As promised, I stayed until the end of the season. It was the happiest I had been in my entire life. Elio and Zale made me feel like I mattered, a feeling I never knew was missing. To them, I wasn't just the youngest son of a baron with his entire life planned out for him, I was theirs. And being theirs meant I could be whoever I wanted to be, because they would want me either way.   

After our first night together, they started calling me their mate. Hearing those words, knowing that they chose me, it was more than I could have ever hoped for. I wanted to be their mate. I wanted to call them mine. And more than anything I’d ever wanted before, I wanted to be with them forever. 

However, I still couldn’t bring myself to abandon my duty. I had decided that I would do what I needed to satisfy my honor, let my family know I still lived, then look for an opportunity to disappear. It wouldn't be difficult, but I still dreaded having to go. What if something went wrong and I couldn't come back? To be honest, I didn't want to part with them for even a day, let alone a full moon cycle.  

And so, we waited together for winter to end. Our days passed in quiet harmony, tending to the rhythms of daily life, and our nights were filled with passion and pleasure, tangled sheets and gasping breaths. After our passion was spent, we would talk until dawn about whatever came to mind, laughing and holding each other close. The intimacy, the affection, the connection; I had everything I never knew I wanted. 

After nearly a fortnight, the first signs of spring began to appear. Snow no longer fell in regular intervals and the green of the pine trees was visible once more. My departure was planned and my bags were packed. I would leave the next morning for Vrayna. 

Just after lunch that day, Elio and I went out to check the traps in hopes I could make a nice meal for our last night together. 

The mood was sombre as we walked. Even though I was planning to return, none of us wanted to say goodbye. Everything we shared was still new, so naturally there was some uncertainty between us. But I was determined that nothing would change. I was coming back to them no matter what.

We got lucky and found a rabbit in one of the traps. We packed it up, then headed back to start dinner. Zale was the one responsible for preparing the meat, but I still had plenty of work to do. If this was to be our last night together for a while, I wanted tonight to be special. 

We were nearly back to the cabin when I heard an unfamiliar voice shouting, “Where are you hiding your prisoner, beast?!”

Elio and I exchanged confused glances and quickened our pace. We emerged from the trees behind a group of human soldiers with their swords raised and aimed at Zale.

“I already told you that I don’t have any damn prisoners,” Zale huffed, looking thoroughly unimpressed by the soldiers. Despite being armed, they seemed hesitant to approach the large beastman.

Zale's gaze flickered briefly in our direction. He could clearly see us standing behind the soldiers, but it seemed he was letting me decide if I wanted to reveal myself. 

“Please,” another soldier entreated, his voice very familiar to my ears, “We tracked the path of a surviving soldier from one of our scouting groups and ended up here. My brother was a part of that group and that looks like his pack by your door. We don’t want any trouble, but if you’ve seen him, please, help me find him.”

There was no mistaking that voice. It belonged to my elder brother, Den. The pack in question, which was indeed mine, sat in plain view next to the front door, ready for my departure the next day. 

I gave Zale a small nod and he sighed, “I don’t have any prisoners, but I do have a guest. From the sounds of it, he’s the one you’re looking for. He’s right behind you, by the way.”

Den turned around and spotted me standing at the edge of the clearing with Elio. His face broke into a broad grin, and he tossed his sword to the ground. Without any warning, my brother charged towards us. Elio looked a little startled, but I was used to Den's rowdiness and braced myself for impact. 

He pulled me into a bone crushing hug, lifting me off the ground as he whooped loudly, “Bryn! I thought we’d lost you, you little shit. How the hell did you end up in the Beastlands?!”

“Den…” I gasped, “Can’t… breathe…”

Den laughed heartily and released me from his torturous version of brotherly love, leaving me off balance. I stumbled and almost landed flat on my ass, but Elio caught me at the last second. Instead of falling to the ground, I fell into his arms. 

“Careful, my sweet,” Elio laughed, steadying me as he gazed at me with a fond smile. 

My brother’s eyes narrowed, fixed on the arm Elio had wrapped around my waist to steady me. He looked at Elio with open suspicion, clearly displeased with our level of familiarity. Elio seemed to realize he had drawn my brother’s ire and cautiously backed away from me. 

But not a moment later, Den had already forgotten about Elio and was back to crushing me with another hug, cheering loudly that his baby brother was alive.