For Malin, having Lord Rhaegal by his side meant everything. From the day he first met those piercing golden eyes, he had admired him—worshipped him, perhaps. But lately, there was something more, something he couldn't name. He wanted to stay close to him, closer than ever before. He hated when others tried to take Rhaegal's attention, and hated even more when Rhaegal gave it.
The feeling unsettled him. Not just because it was unfamiliar, but because it scared him.
What scared him most, though, was being left behind. His parents had abandoned him. His foster family had traded him away for wealth. Rhaegal was the only person who had ever stayed—the only one who had cared. And deep down, Malin feared the day he might lose that too, the day Rhaegal would leave him behind for a life Malin could never be part of.
Malin exhaled softly and turned his head toward his lord. "Do you think we'll find my parents?"
"We will," Rhaegal replied without hesitation. "Elias is already searching."
