ARIA POINT OF VIEW.

I found Thorne in the courtyard that evening, standing near the old fountain with his hands behind his back. He looked tired.

I hestitated first before speaking.

“The healer wants me to take some herbs,” I said. “She said the pull of the mate bond is getting stronger. The herbs will help calm it.”

Thorne turned to face me at once. “Then I’ll have them brought here.”

“They don’t have them here,” I replied.

“They grow in a nearby pack, not far. I ...