"Rise and shine, lazybones!" Hermes rapped on Len's door, a mischievous glint in his eyes."Who's there?" Len's drowsy voice grumbled, accompanied by the sounds of him reluctantly dragging himself out of bed."It's your fearless coach, and you've got a measly five minutes until training starts. I'll be waiting." Hermes announced, striding off to join Gertie and the gang in the living room, who were already digging into breakfast."Hermes, darling, why don't you join us for a little breakfast too?" Gertie cajoled, her eyes twinkling with mischief."No way, Gertie. You know your cooking is irresistible, and if I even take a bite, I'll be tempted to stay. I've got to whip Len into shape." Hermes replied, shaking his head firmly, while Gertie flashed him a charming smile."Alright, but make sure you two don't push yourselves too hard. Stay safe and don't forget to take breaks!" Gertie advised, before returning to her hearty meal.Perched on the couch, Hermes impatiently awaited Len, who w
The days of training forged an unbreakable bond between Hermes and me. We became inseparable, uncovering new depths of understanding. There was just one secret I hadn't revealed to him—I was a girl.With my promise to speak on Hermes' behalf to Sage, I hadn't crossed paths with her lately. Determined to catch her attention, Hermes and I embarked on our stakeout, patiently waiting for her to appear.Our training was yielding excellent results, as was the progress of our audacious plan to storm Valour's fort. As we waited for Sage on that decisive day, I couldn't contain my excitement, eagerly anticipating my imminent freedom."Is she intentionally ignoring him?" I pondered the possibilities and decided it was time for a visit to Sage's residence. I turned to Hermes and proposed the idea."Are you kidding me? What would you say? That I sent you?" Hermes' eyes widened in disbelief as he launched into a passionate rant. I patiently waited for him to regain composure. He feared Sage's perc
Scar seethed with frustration at the infuriating sight of Hermes and Len together. They had been frolicking about, exchanging laughter and banter after each training session, leaving him utterly clueless as to their conversation topics.For what felt like an eternity, Scar had been observing them, and a surge of anger coursed through his veins. Unable to contain himself any longer, he mustered the courage to march toward the duo who were engaged in their training."What on earth is happening here?" Scar barked, fixing a piercing glare on both of them."Heavens! Scar, we didn't even notice you!" Hermes scratched his head sheepishly as he spoke."Naturally! Why would you? I explicitly assigned you to train him, yet here you are, having a grand old time," Scar scowled, sensing Len's discomfort already."We're wrapping up the training already. If we hadn't lingered for a moment, you wouldn't have met us." Hermes calmly explained, meeting Scar's gaze with an unflinching neutrality."Humph,
I found myself in the clutches of the devil, but I wasn't about to be a passive victim. With a gulp of fear, I vowed never to have agreed to come with him had I known what I was in for."Let go of me!" I struggled beneath his grasp, but couldn't help but notice his eyes roaming my face. My heart skipped a beat as his gaze fixated on my lips."Before you even think about kissing me, be ready to say goodbye to your lips," I retorted, capturing his attention. Seizing the opportunity, I delivered a swift and forceful stomp on his foot."Oomph," he groaned, releasing his grip as he recoiled in pain. I wasted no time and bolted for safety. I didn't need a second invitation to get the heck out of there.I ran for dear life, refusing to even fathom what might have transpired in that hellish encounter. "Maybe it's just a twisted prank," I muttered to myself, my pace quickening as I intermittently glanced over my shoulder.Finally reaching the safety of my house, I slammed the door shut behind
I never saw his reaction coming, but hey, what could I do? After countless attempts, she finally agreed to give him a shot.As we strolled home, Hermes wore a smug grin, like he'd hit the jackpot. I beamed with pride at my achievement."Nobody bothered to mention you were taking off," Grandma fretted, her voice laced with concern. "I cooked dinner."She informed us, and we nodded, although it was already late by the time we arrived home.To toast Hermes' triumph over Sage, he treated me to a few drinks. Somewhere along the line, I ended up getting totally plastered."What the heck happened?" Grandma observed my behavior and started grilling Hermes."It's not that bad, he just got a little tipsy," Hermes replied, trying to downplay the situation. But Grandma was freaking out."A little tipsy? Are you kidding me? I'm not even sure he knows his own name!""Chill, Grandma, I'm having a blast!" I playfully slurred."Look, Grandma, he insists he's perfectly fine," Hermes tried to persuade h
"You," Scar declared, making sure his words reached Lena's ears crystal clear. He couldn't fathom what was happening to him, but his emotions were running rampant, refusing to be tamed.He attempted to nurture his hatred, but the more he tried, the deeper he fell under her spell."Stop, Scar! You've lost your mind," Lena protested, attempting to break free from his grasp. However, Scar held her firmly, refusing to let go."Listen to me. Give me a chance to speak," he implored, locking his gaze with her eyes, which were a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anxiety, and concern."Trust me." Their eyes remained locked, their breaths mingling, carrying the subtle scent of lavender and peppermint. Scar fought against the panic welling up within him, unwilling to acknowledge its existence.It was as if a grand display of fireworks had ignited within him. Scar, an ancient being who had witnessed centuries pass by, found himself utterly captivated by this tiny force of nature."She's a raider..." B
Scar's confession hit me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me bewildered. Was he messing with my head, or was he actually serious?As his hands unexpectedly yanked me back to reality, I couldn't help but wonder, "How on earth can someone who despises me and wants nothing to do with me suddenly fall head over heels for me overnight?" The abruptness of it all was mind-boggling."You think I'm lying, don't you?" His hands traced my face, ending up on my lips, causing my body to tense up involuntarily."You need to loosen up around me," he whispered seductively into my ear, a mischievous smirk already forming on his lips."Well, I'm trying, but it's a real challenge to believe that you've magically fallen in love with me overnight." I moved away from him, and his smirk only grew wider."It didn't happen overnight, Lena. I've been using my intense hatred as a smokescreen to conceal my true feelings for you. Every time we studied the map together, I had to restrain myself from holding you i
After dinner, I hastily gathered up the dirty dishes, ready to clean them when Scar sauntered into the kitchen."What's your deal?" I snapped, my teeth clenching as I focused on the formidable stack of plates."Seriously, you keep summoning me," he quipped, and I couldn't help but shoot him a glare full of fiery irritation."Can you please let me work? I've got to wash these dishes and then catch some much-needed sleep for tomorrow," I retorted, turning my attention back to the task at hand. But then, out of nowhere, his hands landed on my waist."Deep down, we both know you won't be catching any Z's tonight," he whispered, his breath tickling my ears as his chin rested on my shoulder."Scar, cut it out!" I groaned, causing him to swiftly retract his hands. He let out a sigh, running his fingers through his hair."I'm sorry, Lena," he apologized, his voice filled with remorse. I simply brushed past him and made my way to my room.Once I reached my little room, I slammed the door shut
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