Rowan clung to Alaric's arm for support as they slowly closed the distance between the pond and the house.
The brief moment of levity that had appeared as a gift after their shared tears dissipated as reality settled in again, but now he felt more prepared to face it.
He truly had pushed himself past his breaking point more than once today, but the infusion of Alaric's spirit had centered him enough that he felt like he could keep going for as long as it took, even if his body was weakened. He may have dozed for a few minutes by the pond, but he was determined not to rest again until Wren was home with him.
"What are you going to do now?" Alaric's voice was quiet, as if he'd sensed the direction of Rowan's thoughts.
If Alaric would have asked Rowan that question before their conversation, he would have said he didn't know. But he was certain now, even if the way forward was still shrouded in the unknown.
