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
Scar continued walking, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. He couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. He had hoped that by showing Lena how much he cared and by being there for her, she would eventually reciprocate his feelings. But it seemed like she was only interested in being friends and helping Hermes.As they moved deeper into the forest, Scar could sense a tension between them. Lena's sarcastic response didn't go unnoticed, and he wondered if he had said something wrong. He turned slightly to look at her, trying to read her expression."I'm sorry if I misunderstood," Scar said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I just thought... maybe we could find something more than just friendship on this journey."Lena's expression softened slightly, and she paused for a moment before speaking. "You're a great guy, Scar, and I appreciate everything you've done for me. But right now, my focus is on helping Hermes and finding the gemstone. I can't promise anything beyond that.
Sage's face lit up with a self-satisfied smile as she recounted the events of yesterday. Hermes had presented her with flowers and formally asked her to be his.She enthusiastically accepted his proposal, planting a gentle peck on his cheek before he departed. Brimming with excitement, Sage had no idea who to share her joy with.Just then, a knock on her door interrupted her thoughts, causing her to frown. Wondering who could be disturbing her, she swung the door open, and a smile instantly curved her lips."Hermes, what brings you here?" Her eyes fixated on him and the bouquet of roses he held."I brought these for you," he beamed, extending the bouquet towards her. Her heart swelled with happiness at his thoughtful gesture."Come in," she invited, gesturing with a smile. Hermes was genuinely sweet, and Sage was grateful that Len had helped her see how everything would work out."Did you miss me?" he quirked an eyebrow, and she couldn't help but giggle."Maybe," she replied, feeling
I hesitated as I posed the question to Scar, my heart sinking at the sight of his unprecedented sadness. He had always been grumpy, but never this visibly upset."Scar?" I called out, hoping to snap him out of his trance."Huh?" He leaned against the closest tree for support."Are you okay?" Instantly, regret washed over me. I shouldn't have asked such a profound question."I'm fine," he replied, taking a deep breath and fixing his gaze upon me with those captivating eyes of his."No one has ever asked me that before," he explained, still locked in eye contact."Let's keep moving," he attempted to divert my attention, but I couldn't let go of my curiosity."We can continue, but how can I love a man who keeps secrets from the one he loves?" I resumed walking, but halted when I felt his arm on mine."Why the sudden interest in me?" He smirked."You asked about my family, so I want to know about yours. Who knows, maybe that's why you're always grumpy," I retorted, crossing my arms and re
Scar's povI was terrified I might never see her again, never get to hold her close or feel her lips against mine. The thought filled me with dread, but thankfully she was alright. She leaned on me for support and when I apologized, confusion clouded her eyes. "Why?" Her question rang in my ears, yet I had no answer. I knew in my heart I wasn't to blame for her suffering, but I still felt compelled to apologize for not being there when she needed me. "It wasn't your fault," she said softly. "I'm the one who went too far when you asked me to stop. I turned our mission into a reckless game. I'm so sorry."She lowered her head in shame, and it pained me to see her blame herself for everything. "You don't need to feel that way," I said gently. "I enjoyed playing the hero coming to a princess's rescue. I could hear you calling my name from afar." At that, she frowned. "Is that why you're so eager to help me? Because you think I'll always come running into your arms?" She raised her b
Scar's pov The car roared as I pressed my foot on the accelerator, heedless of any police that my breakneck speed might attract. Lena was dying, and the blame rested solely on my shoulders. Sweat beaded my brow despite the chill dread coursing through my veins. My hands trembled on the steering wheel, though my eyes remained fixed on the pathetic form beside me. "You sly fox," I gritted out through clenched teeth, my knuckles white from exertion. "I vow you'll pay for this." Rage contorted my features, veins bulging in my forehead and neck from the effort of maintaining control.I hurtled onwards, scanning desperately for any sign of a pharmacy or clinic where Lena might receive aid. But the minutes dragged by with no respite in sight, and her ragged breathing echoed ever weaker in the oppressive confines of the vehicle.In my reckless haste, I nearly shot past a small clinic on the roadside, and was forced to slam the brakes and reverse wildly to reach it. Tires screeching, I flun
Hermes POVAs I started the drive home, my mind kept drifting back to Scar. His attitude towards Len had seemed different lately. Ever since he first met Len, Scar harbored an intense hatred for him. But over the past few days, I noticed changes in how Scar acted around Len. I couldn't tell if it was because Scar realized Len was a girl, or if something deeper was occurring between them. There were moments where Scar's eyes held an instinct to protect Len, an overbearing possessiveness. "Could it be that Scar has fallen in love?" I wondered, cruising along the open road."No, it can't be," my conscience argued back. If Scar had developed feelings for someone, I would've been the first person he confessed to."Maybe Scar just wants to ensure Len's safety." I was still lost in thought when my phone beeped with a new message.Glancing down, a smile spread across my face when I saw it was from Sage. I wouldn't have known how to respond if it was Grandma instead.The text read: "Hey my
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