Leni rushed down the road with a bag thrown over her shoulder and a sword at her waist. “Don’t leave without me!”
“Leni!” Yena cried out. “What do you think you are doing?”
“I’m going with them.” She moved to Brin’s side and stood tall. “I know you don’t approve, mother, but I have to do this. I feel it in my bones. This is my destiny.”
Yena pursed her lips, but then slowly nodded. “I always knew you would leave us. I only hoped I would have more time before then. Please be safe.”
“Thank you, mother,” Leni said, throwing her arms around Yena. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
“You’re letting her go?” Slade asked, his face incredulous.
“I am,” Yena said. “Leni is a grown woman and must make her own decisions, even if I will always worry for her. Please promise to watch over your sister, will you?”
“I’ll do my best,” he said with reluctance.
“More like I’ll be the one watching over him,” Leni said, nudging him in the side.
“We’re lucky to have you,” I said. “Are we ready?”
Jasin nodded, and he stepped back as his body began to change. There was no more hiding anymore, and the crowd gasped as Jasin shifted into a large red-scaled dragon before them. Some people shied back, fearing his new form, but others moved closer like they wanted a better look. Auric shifted into his own dragon form next, his golden wings bright and regal under the sun, and the crowd let out more impressed sounds.
I turned toward the crowd and raised my voice. “Thank you all for your hospitality. These past few days in your village have been some of the best of my life, and I’ll cherish them always. We apologize for any danger we may have put you in, but we’re impressed by your bravery and loyalty in the face of threat. We truly appreciate all you have done for us and hope to see you again one day.”
I gave a short bow and then climbed onto Auric’s back, while the crowd cheered and murmured behind us. Slade got on behind me, while the others clambered onto Jasin’s back. Leni grinned from ear to ear as she sat in front of Brin, and I hoped we were doing the right thing by taking her with us. I didn’t want any more lives on my hands, although I knew that was becoming inevitable. As the future Black Dragon, people would always follow me…and so would death.
24
Kira
We stopped beside a small lake to camp for the evening, and I immediately missed the comforts of Clayridge, including a hot meal and a real bed. On the other hand, it eased my mind to be on the road again, knowing we were less of a threat to the villagers’ safety now that we were gone.
After eating some of the food Wrin had packed for us, I retreated to the edge of the lake by myself and sat on the banks. Although I told myself I wanted time alone, I secretly hoped Enva would appear to me again, as she often did when I was troubled. The old woman could be infuriating and confusing, but she was also my grandmother and I wanted to get to know her better. But after a few minutes of staring at the smooth water she never arrived, and I gave up on that hope.
This time, it didn’t surprise me when Reven emerged and sat beside me. No matter how much he tried to keep his distance and pretend he didn’t care, it hadn’t escaped my notice that when I was upset and ran off to be alone with my thoughts, it was usually Reven who sought me out first to comfort me. His form of comfort might be more unconventional than the other men’s, but I appreciated his presence nonetheless.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” he asked, as he stretched out his long legs beside me.
“As ready as I can be,” I replied. “I’m mostly worried about Jasin and Auric, along with the others fighting beside them at Salt Creek Tower. Our role seems easier in comparison.”
“They’ll be fine. They’re both strong fighters and quick thinkers.”
I nodded, but I wouldn’t feel completely at ease until the battle was over and all the people I cared about were out of danger. Except as soon as this battle was over, we were sure to face another one soon.
“What of you?” I asked. “If we get through this, we’ll be visiting the Water Temple next. Are you ready for that?”
“I’m not going to run away, if that’s what you’re asking.” His hand rested on my knee, then slid upward in a tantalizing way that made me hold my breath.
I turned toward him, pressing softly against his hard chest. “Does that mean you’ve accepted your role as the next Azure Dragon?”
“I have.” His strong hands wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me onto his lap and against his chest. “I want to defeat the Dragons as much as you do. And I’ll admit, the perks of the position are pretty appealing.”
“What perks would those be?” I asked, suddenly breathless now that we were so close and his hands were on me. I let my fingers slide up to his neck, thrilled at being able to touch him in return.
“You.” He crushed his lips against mine, kissing me hard. Weeks of pent-up desire between us was suddenly unleashed, and I tangled my fingers in his thick black hair as I kissed him back with the same passion. His tongue danced with mine, and his teeth nibbled along my lower lip. We’d kissed before, and done a lot more that one night, but this was different—because now he’d agreed to be my mate.
He pressed me down onto the grass, his body hovering over mine, and took the kiss deeper. He kissed me with his entire body and I clung to him, worried he’d back away, but he didn’t this time. His hands drifted up to cup my breasts through my dress, and I let out a low moan. My legs spread to let him position himself between them, and I felt his hard bulge nudge against me. Our hips grinded together, creating a delicious friction that made me crave more.
When his hands moved down to my knees and began to slide up my bare legs, I was practically begging for him to continue. He found the slick wetness between my thighs and I looked up at him with hunger, longing to become one with him, but a part of me was surprised he wasn’t stopping either.
“You don’t want to wait until the Water Temple?” I asked.
“Why wait?” His mouth descended on mine again while he continued the slow grind of his hips against mine, except now he slipped a finger inside me too. “We both want this right now. Or should I stop?”
Unease mixed with my desire at his words, even though his touch made it hard for me to think. “The others all wanted to wait to bond at the temples because it would be more special that way.”
“I hate to break it to you, but if you’re waiting for this to be special between us, you’ll be waiting forever.” He lowered his head to kiss my neck as his fingers continued their delicious torment inside me. “This is just sex, that’s all. But trust me, you’ll enjoy it.”
“Just sex?” I lightly pushed him off me and sat up. “But I thought you wanted to be my mate.”
He dragged a hand through his black hair. “I agreed to sleep with you and become one of your Dragons. I’m here, I’m not leaving, and I’m committed to our cause. Isn’t that enough?”
“No, it’s not.” I yanked my dress down to cover my legs, even though my body silently pleaded for him to continue what he’d been doing. “I want more.”
“I don’t have anything more to give.” His eyes darkened, his mouth turning into a scowl. “I’m not capable of love, not like you want.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Believe it,” he growled. “Long ago I watched everyone I loved die, and I’ll never let myself feel that way again. Like I told you before, love makes you weak, and I won’t be weak ever again.”
“You’re wrong. I’ve lost everyone too, but I haven’t closed myself off because of it. Loving the others has made me stronger—and not just with magic. The other men give me confidence and courage, wisdom and empathy, and the support I need to get through all of this. The only way we’ll survive the upcoming battles is with love.” I reached for him again. “I’d like to love you too, Reven. Just let me in.”
“It’s never going to happen. You need to get
that into your head already.” He got up and walked away, leaving me alone and cold beside the lake with only the stars overhead for company.
A deep sadness settled over me at the thought that Reven would never love me as much as I loved him, but there was nothing I could do about it. I couldn’t force his heart to let me in, and I didn’t want any other man as my mate. We were stuck together, and I’d have to accept that things between us would never be exactly as I wanted. Whatever Reven offered would have to be enough…even if I would want more for the rest of my days.
25
Kira
The next day we flew north into the mountains toward the Earth Temple. It was located on top of Frostmount, the tallest point in the realm, although we weren’t going there, not exactly. We were meeting Parin on another mountain in a cave that he said would lead us into the temple without anyone noticing. As his mother was once the High Priestess, I was inclined to believe him, even though it was hard to trust a relative stranger with something this important. But Slade seemed to trust Parin, even if he didn’t like him, and I trusted Slade.
The air grew colder and colder as we approached the snow-covered mountains, and I pulled my fur-lined hood over my head. We’d bought cold weather clothing and supplies during our time in Clayridge, but I wasn’t sure anything could fight off the chill here.
Auric and Jasin were careful to fly high in the clouds, and cautious when they came down to land beside the cave entrance, which was covered in frost. They shifted as soon as we were off their backs, and only then did Parin emerge from the shadows.
“I’m not sure it will ever get any less terrifying seeing two dragons flying toward me, even if I know they’re my allies,” Parin said, shaking his head. “But I’m glad you made it.”
“Thank you for meeting us here,” I said. Parin was putting his own life in danger by guiding us through these tunnels, but he’d insisted on coming with us, even though it meant leaving his people to fight without him. Faya would be leading the battle at Salt Creek Tower, and I knew he must be worried about her, just as I worried about my mates.
“Are your troops in position?” Jasin asked.
“They are,” Parin said. “Everything is ready. They’re simply waiting for you to join them.”
“Then this is where we go our separate ways,” Auric said, turning to me. He drew me in for a tight hug, then kissed me softly on the lips. “Be careful, Kira.”
“You too.” My heart clenched, knowing I was sending two of my mates into danger, and that I wouldn’t be there to protect them. They probably felt the same about leaving me.
Jasin grabbed me in his warm embrace next, kissing me hard. “I’ll look after Auric. Don’t worry.”
“Thank you. I know he’ll look out for you too.” I reached out and grabbed both their hands, connecting us again and feeling the bond surge between the three of us. “I love you both.”
My two mates replied that they loved me too, and after more kisses they finally stepped back. I hugged Brin next, making her promise to stay safe, and overheard Slade talking to his sister in a low voice.
“You don’t have to fight,” he said. “It’s not too late to back out.”
“I want to fight,” Leni said, standing taller.
He hugged her tight and seemed reluctant to let her go. Then he turned back to Jasin and Auric. “Take care of my sister for me.”
“We will, I promise,” Jasin said.
“As if she were our own blood,” Auric promised.
As the goodbyes finished, I retreated to stand between Slade and Reven. Slade’s hand rested on my lower back as worry made me bite my lower lip, and together we watched as Jasin and Auric returned to their glorious dragon forms. With a few flaps of their wings they were in the air again, and then they were gone.
“They’ll be fine,” Reven said. We’d avoided each other since last night, and I still felt a pang of sadness when I remembered what had happened, but I had to get past that now.
“I hope so.” With a sigh, I turned toward the cave. According to Parin we had a long hike ahead of us through the icy tunnels, and standing here worrying about the others wouldn’t accomplish anything.
“Follow me,” Parin said, as he led us into the darkness.
26
Auric
After hours of flying we reached the rendezvous point, a cave near Salt Creek Tower where the Resistance had gathered. Brin and Leni hopped off and removed the supplies from our backs, and then we shifted into our human forms again. I popped my shoulders, which were always a bit stiff after using my wings, while the others checked their weapons. Even though I was likely to remain a dragon for much of the battle, I strapped on my own long, curved daggers, a gift from my father that had been in our family for centuries, passed down from the brother of the first Golden Dragon.
A somber mood had settled over all of us, both from leaving Kira and the others behind, along with the upcoming battle we were about to face. Brin and Leni laced their hands together and spoke in quiet voices, though I had no doubt they’d be ready to fight. Brin was an excellent warrior, and I’d heard she’d been helping Leni train too. If Leni was half as dangerous as her brother, she’d be a formidable force.
“The Earth Realm sure likes its caves,” Jasin muttered, as he strode toward the entrance. Brin and Leni followed a few steps behind him.
I kept pace with him. “Perhaps that’s why the Resistance has the largest presence here. Easier to hide from the Dragons.”
Jasin shrugged, and we stepped inside the damp, dark cave. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I took in the sight of dozens of warriors gathered, with more stretching back into tunnels and out of view. Parin had promised us a hundred men and women, armed with bows, axes, swords, and more.
Faya pushed her way to the front of the crowd. Last time I’d seen her she’d worn slim, simple dresses, but now she was geared for combat in silver armor with a large sword strapped to her back. After visiting the quiet town she’d grown up in, I could see why she had felt stifled there.
“We’re ready to begin moving out,” she said. “At your command, we’ll begin the attack.”
We quickly went over the plan again, clarifying a few things, while Jasin and I chugged water and shoved food into our mouths for energy. Once we were ready, we moved outside of the cave, while the fighters began to head toward the fort.
I turned toward Jasin and clasped his hand in my own. “Good luck today, my friend.”
“You too.” He drew me in for a quick embrace, and we gave each other a tight squeeze. “I’ve got your back out there.”
“And I’ve got yours.”
As we pulled apart, I keenly felt the connection between us, even without Kira here. And from the way he met my eyes, I knew he felt it too.
I turned to Brin next, then wrapped her in a close hug. My oldest friend, my former fiancé, and now my close companion on this strange journey. I had no idea if this thing with her and Leni would work out, but I was happy she’d found someone who made her smile. “Take care of yourself, okay?”
“I always do,” she said with a wry grin. “Don’t get yourself killed either.”
I chuckled softly. “I’ll do my best.”
I gave Leni a nod, and then the two women joined the ranks of the other warriors. I’d be watching for them from above, trying to keep them safe, and I knew Jasin would be doing the same.
I became a dragon once more, feeling my body shift and grow, along with the rush of power that came from the transformation. My skin became scales, my hands became talons, and my teeth became fangs. Great, golden wings spread from my body, and with a mighty roar I launched into the air, with Jasin at my side.
Together we flew toward Salt Creek Tower to begin the assault, while the Resistance’s fighters surged forward. According to Faya, she’d already sent a few men and women to sneak into the fort itself, and they would open the gate for us. If they failed, Jasin and I would have to get it down somehow.
&nb
sp; The fort came into view, consisting of a few stone buildings with a large wall around it surrounded by a narrow moat. Onyx Army soldiers in their black armor lined the top of the wall, and they let out a shout when they saw us coming. Our fighters spread out in front of the wall, while the soldiers inside the fort prepared for battle.
Jasin gave me a nod, smoke already coming from his nostrils, and then flew forward. I hung back and circled low over the Resistance fighters. We’d decided Jasin would lead the offensive, focusing on taking out as many of the soldiers in the fort as possible, while I’d help defend our own people. Partly because his magic was better suited for an attack, and partly because I’d never been in a battle like this before, while Jasin had seen plenty of them. I was no stranger to combat, but warfare was an entirely new experience for me.
Jasin glided over the fort and let out a loud, terrifying roar that hit me all the way in my bones. I opened my mouth and released one of my own in response, signaling the attack was to begin—and hopefully sending fear into our enemies.
The heavy metal gate at the front of the fort opened, and our fighters surged forward into the keep with a loud cry. At the same time, Jasin unleashed a stream of red hot fire, taking out a line of soldiers on the wall. The ones he missed launched arrows at our people, but with a blast of air I sent them flying back to the archers.
Below us, people met in battle with a clash of swords and the spilling of blood. I caught sight of Brin and Leni fighting back to back, cutting down their opponents with ease. When a man leveled a spear at them, I dove down and caught it in my talons, then drove it through his chest. My tail whipped around, knocking two other soldiers down, and I began slashing with talons and teeth, while blasting out air strong enough to knock others back.
Shake The Earth: Her Elemental Dragons Book Three Page 11