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I inhale, smelling wine on my beloved’s lips. My wings spread and my dragon threatens to emerge. I lunge for Cailian, to take him away from the arms of the man, whom I know, loves him.
“What did you do to my firebond!” I shout, fire lacing through the air as I speak.
The skies darken with smoke and lightning as a volt storm rolls in, clouds carrying drops of lava and lightning to feed my lands.
Taygen backs away, the heat clearly getting to him as sweat builds at his temple. “I did nothing,” he spits at me, pulling Cailian away from my reach. “It is whatyoudid!” he shouts just as a bolt of lightning strikes behind him, giving life to the tree that blooms embers. The trunk comes to life with glowing crevices, feeding the branches until the veins in the leaves kindle like a freshly made fire.
“Me?” I snarl. “I didn’t leave him drunk. And you arrive on my doorstep, carrying my firebond? Having his cheek against your chest instead of mine?” I reach for Cailian again, yet Taygen tests the thin control I have over wanting to kill him when he pulls my firebond away again.
“Maybe if you didn’t leave the Ice Elven Prince alone and vulnerable, this would not have happened because he was drinking to rid the feeling of abandonment you gave him. He is drunk and in my arms because his brother sent a search party for him when he noticed you in the sky without Cailian. I found him at the tavern. Luckily, there was good company there. This time. That might not be the case next time. And you know what?” He places Cailian in my arms, tugging a piece of hair from my firebond’s face.
I growl at him for touching what is mine.
“He deserves more than you. He deserves someone like me, someone who would never leave him alone and in danger. There are threats everywhere, even in our kingdom. I would never let my pride control me like how it controls you. Cailian deserves better but unfortunately, he is stuck with you. I will never and would never interfere in a mate bond. I believe Fate has her reasons, but know this, dragon.” He steps closer, uncaring he is threatening royalty. “If it ever came down to me choosingbetween you and Cailian, it will be Cailian every time. And if the world finds a way to break a mate bond, there are a thousand Ice Elves who would gladly take your place. Cailian is an amazing leader, a kind soul, a strong elf so many admire. He is smart and lethal, yet gentle with peace. He is everything you are not. Continue to treat him how you treat him, and he can stay mated to you so he can live, but I will be there to pick up the pieces and loving him for who he is.”
“You are lucky to still be breathing speaking to me in that manner,” I state, pulling Cailian against my chest.
He releases a soft breath smelling of velvelore berries and it tickles my chest. He buries his face against me, a small smile appearing on his unconscious face.
“Nyx,” he whispers, snuggling further.
“And yet I speak to you that way and you do nothing because you know I am right,” Taygen states before turning away. “Take better care of your mate before I do it for you.” He steals one last glance at Cailian, his brows pinching together in heartache. He grinds his teeth together before he hurries down the steps, trudging through the firegrass before crossing the heartsnow.
I knew Taygen felt deeply for Cailian, but I didn’t know how deeply. I look down at the beautiful elf, his lips stained a dark burgundy from the velvelore berries.
Oh, how I want a taste.
I cup the back of my firebond’s head, pressing him against my chest, and close my eyes, hating myself for how I treated him.
How I continue to treat him.
“I’m so sorry, Cailian, My Treasure. Please, forgive me,” I whisper into his ear, but all he does is snuggle deeper, his wine-colored lips parting on a soft exhale as he sleeps.
Raiden closes the door behind me, sliding the lock into place. I usually don’t mind the grinding echo of the metal but this time I can’t stand it. It’s too quiet and all eyes are on me.
“He will forgive you,” Raiden says, patting my shoulder. “You two have more to overcome than most. I can’t imagine it is easy.”
“Easy or not, I shouldn’t have left my firebond alone. Anything could have happened to him.” My heart clenches, struggling to beat at the thought of him battered and bleeding. “What would I have done?” I force out with a catch in my throat.
“You don’t have to worry about it, Nyx. He is okay. He is safe. Drunk, but safe.”
“He shouldn’t have gotten drunk alone.”
“Is that Cailian?” Rarity sprints across the den, her hair flowing behind her as she runs. “Is he okay?” She skids to a stop in front of us, placing her hand in the middle of his chest.
“He is fine. Drunk, but fine.”
Her shoulders sag with relief before pressing a kiss against his forehead. “I know he is. I needed to feel his heart against my palm. I needed to feel for myself.” She takes a step back, giving me a sad, forced smile.
“Nyx?”
I turn to Raiden and he has a grim expression pinching the corner of his brows. “There are a few things I need to discuss with you.”
“Raiden, I just got my firebond here. I have a lot of apologizing to do. My head is killing me. My wing is on fire. Just let me be.”
“It has to do with the trolls.”
I freeze mid-step, careful not to jostle Cailian.
