by Elise Whyles
“Not love you?” Liam shook her, his voice rough with emotion. “If I did not love you I would not have been so eager to embrace death. Aye, you willful girl, you hold my hearts in your hand.”
A single tear trailed down her face as she clung to him. “Liam, my love, you are worth it all. Forgive me for the burdens I placed on you, for my foolishness.”
“Nothing to be forgiven, woman.” Liam pressed his lips to hers in a bruising, if too short, kiss. “Absolutely nothing.”
Una burrowed into his chest, her nails digging into his back as she wallowed in the heat radiating from her lover. The rapid beating of his hearts filled her ears, and she sighed. “Liam?”
“Aye, my love.”
“There is something I must do.” Una tilted her head up to meet his worried gaze. “Someone I must see before we look to the future.”
“Who?”
“My sister.” Una swallowed against the rising tide of emotion. Seraphine had given her the insight and awareness she’d been missing. When next she saw the Queen of the Dead she would have to thank her, though she hoped it would not be for years. “She is wed to a vampire and has spent years searching for me. I can do no less than tell her I am well and safe. That I have a mate who loves me above all else.”
Liam nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. “If she is wed to a vampire, we will need to travel to their realm. Come, gather your jewels and riches, I will find gold to pay a gatekeeper. We will see your sister.”
“Then we can return?” Una flushed, her attention sweeping the room. “To this place where I first found love. Where I discovered who I am...in the arms of the man I adore.”
“Aye, we will return.” Liam traced over her bottom lip with his thumb. “For we cannot return to the dragon world. With your death I cast them aside, vowed vengeance. To my people I am an outcast.”
“Then it is to here we will return. What do we need with the immortal realm that we cannot find here?”
“Nothing.” Liam turned to gather a few weapons. “I will teach you to wield a blade upon our return.”
“I am skilled.” Una flushed, embarrassment burned her cheeks. Drinking of the blood of two dragons had given her more knowledge, more muscle memory than a hundred years of training could. “I have knowledge from your blood, my lord.”
“Ah, my blood.” Liam wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her into his chest with a low growl. “I would have your agreement.”
“Of course. I assure you, my lord, I’ll not feed on—”
“Any but myself. Take all you may need, all you want, but only if it is me your lips are touching.”
Una laughed softly at the note of jealousy in his voice, and she nodded. “Only you.”
* * * *
Clinging to Liam’s hand, Una stared at the cloaked gatekeeper. Butterflies had settled in her stomach. Was this the right path? What lay within the realm of the vampires that she could not find in the mortal realm? What if they were not welcome?
“It will cost you.”
“I have gold.” Liam held up the small satchel of gold coins. “There are one hundred pieces.”
The gatekeeper chuckled, her hand waving away the coins. “It is not gold I desire, young dragon. Nay, it is your beloved wife’s reading I seek.”
Una glanced sharply at Liam before turning back to the hunched woman. “What do you wish to know?”
The woman lifted her head, her gold eyes flashing in the gathering moonlight. “When shall the bonds be broken?”
With a trembling hand Una reached out to touch the old woman’s shoulder. She closed her eyes as the power punched like a fist.
A young woman stood, her body wrapped in heavy chains, her eyes filled with misery, with regret, as yet another link was added to the chain. Behind the woman, a male stood, his face twisted with disdain, with rage, as he worked on another link. Soulless, cruel, he held no mercy for the young woman who struggled within her bondage.
She looked up, her eyes meeting Una’s, a flare of hope within them. A shadow moved across the scene, and Una smiled. The smithy’s face changed, melting into a mask of fear as another male, his frame massive, stalked into the scene, a broad sword in hand.
“Soon, mother.” Una patted her shoulder. “His trickery will end and with it her bondage. Once she is free, she will come to you, but she will not be alone. Another will aide her and free not only her body but her heart. Soon. Be patient, wise one.”
“Pass with peace.” The woman turned, a bluish light forming in the stone wall.
Taking Liam’s hand, Una stepped through the portal. Tiny prickles like sparks danced across her body, teasing her as they moved into the cool night air of the vampire realm. The winding ledge they stood on overlooked a forest. A river wound its way through the trees, spreading out as the land flattened. In the distance, she could see the monumental peaks of a castle jutting from the mountainside.
“This is what you came from?” Liam shook his head, a worried look entering his eyes. “Gods above, how can...”
“I came from the mortal realm,” Una soothed quickly. “To you, not to the vampire world or the dragon, but to the man who holds my heart. No matter what happens, I love you. I love how you can make me feel, how you touch me, how you’ve given so much of yourself to me.”
“I love you. Have I told you how glad I am you came back to me?”
“What can I say? Seraphine didn’t really want me.” Una giggled. “And paradise is nothing if I don’t have you.”
Liam bent his head to press a hot kiss to her lips, his tongue sneaking between them. Una moaned at his touch, responding quickly. Her tongue slid along his, drawing a shudder from him before he pulled back. “Later, for now, let us do what we came for.”
“Aye.” Una turned, her gaze sweeping over the land. Her place wasn’t within the court of the vampire king but with the man at her side.
She tensed at movement from within the trees. Narrowing her gaze, she stared as the figures came into focus. Vampires, fey, and several other species marched forward, their shadowy advancement sending a shard of unease through her.
“Do you see what I do?” Liam squeezed her hand. “Saltar’s forces?”
“I believe they are, and with Amuliana’s followers.” She pointed out several fey in battle gear, their souls as dark as night. She clamped down on the rising tide of anger, her hand going to the sword Liam had strapped to her back. “I do believe we should enlighten them to their error.”
“I agree.” Reaching for his battle axe, he spun it on his palm. “Perhaps we should show them their actions will not divide and conquer.”
Una laughed, her flesh already turning a burnt copper. Scales formed along her arms, her fingers melting together as she morphed. She shuddered at the sensations of growing, her body twisting to reveal her inner beast. She turned her head to grin at Liam who had shifted as well. Flexing her wings, she nodded. “How do you suggest we do this? The castle must be protected.”
Liam nudged her with his wing, nodding toward the castle. Fires blazed along the wall, lighting the watch towers. Men and women moved in a flurry of activity along the ramparts. The sound of a massive bell tolling carried on the wind. “I think the vampire king already has his army in full force.”
“I’m in the mood to roast a few of Amuliana’s servants. To the skies then, my love.”
Inhaling a deep breath, Una shook her body, the rattle of scales grating against each other loud in the silence. Her claws clicked on the stone as she moved closer to the edge, smoke swirling around her head. With a roar, she followed Liam into the night sky.
The wind whistled over her body, singing softly as it caressed every dip and curve. Her wings extended, catching the air currents as she circled above the advancing army. Sweet, smoky, the taste of fire melted on her tongue. Folding her wings against her body, she dived, the moonlight dancing across the weapons below.
Screams of agony and dismay filled the air as she breathed fire along th
e gorge the army was advancing into. She twisted and ducked as they threw fireballs at her. They have a sorceress in their midst. She narrowed her eyes, searching for her. Fury lashed at her control as she spotted the tall, buxom woman holding a staff. The sorceress’s hand glowed as she aimed another fireball toward Una. Inhaling, she caught the faint but familiar stench of the being who had pushed her through the portal into the world of the Ghors.
“I shall rip out your heart, sorceress,” Una vowed as the ground shook beneath her weight when she landed. “And feed upon your flesh. Aye, you will know pain before this night is over.”
“You are weak. A traitor to us all. Amuliana offered you much and you cast it off for that pathetic lizard. My sister was too weak to finish you off before your lizard killed her...I am not.”
Una laughed, a chilling sound, as she advanced. “Amuliana sentenced me to death. I chose life.”
With a single leap, she had the sorceress in her grip. Torrents of wind spread across the ground as she took to the sky. With a final flick of her tail she sent several vampires careening into the rushing water of the river. Higher and higher she soared, her gaze searching the sky as she caught sight of her lover. Before him a massive swath of fire roared, devouring all in its path. The sound of his hearts pounding filled her ears as she rose higher.
Her arms trapped, the sorceress screamed, begging for mercy as they rose farther from the safety of the ground. With her wings spread, Una glanced down at the being in her claws. “You dare to challenge me, to challenge the purity of a soul which is clean.” Her grip tightened, her nails digging into flesh. The rich smell of blood filled her nostrils and she brought the woman closer to her muzzle. “I would not dirty my teeth on your blood. Burn with the rest of your traitorous forces.” Dropping her, Una spun, her tail lashing out to connect with the sorceress, sending her screaming form toward the ground.
Ducking along the air currents, Una ignored the battle raging on the steps leading to the city, her attention on those filling the plains. Exhaling, she dived into the path of fire she breathed, her wings stirring the blaze. Una soared upward, shooting Liam a toothy grin as they circled each other.
“I do believe they’re retreating.” Liam nodded below them.
Una giggled at the retreating army, her eyes following it. Turning her head, she studied the castle. “Should we go and say hello?”
“It is what we came for.” Liam brushed along her back with his belly, his teeth snapping just behind her head. “Then we should find a quiet corner and...”
Flipping onto her back, Una reached for his front paws. “Ooh, I agree. Light up the night.”
Liam pulled her closer and dived, circling the castle before he released her. Together, they landed in the courtyard. Una glanced at Liam who remained on guard, studying everything and everyone who gathered.
Her tail flicked back and forth lazily, like a cat, as she settled on her belly. Tapping a claw, she studied the nearest vampire.
Dark hair fell past his shoulders, his gray eyes assessing. A sword hung from its sheath. Beneath his hauberk she caught the edge of a tattoo and inched closer. “So tell me, vampire, what is your family?”
“My own.” His chin lifted. “Tell me, dragoness, what do you seek?”
“Seek?” Una laughed, slapping the ground with her tail. “Oh, my poor vampire, you are quite amusing. Did I say I was seeking something?”
“Dragons and vampires have been at war—”
“For centuries. Over the petty whims of a goddess who seduced two generals and then pitted them against each other for her amusement.” Una leaned forward until she could feel his body heat on her muzzle. “I would speak to your king.”
“Gawain, we do not speak to those—”
“Dorstan, you should not offend our...whatever these two are.”
“Outcasts.” Una glanced at Liam.
He nodded. “Outlaws, a breed apart, friends. There are many titles which could apply. So tell me, vampire, what do you seek?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. Oh, how she loved her dragon.
“Make way.” Commanding, intent, another voice rose. Una and Liam turned to watch a tall, armor clad warrior push through the crowd. “When the dragon king sent an emissary I had little hope he meant what he said. Offering an alliance in exchange for peace...seemed beyond belief. And yet, he has sent two of his soldiers to aide me this night. What am I to make of this?”
“We do not come on orders from the dragon king,” Liam rasped. “We came because my wife requested it. As I told your soldier, we are outcasts, beyond the acceptance of our king.”
“Why?”
“Because I refused to allow death to part us,” Liam replied. “My beloved and I hold no ill will toward you or your kind. We only seek to be left alone, to live as we choose.”
“My king, his words could be false.”
“Be careful,” Una exhaled. “One could mistake your words for truth when in fact they are lies. As false as your heart be.”
“How dare you.”
“Dorstan, be silent. I am Hema, King of all Vampires. What purpose does your wife have for seeking out my people?”
“I seek my sister. We were separated many years ago.” Una turned from the simmering soldier, her gaze landing on the imposing figure of the vampire king. She turned her head, her eyes taking in the pale silver glow around him. “I need to let her know I am well.”
“What name does your sister have? And how would you think a dragon would reside within my city?”
“Is it safe to shift?” Una sent the thought to Liam who paused for a moment before nodding. Una shifted, her body shrinking, tightening until she stood in her human form.
“Bede is not a dragon.” Una met the king’s stare proudly. “She is a vampire, full vampire. I was taken from her when the warrior she was with was killed by Anagor…or at least that was the fate I believe befell him.”
“Bede?” Murmurs of shock rippled through the crowd. “You are Una.” Gawain stepped forward, his eyes narrowed on her.
“I am. My husband, Liam.”
“Bede is safe. She was sent below at the first hint of alarm. Come.” Gawain took her arm. “I shall take you to her.”
“Gawain, it is not for you to decide.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” Dressed in black, her hair falling past her hips, a woman pushed her way to the front. “Dorstan, the child is here to see her sister. She doesn’t seek to claim your wealth. Come, Gawain can show your husband to chambers while I escort you. Bede is one of my most favored ladies in waiting.”
“Chambers are not necessary. We will not stay,” Liam said. “You spoke of a dragon emissary coming by, if we are present it will not aide your case. As I said, we are considered to be outlaws amongst our people.”
“Tell me, dragon, how is one born into the line of a vampire a dragon?”
“When the fey killed me, Liam gave of his own heart to heal me. When death came a second time, I was reborn into a dragon’s form. I feed only on my husband’s blood. In all other manners I am dragon.”
“A bridge between us,” Gawain muttered.
“And the dragon male?”
Una stepped in front of Liam, her heart racing at the thought they’d strike out at him. She shook off his grip. “No. I have not walked through death’s door twice, my love, faced down gods to have your fate be decided. I am both. You are mine, and I will defend what is mine no matter the risk.”
“There is no need. I am Bruja, Queen of the Vampires, and by my decree both you and your mate are welcome here,” she declared. “It is the least we can do to reward your help in sending those to their demise.”
Clutching Liam’s hand, Una followed the queen. She ignored the crowd pressing in on her, their stares a physical weight on her shoulders. How she wished to be away from all of this, to just wallow within her husband’s arms, in his bed...but that would come in time.
Chapter 21
Bede fol
lowed two of the guards down the corridor. Her stomach refused to settle as the memory of the bells ringing in alarm flooded her. Gawain had teleported her to the anals of the castle, leaving her with three guards and a fierce kiss that left her hungering for more.
“Did she say what it was she wished from me?” Bede grasped the sleeve of one man. “I mean, my lord and husband bid me to stay below until he came for me.”
“The queen has summoned you. We know no more than that.” The guard offered a quick smile. “Gawain will meet you in the queen’s chamber I am certain.”
Bede stumbled, gasping when the male caught her around the waist. Her eyes widened in shock at the press of his hand against her waist.
“Begging your pardon, my lady.” The guard let go and bowed his head, a hand pressed over his heart. “I meant no disrespect.”
Her heart raced at the faint note of fear in his voice. She hadn’t had another male touch her in nearly a hundred years, Gawain was fiercely possessive and others honored his claim. “Thank you, if not for your actions I may have fallen. I am certain my husband will be thankful.”
The guard nodded before ushering her forward. Bede ignored the questioning looks from others that passed them by. Her stomach twisted tighter as she paused before the gold doors of Queen Bruja and her sisters’ chamber. She forced a smile to her lips as the doors swung inward and the guard waved her forward.
“Ah, Bede, come in, my dearest.” Bruja stepped forward, her armor still in place from the battle Gawain had insisted Bede miss. “Come, come. Thank you, gentlemen. You may leave us now.”
“What of my husband?” Bede barely spared a glance to the guard closing the door. “Where is Gawain? Has he been injured? Did he fall in battle? Begging forgiveness, my queen, but perhaps I should be with—”
“Gawain is well, and enjoying a glass of blood at the moment. I have sent him forth to entertain a guest. I have summoned you for a much more personal purpose. There are times we must look back to look forward, my dearest girl. This is one of those times. Do not fear, I have faith in you and your happiness.” Bruja gestured toward the shadows. “I shall leave you to your visit.”
