The enormous wave crested over the ship, raining saltwater down on us and blocking out the sky. Fear gripped my throat as Auric raised his arms, causing the water to slam against an invisible wall around us. Slade bent down and rested his palms on the wood and metal of the deck, while the ship begin to creak and groan.
The wave drenched the entire ship with a great crash and sent it careening to the side, but Auric and Reven’s magic kept us dry. Water buffeted their defenses relentlessly, and the two men were forced back while our small bubble of safety shrank.
From the view around us, we might as well have been completely underwater. Maybe we were, with the way the ship was lurching, making it hard for us to stand. I lost my footing and crashed into Slade, but he caught me and held me against him, as if he could protect me with his sheer size and willpower.
The wave didn’t seem to end and I could tell my mates were losing the battle, as was the ship, which splintered apart under the pressure from the water. But then the elementals appeared through the wave, their glowing eyes giving them away.
I gripped Jasin’s arm. “We have to stop them!”
He nodded, his face weary but his will unwavering. Together we stepped in front of the other men and sought out the elementals, but there were too many of them and my magic was still untrained. We couldn’t afford for me to miss. No, we needed Jasin’s magic.
I took Jasin’s hand and felt the bond between us flare bright. I closed my eyes and willed my energy and healing magic from the Spirit Goddess to flow into him. As it did, a wave of exhaustion swept through me, even as Jasin’s body began to glow faintly. I had no idea if this would work or how long I could do this, but we needed Jasin more than we needed me right now. He was the only one who could save us.
Jasin conjured fire in his other hand and it burned so hot it was almost blue. He cast it at the elemental nearest us and it went up in a wisp of steam immediately. He lobbed another ball of flame at the next one, and the next, clutching my other hand tight the entire time. The never-ending downpour buffertng the ship began to ease slightly. And as he worked I felt his resolve, his fear, his courage, and his exhilaration through the bond as if they were my own emotions.
The last elemental went up in a spray of mist, and the wave suddenly ceased its attack, dropping back into the ocean. The ship rolled violently and the deck was splintered and cracked in numerous places, but was otherwise intact. All four of my mates were alive, although exhausted and drenched with saltwater.
We did it.
That was my last thought before fatigue swept through me and I collapsed onto the deck, still clutching Jasin’s hand.
6
Slade
Kira’s body hit the deck and I rushed toward her, even though Jasin was already kneeling over her. I knocked him out of the way and lifted Kira’s small form into my arms. Her body was completely limp and her head rolled against my shoulder, her eyes closed, but she was alive at least. Kira, what did he do to you?
“I can take her,” Jasin said, reaching for Kira again.
I pinned him with a stern gaze. “You’ve done enough.”
“Is she all right?” Auric asked, his face lined with worry.
“She’s still breathing,” Reven said.
“She needs rest.” I began to make my way toward the hatch leading below deck. The other guys followed right at my heels, while Kira’s head rested snugly against my chest. I’d already been terrified for her during the elemental attack, but seeing her collapse had been too much and I’d been forced to jump into action. She seemed so small and fragile in my arms, even though I knew she was as fierce as any of us. If I could keep her cradled in my arms and safe forever, I would. She would hate it, but I wouldn’t care if it meant no harm would ever befall her.
Gods, when had I begun to care so much for her? There was no denying it. I was fond of her, though I was hesitant to admit it even to myself. It had to be that damn mate bond between us making me want to protect her and be near her at all times. And it would only get worse once we were truly bonded at the Earth Temple.
As I jumped down into the lower quarters with Kira nestled in my arms, water splashed everywhere. It was up to my knees thanks to the wave that had attacked us, but otherwise the ship appeared intact down here. I’d have to do a more thorough appraisal soon, but first I had to get Kira settled.
Auric righted a hammock and I gently placed Kira into it, then brushed hair off her face with my knuckles. She didn’t even stir, and I stared at her chest for some time to confirm she was truly breathing.
Then I turned toward Jasin and slammed him back against the nearest wall. “What did you do to her?”
His eyes widened. “Me? I did nothing!”
My grip tightened around his shirt. “Then what happened to her?”
“She took my hand and gave me her power. Our bond went berserk or something. I don’t know!”
“That’s why you were glowing,” Auric said from behind me.
I released Jasin with a low growl, and he straightened up and glared at me in return. “I swear, I didn’t do anything,” he said. “I was completely wiped out, but then she touched me and I suddenly had a ton of energy again and I could summon more fire than ever.” His face softened as he looked over at Kira. “I had no idea it would do this to her.”
“She probably didn’t know either,” Auric said.
Reven shrugged. “She did this to herself. It’s not Jasin’s fault.”
I swung my angry stare over to him. “No one asked for your opinion, deserter.”
Reven’s eyes narrowed at me and my fists clenched in return. Normally I was the calm, clear-headed one of the group who could ignore their constant bickering, but not when Kira was suffering like this. Jasin was the cause this time, but Reven had abandoned Kira before when she needed him most. She’d forgiven him somehow, but if it were up to me we’d be looking for a new man to represent water.
Auric touched Kira’s forehead with the back of his hand. “She’s going to be okay. She just needs rest.”
I stiffened. “We don’t know that. She’s never been like this before.”
“I’m worried too,” Jasin said. “But I can feel her through our bond and she’s still there. I think she’ll be fine after she gets some sleep. The best thing we can do for her is to get this ship moving again.”
I drew in a long breath and allowed my muscles to relax. “All right, but one of us needs to keep watch over her at all times in case something changes. And I’m taking first watch.”
“No, we need you to fix the ship,” Jasin said, which made me only want to slam him against the wall again. If he thought he was going to step up and be the leader of this group he was going to be met with some resistance, even if he’d bonded with Kira first.
“He’s right,” Auric said. “Reven and I can’t get the ship moving again without your repairs in place, and Jasin’s magic can’t do much in that regard.”
Jasin nodded. “I’ll take first watch.”
“I’ll get the next one,” Reven said, crossing his arms. “Once I get the water off this ship, you won’t need me for a while.”
I pressed my palm to my forehead, fighting off a rising headache, no doubt from dealing with Kira’s annoying mates. “Fine.”
I climbed up the ladder with heavy steps, my own exhaustion taking hold of me now that the thrill of the battle and the fear over Kira’s collapse was behind me. I’d continue to worry about her until she was awake and could tell me herself she was okay, but there were other ways to protect her too. Like repairing this ship.
As the ship swelled and rolled, another wave of seasickness reminded me I should have stayed on land from the beginning. Without firm ground under my feet I was mostly useless in a battle, although I’d discovered I could control wood as long as all the life had left it. Living things were the domain of the Spirit Goddess, but old, hard wood was as lifeless as stone and seemed to fall under my control.
I used that pow
er now to mend the splintered mast so that Auric could get the ship sailing again soon and allow us to continue on to the Air Temple. And after that…the Earth Temple, where I would fully bond with Kira. At first, I’d resisted the idea. Then I’d come to terms with it and considered it my duty. Now I was anxious to get there sooner than later. Once I was a Dragon I would be able to defend Kira and the others better. Gods knew Jasin needed all the help he could get in that area.
But the act of bonding would be a problem. Even if I desired Kira physically, things between us could never go beyond friendship and duty. I would never love a woman again without reservation, and even if I could, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of sharing her with other men. There was no way Kira could love all of us equally in the end, and I wasn’t willing to be someone’s second—or third or fourth—choice. I’d already been left for another man once. I was never opening myself up to that kind of pain again.
7
Kira
When I opened my eyes I found Reven in the hammock beside me, wearing nothing but his trousers. His cool skin pressed against mine, and I discovered I wore only my threadbare chemise as well. One of my mates must have changed me out of my soaked dress at some point.
With Reven’s eyes closed he looked peaceful for once, especially with his black hair messy. Younger, too. Or perhaps he appeared his true age for once. How he would look if he didn’t have his dark past weighing on him all the time.
The second I moved, his eyes snapped open and fixed on me. They were the color of the waves around the ship and just as cold.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, as I slowly rolled toward him, the hammock drawing us close together. “And without a shirt on?”
“We thought touching you might heal you faster. Like when you heal us.” His jaw clenched, but he didn’t move away. “It was Auric’s idea.”
“Of course it was.” I rested my hands on the muscular ridges of his chest. For healing, naturally. “How long have I been out?”
“Almost two days.”
“Two days?” I pushed on his chest to rise to a sitting position. “What happened to me?”
He sat up next to me and shrugged. “You collapsed after we fought off the water elementals. We brought you in here to rest.”
I scrubbed a hand over my face as the memories came back. “I gave Jasin my energy and strength so he could fight the elementals off, but I must have drained myself in the process.”
“Seems that way.”
I’d have to be more careful in the future, especially if it knocked me out for so long. I practically fell out of the hammock and righted myself on shaky legs, while my stomach ached with a hollow feeling and my vision blurred. “Oh Gods, I’m starving.”
“I’m sure we can find you something.” Reven got to his feet in one smooth motion that made me look like a graceless animal. He grabbed his shirt and tossed it on, the muscles in his back flexing and commanding my attention. It was truly unfair for someone so difficult to be so irresistible.
With Reven right behind me, I slowly climbed up the ladder and moved through the hatch onto the main deck, squinting against the bright sun. Where I’d expected disaster and wreckage, all I saw was the ship looking almost as good as new. Gods, I really had been out a long time.
“Kira!” Jasin called out from above me. “You’re awake!”
He slid down a rope from the main mast and landed at my feet, while Auric floated down until his boots lightly touched the deck. Slade hopped down from the upper deck as he approached us. Yes, everyone on this ship was more graceful than me today.
Auric touched my face softly. “It’s good to see you up again.”
“You’ve learned a new trick,” I said, leaning into his palm.
“Yes, and it’s definitely coming in handy. Not all of us are eager to climb the ropes like Jasin here.”
Slade gripped my shoulders and spun me around to take me in. “Kira, are you well?”
“I’m okay, thanks. Just hungry.” I tried to pat down my hair, which was more unruly than ever, not helped by the warm breeze out here. “I can’t believe I slept so long.”
“Let me get you something to eat,” Jasin said, before darting off.
“He feels responsible for what happened to you,” Auric said quietly.
“He is responsible,” Slade growled.
I reached for the railing to steady myself, feeling a bit lightheaded. “No, it was all my own doing. Don’t blame Jasin for this.”
“Why don’t you sit down?” Auric said, taking my elbow and leading me along the ship. He helped me onto a nearby barrel, while the other men hovered around me. They’d already been over-protective of me, and now that I’d passed out in front of them I’d never get a moment to myself again.
“I’m fine, really,” I said, though I did feel better now that I was sitting.
Reven handed me a flask, scowling the entire time. “Drink this.”
I sighed at him, but then took a long sip of cool, deliciously fresh water. Before I knew it the flask was empty and my head had stopped spinning quite so much. With a flick of his fingers, Reven summoned more water into the flask, while Jasin returned with a spread of food—bread, cheese, and some fried fish. Enough to feed all of us, but he set it in front of me alone.
“Thank you, this is perfect,” I said, as I popped a piece of cheese into my mouth.
“Reven caught us all some fish earlier, and I fried them up while Auric and Slade fixed the ship,” Jasin said with a grin. Through our bond I felt him near me and sensed his emotions—mainly relief, with a touch of guilt and worry.
I managed a small smile at the group of men. “It’s nice to see you all working together.”
“Don’t get used to it.” Reven crossed his arms, but that only made me smile wider.
“Can you tell us what happened the other day?” Auric asked.
I took another sip of water before continuing. “I could tell Jasin was exhausted and I still don’t know how to control fire very well, so I tried to lend him my energy and strength.”
“It definitely worked. I’d never felt so powerful before.” Jasin stroked my hair tenderly while I ate. “I only wish it hadn’t drained you in the process.”
“I’ll have to be careful in the future. I’m still learning how to use all this magic and I haven’t even begun my fire training.” The thought of everything I had ahead of me was daunting. I’d have to master all five elements, and quickly. Along with everything else that came with being the Black Dragon.
“You just need to practice,” Slade said. “It’s the same as learning any new skill. The more you do it the better you’ll get at it, and the longer you’ll be able to keep it going.”
I nodded. Archery had been the same way at first. When I’d first joined the bandits I had never held a bow before and thought I would never be good at it. Now the only one who could rival me with a bow was Jasin.
“We’re growing stronger every day,” Auric said. “Imagine how powerful we’ll be once we’re all bonded to you.”
“Imagine how powerful the other Dragons are now,” Reven countered. “They’ve had centuries to practice their magic.”
“Let’s hope we won’t encounter one anytime soon.” I couldn’t help but glance back the way we’d come, wondering if Sark’s blood-red wings were trailing behind us. Sooner or later we would have to face the Dragons—and we definitely weren’t ready for them yet.
8
Jasin
That night I sought out Kira below deck after giving her a bit more time to recover. As I stepped down the ladder, she was staring at Auric’s map of the four Realms, her finger resting near the Air Temple and her brow creased in thought. Her red hair hung loose around her shoulders, framing her graceful neck and that beautiful face I could stare at forever. Mine, something inside me whispered with satisfaction.
Though I knew she’d bond with the other men soon, I took great pride in being her first mate. She’d been hesitant t
o trust me at first, between my past as a ladies’ man and a soldier in the Onyx Army, but eventually I’d won her over and proven my devotion to her. And a good thing too, because I’d realized before we even reached the Fire Temple that I was in love with her. I’d never felt so strongly about any woman before, and now I couldn’t imagine a life without Kira in it.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, when she glanced up at me.
“Better, thanks.” She pushed the map aside as I moved behind her and began massaging her shoulders. With a soft sigh she tilted her head back, relaxing under my firm hands. “That feels nice.”
“Good.” I brushed aside her hair and slid her dress down her shoulders so I could better knead her soft skin. “When you collapsed in front of us I was so worried. The other guys were too. Don’t do that again, okay?”
“I’ll try not to, but I can’t make any guarantees. I’m still testing the limits of these new powers and I have a lot to learn. ”
“Just be careful. I’ve never seen Slade so upset before.”
She turned her head toward me. “Slade was upset?”
“Very. All of us were. Even Reven.” I pressed my thumbs into the spot between her shoulder blades where I could tell she was extra tense. “At least I could still sense you through our bond so I knew you would be okay. The others could only trust my word on that.”
“I understand. I can feel you through the bond too.” She leaned back into my touch. “I can sense where you are and sometimes feel your emotions.”
I chuckled softly. “Not sure I’m thrilled with that aspect of the bond.”
“Why, are you hiding something from me?” she asked in a teasing voice.
“Not at all. Just as long as you can’t read my thoughts. Although if you could, you’d see all the things I’d like to do to you now that we’re finally alone.”
Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series Page 21