Chapter 43

::Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,:: Owen said as he shifted.

Finn didn’t have the strength to reply—or to shift. He collapsed, barely aware when Owen lifted him into his arms to carry him to the house.

“Luke,” Owen shouted, “It’s over. Let us in.”

Moments later the door was flung open. Luke took one look at Finn then asked fearfully, “Is he alive?”

“He is—Jourdain’s wishes to the contrary.” Owen gently put the wolf onto the rug in front of the fireplace. “All he needs is sleep, in this form, to heal.” That was the last thing Finn heard before he passed out. 14

It was mid-morning when Finn finally awakened. Luke was seated beside him, dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt, stroking his muzzle. That ended when Finn shifted to his human form.

“Thank God,” Luke said in relief. “I thought…You’ve been like this forever. I was afraid maybe something happened.”

Finn sat up slowly, his lips quirking up. “Something did happen, or didn’t Owen tell you?”