Chapter 12

On Bonfire Feast day, the frontier sky burns gold and crimson with the sunset. I slip into the frontier outfit Jason had made for me, twirling before the bronze mirror, my fingers brushing the tiger-tooth hairpin.

"Leah, the general's waiting outside," Talia says with a grin.

I take a deep breath and step out. Jason stands in the courtyard, tall as a pine. His eyes catch on me, lingering a moment.

"General," I say softly.

He grunts, voice lower than usual. "Suits you."

We walk to the festival, the streets already alive with energy. I've never seen anything like it, my eyes wide with wonder.

"It's not as fancy as Belmor Town," Jason says, walking beside me, "but it's got spirit."

I shake my head, smiling. "I love it."

He glances at me, seeing my relaxed expression, and his lips twitch upward, a rare softness in his eyes.

At the town square, a massive bonfire blazes, flames licking the sky. Locals dance hand-in-hand around it, their songs and laughter weaving into the night.

"General! Lady!" Soldiers spot us, waving excitedly.

Jason nods, leading me over. "General, you made it!" one says. "This year's brew is stronger than last. Watch yourself!"

Jason grabs a jug, takes a swig, his throat bobbing as liquor spills from the corner of his mouth. He wipes it with a casual swipe. "Not bad," he says, then offers it to me. "Try it?"

I hesitate, then take a small sip. The fiery liquid burns, and I cough, cheeks flushing. Jason chuckles, patting my back gently. "Easy."

The soldiers roar with laughter. "Lady, our frontier brew's got more kick than Belmor Town's! You'll get the hang of it!"

I wipe a tear from my eye, grinning. "Guess I need practice."

The mood's electric. Soldiers drag Jason off to an archery contest, while some local she-wolves pull me into the dance. The firelight paints my face, the tiger-tooth hairpin swaying as I move, feeling alive, like I've stepped out of a painting.

Jason watches from a distance, his gaze never straying. A bearded soldier nudges him. "General, why not join the dance?"

Jason looks away. "Not my thing."

"Come on, your lady's having a blast. Go keep her company!"

Jason stays quiet, unmoving. He's a wolf made for battle, not for twirling in a festival's glow.

As the night deepens, the fire dwindles, and the crowd thins. I'm breathless, sweat beading on my forehead, but exhilarated.

"Tired?" Jason asks, stepping close, voice low.

I shake my head, eyes sparkling. "Not tired. Happy."

He looks at my bright eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let's head back."

On the walk home, the cool night breeze soothes the day's heat. I gaze at the starry sky. "The frontier's stars are brighter than Belmor Town's."

Jason follows my gaze. They are beautiful.

After a pause, he asks, "Like the Bonfire Feast?"

I turn to him, smiling wide. "Loved it."

His eyes soften, like he wants to say more, but he just nods. "There'll be another next year."

I grin. "Next year, you dance with me, okay?"

He stops, looking at me. The firelight catches the clarity in my eyes, the hope in my smile. After a long moment, he says, "Alright."

Back at the den, he walks me to my door. "Rest up," he says.

"You too, General," I reply.

I start to close the door, but he's still there, watching me with a deep, steady gaze. "General?" I ask, puzzled.

He pauses, then says, "In private… just call me Jason."

I blink, a smile spreading. "Okay, Jason."

His eyes darken, a flicker of something unreadable passing through. He nods, turns, and walks away.

I shut the door, leaning against it, my heart racing for no reason I can name. My fingers brush the tiger-tooth hairpin, and my smile lingers.