Chapter 47: Of Debts, Displeasure, and Delayed Decency
For several moments after Thorncrest's question, silence settled among them.
Duke Aurelgrave stood very still, his brows drawn together as he considered the matter with visible reluctance.
Aurelgrave frowned.
He folded his arms and cast a thoughtful glance toward the distant palace structures rising beyond the field.
"Well," he said slowly, "I must confess that I am not entirely certain."
Hawthorne brightened immediately.
"Oh! Then perhaps we might—"
Aurelgrave raised a hand sharply.
"Do not interrupt."
Hawthorne closed his mouth at once.
Aurelgrave exhaled through his nose.
"Whether or not it is technically possible," he continued with restrained patience, "it would certainly not be appropriate."
Thorncrest nodded once.
"Precisely."
Aurelgrave glanced back at him.
"And that," Thorncrest said calmly, "is the exact reason Hawthorne and I cannot simply return to the palace in wolf form."
