by H. C. Brown
“You mentioned you would have to fight to the death on your return to Drakka.” Thalia gripped Lumos’s arm. “I fear for you.”
He chuckled. “Have no fear, little butterfly, for the Nightdragon is strong. No other has beaten him before. Although we do not usually fight to the death, submission is acceptable. This was the Magus’s stipulation and one I welcomed. The Dragonfae I am fighting is a traitor to our kind and deserves no mercy.”
* * * *
Lumos guided the horses into the maw of a massive cave. Icicles hung from the entrance in rows like sharks’ teeth. Inside, the cave was warm and dry, sheltered from the freezing wind. He untied Albert’s lead rein from his saddle and rode deeper into the cave. His dragon sight speared through the darkness. At the back of the cave, he could see light filtering through a fissure in the roof.
“We will make camp here—there is a vent above that will act as a chimney for our fire.”
“How can you see that?”
“I have dragon sight.” He turned the horse around. “I will unload the horses. I am not sure how long we will be here.”
“When do we meet the Hag?”
He dismounted and lifted Thalia down. He pressed a kiss to both of her rosy cheeks. The desire he had for his witch held no boundaries. The uncontrollable surges of lust running through him unnerved him. Nothing came close to the rampant desire he had for his little butterfly. In truth, since he had tasted her delights, he cared less about the silver bands, Drakka, or anything other than the female he held in his arms. His cock strained to be free and he ached to bury his heavy shaft deep inside her hot, wet folds. And she would not stop me. I know deep inside that she wants me as much as I do her. He must control the situation before it consumed him completely. He dragged himself out of her embrace. “We will start off at first light to find the Hag.”
* * * *
Thalia sat cross-legged in front of the fire. She had heated the meat pies Lumos had purchased from the tavern and with each bite, she moaned with pleasure. In truth, she could not remember being so hungry or food tasting so delicious. She reached for the wineskin and sipped the rich aromatic brew.
“Oh, this is so good.”
“These changes you feel—the increased stamina, the enjoyment of food—come from me.” Lumos regarded her over the water flask. “It is because we enjoyed each other last night.”
With a grin, Thalia took in the man lying casually on the bedroll. Firelight reflected in his eyes and turned his face into a chiseled work of art. She took another sip of wine and put aside the wineskin. Emotions tumbled through her with a savagery she had not, could not have dreamed about. No explanations about “wifely duty” had foretold of the passion curling though her, or of the tingling sensation left by his touch. Lumos’s kisses still burned her cheeks. Her breasts had swelled, nipples reaching for another tantalizing scrape against his hard chest. Riding with his hands wrapped around her all day had been a tormenting bliss.
These unfamiliar emotions, this passion, both frightened and enthralled her. How should she act now? This lovemaking seemed so casual to Lumos, as if taking his cock into her mouth, her drinking his seed—no, feasting on his delicious seed—had been a natural thing to do. She examined the massive length of him, a shiver of awareness curled in her folds.
I want more of you. I want you every minute. Heat crawled up her neck and she lowered her gaze.
“Being with you last night, you must realize loving you like that and being loved in return was very special to me, little one.” Lumos stretched, rolled onto his back, and opened his arms. “Will you allow me to hold you again tonight? Did you enjoy my hands on you, my mouth on your hard little nipples?”
She tossed the remains of her pie to Brew, then crawled over to Lumos and rubbed against him like a cat. “Oh … yes. I would like to enjoy you now. I need to taste you, to hold your strength in my mouth, trembling like a little bird waiting to explode into flight.” Pushing her hands under his tunic, she ran her palms over his hot flesh. The simple delight of touching him sent waves of sizzling lust deep inside her folds. She bent her head and kissed a path to the waistband of his pants. “I want you … all of you.”
“I can only give you what I did before, my sweet butterfly.” Lumos grabbed her hand curling his long fingers around it. “Remember your promise to me, Thalia. We must wait until you see my dragon.”
She fought down the lust and slowly removed her clothes. Naked and shivering, she lay down beside him. “Take off your clothes, Lumos. Let me touch you—skin on skin.”
Lumos growled. Did she know how the scent of her arousal had almost undone him? He tore at his clothes and drew her naked flesh against him. Heart thundering against his ribs, he lay back and allowed his woman to explore his body. So sweet, she lapped at his nipples and sucked hard on his neck, her hot, wet mouth teasing him unmercifully. How he wanted to kiss her. Saliva filled his mouth. His dragon roared in his head.
“Mine… Take her, Lumos.”
Smoke flowed from his nostrils. “You drive me to madness! Gods, if I lose control … Thalia, you are not ready for me yet. To have you completely is dangerous right now. Gods, I do not want to hurt you, little one, but I ache for you, sweet angel.”
“Could you love me without kissing me?” Thalia pouted. “I am not a virgin and you will not hurt me. I trust you, Lumos.”
I want you so much. He stroked her fiery red pussy and dipped one finger inside the wet heat. She is not strong enough to experience mating. Gods, I could kill her. I must make an excuse and give her body time to change in preparation for moonfire.
“If I take you, enter you here, fill you, my dragon will make his claim, my child seed will be released, and you will never be able to leave me.” He touched her face. “This will be a problem if you refuse my dragon. He will never let you go… Never.”
“You know I am a little afraid of your dragon. Tell me, is he very big?” Thalia pressed a kiss to his chest.
With a sigh, he stroked her silken flesh. “The Nightdragon blocks out the moon and casts a shadow over an entire village… Aye, my love, he is a massive beast, but he is part of me, with my heart, my emotions. When you look on him, butterfly, look into his eyes and see Lumos within.”
“My heart will know it is you, although I fear my knees will tremble.” Thalia touched his face. “I will see your eyes, Lumos, and I will trust you not to hurt me.” She licked her bottom lip leaving a glossy sheen. “I am so confused about love. Before last eve, I truly believed men brought only pain, and now I want so much to taste your lips and feel you deep inside me. You have made me too bold and this side of me shocks you, I can see it in your face.”
Running a hand through his hair, he stared into her smoldering eyes. Flames caressed his balls. Gods, he wanted her, too. He shook his head. “You see wonder in my eyes because I believed you were lost to me, too damaged to feel passion or to trust a male again.” He drew blankets over them. “I welcome your boldness and look forward to our joining, but we must be patient for a little longer.” He pulled her against him and nuzzled her neck. “Soon, little one… Soon.”
* * * *
Thalia awoke safe in Lumos’s strong arms. A shroud of steam covered them from the constant stream from his nostrils. “You are awake. Good, the sun has been up for at least an hour.” Lumos cupped her breast, running his thumb over the nipple. “Get dressed. I will get you something to eat.”
She scrambled to her feet and dressed. Taking the bread and cheese Lumos offered, she strode to the entrance. Blinding sunlight streamed in through the mouth of the cave. On the snow-covered plateau, she could make out the horses scraping the snow to eat the frozen grass. A patch of gray dust had replaced the sack of oats Lumos had emptied on the floor for the horses. She turned and stared at him. “The horses are packed and ready to leave.” She raised an eyebrow. “Have you had time to eat?”
“Aye, now finish your bread and we will be on our way.”
* * * *
“Look up there.” Lumos pointed to a small green patch surrounded by trees. “See the smoke?”
She searched the rocks. A whisper of smoke curled through the fir trees. “Aye, I see it. Tell me, Lumos, how do I know when the Hag has taken enough blood?”
“I will hold a pebble. The second I drop it, conjure the black fire, and order her to stop drinking.” Lumos dashed a hand through his hair. “If she refuses, throw the fire and try not to hit me.”
“Why cannot you order her to stop? I do not understand.” Seconds ticked by. She squeezed his arm. “Lumos … did you not hear me? I asked you, why could not you tell her to stop drinking?”
“Because, my love, a vampire’s saliva is intoxicating … erotic … and I will be held in thrall to her and unable to think straight. The Hag will want all of my blood or will try to enslave me. You must understand. I will be her means to stay young forever.”
A shiver ran down her back. Dread gripped her. “Like opium, you will become addicted to the Hag’s saliva?”
“Aye, like a spider drawn into the black widow’s web, it is certain death.” He pulled her tighter against him. “Now I must trust you, little one, and I do.”
Without warning, Argos sidestepped, rolled his eyes, and danced away from the path. The black stallion snorted, dug his hooves in and refused to budge.
“He refuses to move any closer to the Hag.” Lumos dismounted and held his arms open for her. “Come, we must go on foot from here.”
Holding tightly to his hand, she slipped and slid her way up the winding path. The Hag’s cave had a strong, wooden door across the front and not one flake of snow had fallen near the entrance. She shivered. A hum of magyck had spun around her as if examining her powers. The door creaked open and a wrinkled old woman with long, gnarled fingers poked her head outside.
“I am Fae.” Lumos stepped forward. “I have come to make a bargain with you. I offer my blood for information.”
“What information do you seek?” The Hag’s voice croaked like a frog.
“I seek one with the power to remove these silver bands placed on me by the Magus of Fullmount.” Lumos drew back his sleeves exposing the silver on both wrists.
“Then come inside. Do you offer the witch, as well?” The Hag eyed Thalia speculatively. “She has the bloom of spring.”
“No, I am Dragonfae. One small taste of my blood will keep you young for years. The witch is here to witness our bargain.” He bent down to pick up a small pebble. He glared at the Hag. “She has the power to guard against treachery.” He pulled Thalia against his side.
“On your part or mine?” The Hag stepped to one side to allow them to enter. “Sit, Dragonfae, and give me your blood.” She waved him to a chair beside a roaring fire.
Inside the cave, spinning light globes floated in the air, illuminating a neat home that was similar to her cottage in the Singing Forest. A basket of nuts sat on an old wooden table, and above the fire, bunches of herbs tied with string hung to dry. A caldron bubbled on the hearth, filling the air with the aroma of beef stew. In the corner sat a very old man with a long chin and pointed ears.
“This is Mino, my blood slave, although the sweet boy refuses to return home. He is such a devoted little Elf and so tasty.” The Hag followed Thalia’s gaze. “See how he looks at me with love in his eyes? I have that effect on all my lovers.” She grinned, exposing long, yellow fangs. “Now sit, Fae, and let us finish this.”
With a pang of fear, Thalia took Lumos’s cloak and watched him bare his neck for the Hag.
“Before you touch him, tell us what we need to know. Where can we find someone to remove the silver bands and what is the swiftest way to get there?”
“Very well.” The Hag licked her lips and moved closer to Lumos. “You must seek the help of the ancient one known as the Firedragon, the one you all believed lost centuries ago. The Dragonfae, Pyro, is the only one with powers strong enough for this task. I will ask Mino to open a circle of light and send you to him, but know this, witch… Pyro is guarded by Nehebkau, the two-headed snake demigoddess of the Underworld and she protects her pet.”
“Pyro is alive?” Lumos’s eyes widened in astonishment. “She speaks the truth. No one has heard of him for centuries. I thought him dead.”
“He is the love slave of Nehebkau. You must kill her and set him free.”
“But how could a Dragonfae survive so many years away from the magyck realms?” Lumos shook his head, disbelief etched in his face. “This is not possible.”
“Nehebkau commands the ancient realm of Rantazmac. This was the first realm of the Dragonfae. If you know your history, Nehebkau won this realm in the battle of Zancor a thousand centuries ago.” The Hag ran a finger down Lumos’s neck. “Pyro lost the battle and became Nehebkau”s slave.”
“Then drink, Hag, so we may be on our way.” Lumos shot a warning glance at Thalia. “Form your black fire, butterfly, and trust no one.”
The sight of the Hag feasting on Lumos sent icy shivers down her spine. Hate for the repulsive creature came easily and fed the spinning ball in her hand, changing the orange twirling orb into a crackling black mass. A trickle of crimson blood ran down his chest. She stared at the hand gripping the pebble. Gods, how much more did the bitch need? Drop the pebble, Lumos… Drop the damn pebble. Lifting her attention to the Hag, Thalia watched her grow younger. Her white hair became dark and a youthful flush stained her cheek. To her horror, Lumos’s face had become a mask of bliss.
“Stop! Stop now.” She ran forward and grasped the Hag’s hair in an attempt to drag the vampire’s fangs away from his neck. With an unholy chuckle, the Hag shrugged her off, and continued to drain Lumos. “Let go of him right now. This was not our bargain. Let—him—go.”
The vampire growled deep in her chest and bit deeper into Lumos’s willing flesh. Why will he not resist? Fear gripped her belly. She stared at Lumos’s glazed expression. Gods, he said to trust no one. Taking a step closer, she ground the ball of black fire into the old woman’s back.
An ear-piercing scream filled the small cave. The sound of the Hag’s pain sent Thalia into a frenzy. She pounced on her, tearing her nails into the vampire’s face, wrenching the undead’s fangs from his neck. Strength surged through her, the need to protect him raged through every muscle with the intensity of a bolt of lightning. She struck out at the vampire knocking her away.
Drawing on the hate for the ugly crone, she formed fireball after fireball and attacked without mercy. The vampire hissed, the youthful blush slowly draining from her face. Thalia shuddered and used hate for the repugnant creature into yet another ball of black fire. On impact, the Hag shriveled from a ripe plum to a wrinkled prune and collapsed in a heap on the floor.
The old Elf staggered from the chair and walked unsteadily toward her. Thalia spun around to face the old man. She must protect Lumos. Blinded by rage, she stood in front of the Dragonfae, balls of black fire spinning on both palms. “Do not come any closer, Elf—I will kill you.”
“Let me come with you, I beg you.” Mino drew a circle of light. “Your magyck has freed me from the Hag’s spell.”
Thalia threw both fireballs at the Hag. She held no pity for the vampire’s screams. Goddess, her rage had become uncontrollable. Drawing a steadying breath, she tried desperately to focus. She turned to Lumos. “Lumos, for the gods’ sakes, get up!” She pulled on his arm. “We have to go. Get up, now.”
She dragged Lumos to his feet then pushed him through the circle of light and they fell onto a snow-covered plateau. She searched around and foun
d Argos standing not ten paces away. To her relief, Lumos rolled into a sitting position, shook his dark head, and stared around, disorientated. She cupped his pale face. “Are you well? Lady’s blood, Lumos, speak to me.”
“Aye, my sweet butterfly, I am well. Gods, you are remarkable. I was lost… The Hag bewitched me with vampire glamour.” Lumos scrubbed at his face. “I had not realized how vulnerable I am without magyck.” He lifted his gaze to her. “You fight like a Dragonfae’s mate. I am sure I saw sparks flying from your hair.” He gave her a weak smile. “Gods… I hate being useless.”
“You will need this.” Mino handed Lumos his cloak. “I owe you my life and will send you to Rantazmac if that is your wish, then I must return home.” He sighed. “I will seek guidance from the King of the Fae in the hope he may be able to restore me.”
“I am sure he will help you.” Lumos got to his feet. “Our horses are farther down the mountain. We will need them to carry our supplies.”
“Do you know the realm of the three moons? The one they call Treluna?” Mino inclined his head.
“Aye, I know Treluna.” Lumos regarded the Elf with narrowed eyes. “Why?”
“Treluna is my home. Come with me and I will care for your horses.” The Elf sighed. “Rantazmac is a barren landscape and the horses will not survive there. I will send you into the caves and set you down only a short distance from the entrance to Pyro’s prison.” He straightened his spine. “I fought with the Dragonfae and saw the capture of the Firedragon. This is how the Hag knew of the ancient one.”
“How am I supposed to kill Nehebkau?” Lumos rubbed the two puncture marks on his neck. “If the Firedragon could not beat her with his magyck, what chance do I have? I might just as well be a Nomag.”
“You will not be able to fight her with magyck. She is good, very good, but if you take her unawares, you at least have a chance.” Mino smiled. “If you do not use magyck, she will not sense your presence. Elf magyck is no threat to her, so my circle of light will pass by unnoticed.”
