by Aria Winter
Chapter 12
Skye
Flying with Raidyn was amazing. Sharing this house with him… it’s like a beautiful dream. I never imagined such a sanctuary existed. The moon casts enough light that I’m able to navigate the small path through the gardens easily.
Raidyn leads me through the rose-like blossoming plants, explaining the meaning behind each variation and color. “This one,” he points to one with vibrant deep blue petals, “was a gift to my mother from the Water Clan after the signing of our treaty. And this one,” he points to a triangular red blossom striped with orange, “was a gift from Varus’ parents—the King and Queen of the Fire Clan—when we allied with their people."
“Is that normal?” I ask. “To gift plants?”
He studies me for a moment as if my question were strange. “Of course. Life is precious. To gift a living thing holds great meaning.”
What a beautiful philosophy, to hold life in such high regard, when most humans would consider a plant a simple gift. It is humbling, in a way, that Raidyn’s people place life above gems and precious metals.
The bubbling sound of running water drifts throughout the garden. A small waterfall spills over a rock formation in the far corner, feeding into a winding stream and ending in a pond near the back of the house. This garden feels almost magical, pulled from the illustrated pages of every fairytale book I read as a child.
I don’t even realize I’m holding onto his arm until he reaches out to pick a flower for me. Its petals are a light cobalt blue and I gasp, transfixed, when the bloom expands in my hand, releasing its delicate fragrance. “This is beautiful.”
His gaze holds mine as he gently tucks a stray tendril of hair behind my ear. “It matches the color of your eyes.”
My face heats with warmth under his scrutiny. He touches his fingers lightly to my cheek, leaving a trail of fire in their wake as he studies me intently.
“Your coloring,” he murmurs. “It has changed to a deeper shade of pink. Almost red.” He tips his head to the side. “What does this mean?”
Slightly nervous, I lower my eyes. “When humans do this, it means we are nervous or excited or,” I swallow thickly, “attracted to someone.”
He stills. “And… which are you now?”
I’m attracted to him. How could I not be? But I’m not ready to admit it just yet. I still haven’t worked through the rest of my emotions. I already know he wants me forever, but forever is a long time. And we’ve only recently met. My heart is aching to fall, but my head keeps insisting on caution.
Instead of answering, I change the subject, thinking back on all my romance novels. The very reasons I’m finding him so hard to resist. “Do Drakarians like to read?”
His lips quirk up at the edges and he leads me inside. A set of doors next to the kitchen opens to reveal a room I didn’t notice before. Scrolls line the walls of the room—a library just like the ones in ancient Earth history.
I’m surprised such a technologically advanced species stores information on parchment rather than electronically. I give him a curious look. “Your people keep records on scrolls?”
He laughs. “You make us sound primitive.” Shaking his head, he pulls a scroll from a nearby shelf. When he unrolls it on the large table in the center of the room, my jaw drops. A digital display scrolls across the parchment. He waves his hand over the screen and then flicks his wrist, causing the image to float in front of us.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he arches a condescending brow.
I roll my eyes. “I wasn’t suggesting your people were primitive. I was just surprised, that’s all.”
The small smirk that twists his lips tells me he isn’t entirely convinced. “All of the information contained on these is easily accessible in a universal database,” he explains. “But my mother was sentimental and liked to have personal copies of everything she enjoyed reading. That is why all of these are here.”
I turn my attention back to the floating display and my expression falls. Strange glyphs and myriad symbols fill the screen. I can’t read any of it.
He senses my despair. “What is wrong?”
“I can’t make out this writing. And I love to read. I was just hoping that I could—”
He takes my hand in his and flicks our joined wrists at the display. Suddenly, the writing morphs into Earth Common. I blink several times, awestruck. “How did you do that?”
“If you want your translator to display writing in your language, you must simply wave your hand, like so.” He demonstrates with his free hand.
A gasp escapes me as I scan the display, softy biting my lower lip as I begin to read. A smile crests my lips. “This is fiction?”
He nods. “My mother was very fond of imaginative stories of romance and adventure.”
“So am I.” I allow my gaze to drift over the other scrolls in the room, excited at the possibility of so many new books to read. All of them created by an alien civilization, no less.
As if anticipating my next question, he says, “Almost all of these are fictional stories. You are welcome to read them all, if you like, and take some with you when we leave.”
I reach out and rest my hand on one of the scrolls reverently. I can hardly contain my joy. Reading has always been so important to me. Finding a familiar comfort in an alien world is more than I could ever have asked for. Without thinking, I turn toward him and stretch up on my toes. I twine my arms around his neck and hug him tightly. “Thank you, Raidyn. This is amazing.”
When I pull back, I find his gaze heated and my cheeks flush with warmth once more.
“Your skin has changed colors again. What does this mean?” His lips curve in a small smile and I suspect he knows exactly what it means.
I lower my eyes, unwilling to answer. Instead, I change the subject again. “It’s getting late. Where will we sleep?”
He tips his head to the side. “The bed, of course. Where else?” His brows knit together. “Unless your people prefer to sleep outside?”
My mouth drifts open but I quickly snap it shut. I realize I should probably insist he take the couch, but I don’t say this. I loved the way it felt when he wrapped me up in his wings at the castle, and part of me hopes that he’ll do it again. I’m not ready to make love to him just yet, but I’m not averse to cuddling. “No. The bed is fine.”
Chapter 13
Skye
I tuck my hair behind my ear to hide the nervous pounding of my heart. Even though I love the idea of cuddling, I’m concerned about sharing a bed with Raidyn. I know he said we wouldn’t mate until I’m ready, but I’ve never shared a bed with any man before, much less one I’m so attracted to.
So instead of heading inside, I sit in one of the balcony chairs. It’s big enough for two people, so Raidyn takes a seat beside me. Warmth radiates from his body to mine and I shiver slightly, not because of the cool breeze but because of his nearness. His masculine scent—a strange mixture of cinnamon and spice—surrounds us. My heart hammers and I lift my gaze to the sky, staring up at the stars to calm my rapidly fraying nerves.
Maybe I wouldn’t be so nervous if I didn’t know what he wants. But when I turn toward him, I find his gaze locked on me and I feel lost. I’m in over my head. I curse myself again for reading all those romance novels on the ship because a thousand scenarios are playing out in my head, imagining how this night might end. Each ends with us panting heavily in each other’s arms after making passionate love in the bed. Or the pool. Or on the balcony. Or in the gardens. Or even while flying above the tree line.
Oh my gosh. Did I really just imagine him flying us while we make love? I shake my head softly. I don’t even know what his stav looks like or if we’ll fit properly. Just thinking about it, a warm flush creeps from my neck to my cheeks and into my ears as heat pulses between my thighs.
“Are you all right?” he asks, concern evident in his features.
Unable to speak, I swallow thickly and nod.
His nostr
ils flare and his pupils dilate until only the barest rim of blue is visible around the edges. He can smell my arousal, and judging by the look on his face, my scent is affecting him.
I need to calm down. Drawing in a deep breath, I decide to distract him… and myself for that matter. Because the way he’s looking at me now, so full of love and desire, I’m tempted to jump into his arms and allow him to ravish me, just like I’ve read in my romance novels. “So… tell me more about your world. How many Clans are there?”
“There are four: Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth.”
“Have you always been divided?”
“No. Once, there were four brothers, each vying for their father’s throne. A great war broke out and finally, they decided to split the territory and make peace. And thus, the four separate Clans came to be.” His tone is practiced like he knows this history well.
“How long ago did this happen?”
“Thousands of cycles ago,” he replies. “That was when each Clan began developing different abilities. Some breathe fire, others firefrost. Only the Earth Clan also possess healing fire. They stayed neutral for millennia to share their Healing breath equally with all Clans.” He lifts a thoughtful gaze to the sky. “I believe each Clan has at least one Earth Clan Healer living among them. They are honorable people.”
“So… all the Clans trust them?” I ask, eager to understand as much as I can about this new world.
“Yes,” he replies. “There have been periods of peace among all the Clans in our history. During those times, we held great gatherings, celebrations that were hosted in a different Clan’s territory each cycle.”
“When was the last celebration held?”
The ghost of a smile crests his lips as he lowers his gaze. “Shortly before the death of my mother, when I was still a child.”
“And Varus, the prince of the Fire Clan—the one who has my friend—you said you were like brothers once.”
He nods and I don’t miss the sadness lying behind his eyes as he murmurs, “We were. Once. But in my anger over my mother’s death, I pushed him away. Blamed him and his people for allowing her to die.”
I take his hand and squeeze it gently. He lifts his pained gaze to me. “But you know they weren’t responsible for her death, right? She loved you, Raidyn. It was her choice to save you.”
He sighs heavily. “I realize that now, but I have been bitter for so long, and this,” he points at his scar, “has only made it worse.”
I frown in confusion. “Why?”
His expression shifts before he looks away as if hesitant to answer my question. I don’t understand why.
I place my free hand on his forearm, drawing his attention back to me. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
Sadness flits across his expression. “It is just… difficult,” he finally admits. “The sandstorm that killed my mother also gave me this mark. I hit a rock and the wound was too deep for the Healers to completely repair. The scar is a painful reminder of her death and has become the reason that no female wants me.”
I jerk my head back in shock. “Because of a scar?”
He nods. “It is a disfigurement. Drakarian females want only attractive, unblemished males.”
I huff. “It’s ridiculous to judge a man because of a scar.”
He turns to me, studying me with intense curiosity. “It is not this way with your people?”
I shrug. “Some human women judge guys by their appearance, but not all.”
“And you?”
I lift my gaze to find hope reflected in his eyes. “I just want a guy who cherishes and loves me as much as I do him.”
Cautiously, he reaches out to cup my cheek, brushing the soft pad of his thumb across my skin. “I would give you all this and more,” he whispers, “if you would be mine. My vow.”
His gaze holds mine intently with a face so full of love and devotion, it steals the breath from my lungs. He leans in and gently presses his forehead to mine. Closing his eyes, he clenches his jaw.
“You already know how I feel.” He places his hand over his chest, the scales glowing dimly beneath his palm. “And I will wait for as long as you need to decide if you want me as your mate.”
Words lodge in my throat, but I somehow manage to voice them. “How do you know you truly love me? How do you know it’s not just this bond that is making you feel that way?”
He sighs heavily, shaking his head. “You may as well ask me why the sun is bright or the moon only appears after it sinks beneath the horizon. These things just are and have always been, even in the time of my ancestors. Not all Drakarians are blessed with the fated bond, but those who are blessed do not question it. We embrace it for the beautiful gift that it is.”
His response saddens me. I push away from him, staring down at my hands. “So my identity doesn’t matter,” I mumble despairingly. “This bond is all you need to know I’m the one for you.”
He frowns. “You say this like it is a bad thing.”
“Well, isn’t it?” I ask incredulously. “You don’t care who I am as long as you feel the bond.”
He huffs, frustrated. “That is not the intention of the bond. It—”
A subtle noise downstairs draws Raidyn’s attention. He freezes.
Panic spikes through my veins. “What is it?”
He stands, pulling me up and spreading his wings wide as if to shield me from danger. “Stay here,” he mutters under his breath. “I must check downstairs.”
I grip his forearm to stop him. “No. It might be dangerous. Stay with me.”
He shakes his head. “Do you not know I would face down an entire legion of enemies to keep you safe?” He cups my cheek. “Please, my beautiful Skye. Wait here for me.”
The sound of voices drifts up the stairs and I still beside him, gripping his forearm tighter. “Please, Raidyn. Don’t go,” I beg. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Is that you, Raidyn?” a voice calls up from below.
A smile crests his lips. “Yes, it is me. I am coming down.”
I face him, frowning in confusion.
“They are the caretakers of the house.”
“Friends of yours? You’re sure they won’t betray us?” I’m still hesitant to let him go.
“They would never betray me. Dyren and Mauryn are like family.”
Chapter 14
Skye
As we descend the stairs, I stay close to Raidyn’s side. I’m not entirely sure I trust these people as much as he seems to. After all, what are they doing here in the middle of the night? Their timing is suspicious enough. But his posture seems completely relaxed as we make our way into the living room space.
A dragon man with light-gray scales and silver hair smiles brightly as soon as he sees Raidyn. The dark-gray, white-haired dragon woman beside him rushes forward to hug him. “It is so good to see you!”
“Likewise.” Raidyn beams. “It has been too long.”
When she pulls back, I step out from his back to stand by his side. She blinks several times, frozen. “Who is this?”
“I have never seen your species before,” the man interjects almost simultaneously.
Raidyn wraps his arm around my waist and tugs me to his side. The scales on his chest glow brightly as he presents me to them. “Dyren, Mauryn. This is Skye. My linaya.”
They gape at me. The woman—Mauryn—speaks first. “But… this is unprecedented. A fate bond outside of our species? How is this possible?”
“She is human,” Raidyn explains. “Prince Varus of the Fire Clan has claimed another female of her kind as his linaya as well.”
They look more astounded than ever.
“Skye,” he turns to me, “this is Dyren and Mauryn. They are the caretakers of this home; they have known me since I was a child. They are like family to me.”
Mauryn smiles warmly at him then rushes forward to embrace me as well. When she pulls back, she eyes me appraisingly, stifling a gasp. �
�You do not have any wings.”
I shake my head. “My people don’t fly.”
“And no claws.” Her gaze drifts to my hands. “Or scales or… fangs.” Her eyes are full of worry as she faces Raidyn. “You must take great care with her. She has no natural defenses.”
I would protest, but she’s right. Drakarians are much taller and stronger than humans. Not to mention their dragon form.
Mauryn is the first female Drakarian I’ve seen up close, and she strikes me as formidable. She is as large in height and build as her husband. I’m nothing like the women of their species. Doubt begins to creep into my heart as I wonder why Raidyn would even want such a defenseless mate.
“She is stronger than she seems.” He smiles and tilts his chin up with pride as he pulls me again to his side.
The sincerity in his words melts my heart and warmth fills my entire body. He really is proud to be attached to me. When he turns to me and flashes his devastatingly handsome smile, his gaze holds more love, pride, and devotion than I’ve ever received before.
Mauryn steps forward, still regarding Raidyn with concern. “We heard there was trouble between you and your father.” She shakes her head softly. “He just hasn’t been the same male since your mother died.”
Dyren adds, “We were worried about you, so we decided to come by and stock the stasis unit in case you came here. We anticipated that you might need a place to hide until your father comes to his senses.”
Their words touch me. These people care for him deeply.
“Thank you,” he says. “I appreciate it.”
Mauryn gestures to some boxes behind them. “This is everything we brought to restock the stasis unit. If you should need anything else, simply contact us. It is safer for you to remain hidden here than to venture out for supplies.”
As she says this, I think back on our night-time flight over the nearby city, hoping and praying that no one recognized him. Though when I glance at him, his relaxed shoulders tell me he isn’t worried, and I trust him. If he’s not concerned, then I won’t be, either.
