's head snapped back, its rose-petal voice filled with sincerity. “No, Mother...” It swore, “I pledged with my life, Father wasn't listening. It looks so because he told me to call his name and he'd answer at once without delay...”

Izzy's silence made Zephyrine's heart sink. It stared downward, afraid it had lost her trust. “Trust me, Mother...” It whispered, its face slowly crumpling.

Just as Zephyrine's eyes began to well up, Izzy scoffed, a small, teasing sound that lifted Zephyrine's spirits.

“I trust you, Zephyrine.” 

Zephyrine's face lit up, its eyes shining with excitement. “Thank you, Mother...” It squealed, flying to Izzy's chest, clinging to her like a tiny, desperate bird. “I love you, Mother.”

“I love you, too.” Izzy's voice was warm honey, her smile a gentle sunrise, erasing any hint of earlier tension.

Dixon's jaw tightened, a flash of red tinting his eyes. He seethed, feeling left out, wishing he could snatch Zephyrine away, but instead, he bottled his emotions, taking a silent, deep breath, and grasping for courage.

He lifted his gaze, meeting Izzy's. “I’m—”

Izzy's nod interrupted him. “It’s fine...” Her lips curved into a soft line, her nod a gentle dismissal. “Don’t worry. The past is past. Just lead us home...” Her eyes dropped to the forest floor before returning to his, a hint of gratitude in their depths. “Thanks for this...” She gestured to the leaves, her smile a whispered apology.

Dixon's face lit up, a soft, pleased smile spreading across his features. “Thanks...” He echoed, turning around, bending into a crouch. He glanced up, his eyes locking onto hers. “Hop on.”

Izzy's eyebrows rose, a soft hum escaping her lips. “I’m—”

“Just hop on, Mother,” Zephyrine encouraged, its voice filled with assurance. “If he couldn’t, he wouldn’t suggest it.”

Izzy's lips pursed, then relaxed into a nod. She bent, swinging her leg over Dixon's back, settling onto him with a quiet ease. “You can drop me if I’m too heavy.” She suggested, her tone casual, masking the ache in her feet from last night's run.

Dixon straightened, Izzy's weight settling onto his back like a familiar burden. His fingers brushed across her arms, adjusting her position with a gentle reverence, and he asked, his voice low, “Comfortable?”

Her nod was a whisper, her cheek grazing his tunic as she murmured, “Yes.

His hands lingered, a light pressure on her knees, seeking permission. Her silence was answer enough; her eyelashes fluttered against his shoulder, and he took his first step forward, Zephyrine flying ahead, leading the way home.