Lena"Of course. But why the rush? If you'll permit me, I'd like to buy you dinner first." Dad said hopefully.My first instinct was to deny him outright - I had no time for nostalgia with the pressing matter of my bond. But I needed his cooperation, and this might be my only chance to get answers about his mysterious past.I nodded hesitantly. "Dinner would be fine."Dad's weathered face broke into a genuine smile, the first I'd seen from him. He led me to a small, tidy cabin set a short ways apart from the rest of the humble homes. I followed him inside.He shrugged off his leather jacket and left his muddy boots on the porch before entering. I did the same, feeling suddenly self-conscious. This simple act of removing shoes signaled stepping into a private, intimate space - a ritual of home I had not shared with my father since early childhood.The single room cabin was sparse but cozy, with a few hand-built furnishings and faded wool blankets warming the bed. Dad busied himself at
LenaI had been at the hidden raider village nearly a week now. Despite the answers promised, my mystical bond remained unchanged. Today I was determined to make Mr. S finally explain the method to break it, whatever the cost.After a quick breakfast, I went in search of him. I eventually spotted his graying head bent over a young girl whimpering in pain, her neck raw beneath the etched binding-band. Concern overcame my frustration."Let me help," I offered, rolling up my sleeves. Mr. S glanced up, relief flashing across his careworn face."Lena, thank you. Just hold her gently while I apply this salve."I cradled the girl, murmuring soothing words while Mr. S treated the inflamed skin. The child soon relaxed into sleep. We laid her carefully onto a cot before slipping outside.Mr. S wiped his brow, looking suddenly older. "My methods provide only temporary relief at best. These bands are strong magic."My temper flared. "Well, you promised to help break my bond, yet say nothing beyon
LenaRough hands dragged me along as consciousness slowly returned. My sluggish thoughts could not grasp what was happening. As the black fog in my mind cleared slightly, I realized I was being pulled down stone steps into some kind of cellar or bunker. Iron bars clanged shut behind me, jolting me fully alert."No, stop!" I cried hoarsely, rushing the barred door. Too late. The faceless guards paid me no mind as they trudged back up the worn stairs and slammed a heavy door, plunging the space into darkness.Frantically I grasped the cold metal bars, shaking them with all my strength to no avail. The solid door did not budge when I threw my weight against it. I was trapped."Let me out!" I screamed until my voice cracked. "This is a mistake! My father doesn't know the truth."Only silence answered my pleas. Exhausted and despairing, I sank down onto the dirt floor, hot tears spilling down my cheeks. Fox had woven his deceptions too skillfully. No one would listen or believe me anymore.
LenaHermes' sharp voice cracked through the training yard. "Again!"I gritted my teeth and raised my sword, exhausted muscles screaming in protest. Across from me, Scar assumed a ready stance, his larger blade glinting in the morning sun.Hermes' training had grown relentlessly brutal. I barely blocked Scar's first crushing blow before his second disarmed me completely. My sword clattered across the stones as I fell to my knees, gasping."Pathetic!" Hermes snarled. "Your enemies will show no mercy. Now get up and go again!"Scar stepped forward, expression thunderous. "Enough! Can you not see she is spent?" He gently helped me to my feet, steadying me as I swayed.Hermes looked poised to argue, but Scar silenced him with a piercing glare. Supporting me firmly, Scar led me back inside to my chambers."Rest now. No more training today." Gingerly he helped me sit on the bed and knelt to remove my battered boots. His fingers worked gently, barely brushing my skin, but that light contact
ScarThe clamor of battle surrounded me, steel ringing against steel and men crying out in rage or pain. But my focus had turned inward, wrestling against the bloodlust rising within. It would be so easy to unleash my draconic fury and scorch this entire valley black. Only tattered threads of restraint held me back.Weeks of fruitless skirmishes here on the outskirts of Fort Aldo had pushed my temper near breaking. The damned raiders refused open battle, instead drawing us into ambushes and raids. They knew we could raze their stronghold anytime, so they harassed and chipped away at us day by day, seeping into my mind like poison.Today I had reached my limit. As the latest clash died down to uneasy calm, I stalked away from the field, fearing what I might do if I remained.At the river's edge I paused, struggling to rechain my temper before it took control. Since returning from the icy waste after Lena's betrayal, I had balanced on a knife's edge. Her loss left a gaping void within,
LenaThe scent of sizzling meat and fresh bread roused me gradually from sleep. I shifted on sinfully soft sheets, momentarily disoriented. Then awareness rushed back. I was not in my cell, but an elegantly furnished cave chamber, a cozy fire crackling in the hearth.A mat of furs beside me was still warm, meaning I had not slept alone. But my memory remained a foggy blank. Unease skittered through me. What new trickery was this?Footsteps approached, and I tensed. But the figure that entered holding a laden breakfast tray made my heart seize for entirely different reasons."You're finally awake, my treasure." Scar grinned rakishly, the firelight dancing over the taut muscles of his bare torso as he set the tray down with a flourish. "I prepared all your favorites."I gaped at him stupidly, certain I must still be dreaming. But the mouthwatering aromas from the tray were undeniably real.Seeing my dumbstruck expression, Scar chuckled and leaned down to caress my cheek. "Still not full
Fox The girl's anguished cries echoed through the stone tunnels as the bindinqg spell took hold, amplified by the dragon heart gem. I smiled in satisfaction. Everything was proceeding perfectly to plan.Soon enough, the beast would come rushing to its keeper's distress call. And when it did, we would be ready this time. After so many failed attempts, finally the power of the dragons would be mine to command.I turned to the ring of robed figures assembled in the summoning chamber. "Prepare yourselves. It approaches even now, drawn by the bait."They nodded grimly, moving into assigned positions. I spared a glance for grey-haired Jackson, once my rival, now converted to the cause of bringing his daughter and her monstrous mate under control. Such bonds of family were so easily twisted to my purposes.Zoya pressed close, pride and bloodlust burning in her reptilian eyes. "Today we avenge all the wrongs ever inflicted on our clan."I stroked her raven hair indulgently, though inwardly I
Hermes The journey back to our mountain fortress passed in tense silence after Scar's abrupt departure. Neither Lena's siblings nor Gertie seemed to fully comprehend what had driven him off so precipitously. But a cold dread sat like stone in my own gut. Somehow we had been grievously deceived, lured by false hope.There would be no easy reunion with Lena. I sensed peril awaited us all along the path ahead now. But voicing misgivings would only further distress this family, so I kept my own counsel during the weary flight home.No rest or respite awaited me there either. Word of our early return had preceded us, and the full council of clan elders descended swiftly, demanding explanations.Gertie did her best to placate them as we related an abridged version of events. But suspicion and unease rippled through the ranks at news of Scar's hasty solo departure. The elders fixated on the worst possible implications."This bodes ill, dangerously ill," old Lord Brandt insisted, thumping hi
I woke slowly, languidly, enveloped in warmth. Soft lips pressed against mine even as fingers trailed down my body, igniting smoldering embers inside me. I yielded to the kiss, the caress, feeling wanted, desired.Until an angry snarl shattered the moment. The lips disappeared and a solid weight pinned me down. My eyes flew open to see Hunter sprawled on the floor, Scar looming over him, fists clenched."Scar!" I exclaimed. "What the hell?" His magenta eyes blazed as they fixed on me. "What the hell? You're seriously asking me that?" He stabbed an accusing finger at Hunter. "I can feel everything you feel, remember? So imagine getting woken up by you getting all hot and bothered over some bastard pawing at you.""Hey!" Hunter launched himself at Scar, both crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs. I scrambled back as they rolled, grappling furiously. "Enough!" I shouted, but they ignored me. With a cry of frustration, I flung myself between them, shoving them apart with all my str
Lena The dull roar of the crowd gathered outside the hall was audible even from within my dressing room. I stared at my reflection as Sage zipped up the back of my knee-length black dress, her skilled hands working quickly. "There," she said. "You look beautiful, Lena."I sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my eyes. "I don't feel beautiful. I feel like I'm being served up for auction."Sage squeezed my shoulder, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "Today marks the beginning of real change. No more hiding, no more fear. You're bringing peace, Lena."Footsteps at the door made us both turn. Scar loomed in the doorway, striking in his black suit, silver hair glinting. Hermes hovered behind him, looking slick in navy blue. "It's time," Scar rumbled. I lifted my chin, striding forward. Hermes offered his arm and I took it, letting him guide me down the plushly carpeted hall. The clamor outside crescendoed as we approached the doors to the hall itself, camera flashes visible even from her
A feeling of bittersweet joy hung in the air as our ragtag group celebrated my unexpected reunion with my son. Jackson gazed at me with such awe and longing, as though unable to believe I was real. I found myself overwhelmed trying to reconcile Jackson to his grandson.In the midst of the emotional upheaval, I noticed Hunter slip quietly from the room, a shadow dimming his usual vibrancy. My joy dimmed, realizing how difficult this reunion must be for him. With care not to jostle the sleeping babe in my arms, I slipped out to follow Hunter's brooding silhouette."You deserve time to process all this change," I offered gently once we were alone outside the battered walls.Hunter exhaled harshly, avoiding my searching look. "I just need...space, to adjust to everything." He attempted a strained half-smile. "Don't mind my sulking."My heart clenched hearing the hurt poorly masked beneath his gravel tones. Impulsively I laid one hand on his slumped shoulder. "I haven't decided anything ye
I drifted gradually up through velvety shadows toward waking, feeling almost reborn. Every muscle ached fiercely, but my spirit felt cleansed by recent trials. We had walked through fire and fury both literal and figurative, somehow emerging intact on redemption's far shore.With effort I pushed upright, taking in familiar features gathered anxiously around the modest pallet where I had slept. Concern furrowed Sage's brow until she noted my returning gaze. "Lena! Thank the ancestors." She gripped both my hands urgently. "We feared you might never rouse after expending so much strength against the darkness."I managed a wan smile, ribs protesting even that small motion. "I yet breathe thanks to your steady watchcare, my friend." My searching look found May and Freya curled together nearby, worry softening into relief. But foreboding still weighted the strained atmosphere. I hesitated before voicing the question that haunted me most. "And Scar? Has there been any change while I drifted
LenaScar's smoldering draconic shape halted its ruthless assault mid-dive, wheeling with fury towards my brazen challenge. Behind my defiant stance, Hermes and Sage stood with weapons drawn, prepared to defend unto death. Their unwavering courage fortified my quailing spirit. If these were destined as my final moments, I would face fate proudly surrounded by such selfless love.The dusk sky tore violently as the dragon folded its terrible wings, plummeting straight for me with jaws gaping hungrily. I glimpsed no flicker of familiar azure gaze nor glimmer of recognition, only endless ravenous void racing to consume me. Despair's chill fingers scraped my fragile hope. Had scintilla of Scar's psyche already been devoured beyond all reclaiming?Mere body lengths from certain obliteration, a piercing mental lance speared my psyche. I gasped, driving to one knee beneath the assault. Then chaotic fractured awareness crashed over me. Insanity! The maelstrom threatened to drown rational mind
Lena "You need rest." Hermes' firm tone brooked no argument as he helped me climb into the van's rear seat. I scowled, but couldn't deny sheer exhaustion once adrenaline drained away. "The Fortress lies over a day's journey north," Hunter remarked, sliding behind the wheel beside Hermes. "Best try recovering strength before we arrive."I nodded reluctantly, too spent to argue logistics. Food and sleep called seductively. Sage draped a scratchy blanket over me before everything faded into dreamless void.I came to as the van jostled over rough terrain, weak sun glinting through cracked windows. Groaning, I shifted gingerly upright. Every bone and muscle throbbed fiery complaint, but my mind felt oddly clear for once.Hermes twisted around with a grin. "About time. We're less than an hour out." His expression sobered. "Scar's still assaulting the fortress walls relentlessly."Memory crashed back. The bond! I frantically grasped for our mating link, nearly sagging relief finding that e
Lena Sage stomped Zoya's neck, finally finishing her for good. "Don't mind her words. You need only focus on your bond with Scar like Natalia taught you. You'll be able to reach him again." Sage's comfort grounded me amidst the chaos as I nodded gratefully. Hermes and Hunter supported us outside to the vans parked at the valley's edge. "Rest here. We need to regroup and plan." Hermes opened the van's back door, helping me climb inside. I sank onto the bench seat, adrenaline crash leaving me numb and dizzy. We were miraculously alive, but at such cost."Hermes?" I called as he lowered himself down beside me with a tired groan. "What really happened while I was captive?" He scrubbed both hands over his face, lines of strain showing clearly. "Over a month ago, Scar said he suddenly sensed your bond and left to find you alone. He never returned." Hermes' fists clenched helplessly. "Zoya claimed he was unfit to lead, insisting we waste no time tracking one rogue dragon. I should have kn
Lena The heavy ebony doors groaned open beneath our combined strength. Beyond should lie sanctuary however temporary - a chance to rest battered bodies and souls...and forge strength for the next leg in reclaiming freedom. Instead, a nightmare awaited us across that carved threshold.Zoya herself stood imperiously flanked by a score of armed guardsgrinning in feral anticipation. At their feet sprawled a cruelly familiar frail form - Natalia! My heart dropped through the floor recognizing the terrible stillness to her flesh, the mocking angle of broken limbs. Our protector and guide, ruthlessaly dismembered and discarded by her own blood."No!"The grief-stricken howl that ripped from my chest scarcely sounded human or sane. But the rage flooding my veins in its wake burned far hotter than mere anguish as I took in the mutilation of that innocent wise woman. Blinded by fury and vengeance, I flung myself straight for Zoya's sneering throat heedless of the death bristling eagerly around
LenaI floated, cradled in peaceful oblivion. Bonded bliss enveloped me, sheltering my battered spirit. Scar's beloved presence intertwined so tightly with mine now I could no longer distinguish where one ended and the other began. We were finally, utterly one.Distantly, a familiar voice called my name, pulling me reluctantly towards wakefulness. I struggled against the intruding summons, craving more time to bask in the oasis my mate's restored mind and soul created within me. But the speaker persisted until I identified Sage's worried tone. With deep reluctance I allowed our cherished haven to dissolve."Lena! Can you hear me?" Sage's concerned face hovered over me as my vision slowly focused once more. I blinked sluggishly up at her from my supine position, still caught halfway between planes. Wait...if I was awake how could I still feel Scar's arms cradling my limp form?I turned seeking my mate's smiling visage, only for my spirits to crash finding empty space beside me. Thick w