I bit my lip, glancing at Xarothar, who was now glaring daggers at Ronan. The tension in the air crackled like a live wire, and I could see Xarothar's protective instincts surging to the forefront. It was as if he was daring Ronan to take a step too far. I couldn’t help but wish Malrik were here. I didn’t know him well, but he at least knew me, and I had a feeling he wouldn’t be too thrilled about all of this. Still, that odd sensation was stirring within me, similar to how I felt when Malrik was around, but having a hunter know my whereabouts wasn’t good for me.
“If he tries anything, I will burn him alive.”
I reach out to pat my dragon, trying to soothe his aggression whilst keeping an eye on Ronan. Thank the stars he called me Cherry, it meant he couldn’t report my real name.
I have no idea if the Anelite council knows about me, so keeping my name a secret is a must.
In Velmore, all witches were required to register with the council, which meant Vespera would know precisely who lived here and who would be breaking any of the laws. There was no freedom here, and I refused to be shackled to that bitch.
“It’s none of your business.” I told him, my defiance flaring, “And if you were going to do something about it, you would have already.”
I shifted onto my knees, determined to stand, and Xarothar nudged me gently to offer support. I was done with this conversation. Ronan might be drop-dead gorgeous, but my instincts screamed to protect myself at all costs.
He stood and took a step closer to me, utterly unfazed by Xarothar's low growl, his intensity shifting the atmosphere around us.
“It became my business when I kept you hidden from my brothers and the High Coven. I am breaking so many rules for you, and I have no idea why. The least you could do is tell me how a low-level witch has managed to stay hidden for so long and why those vampires were after you—not just any vampires, but the King's soldiers.”
His body was closer to me now, face inches from me, and I could feel the heat radiating between us, my chest tighter.
“He has a point,”Xarothar interjected.
“Whose side are you on?”
“Always yours,”he replied, reassuring me as he stood to his full height, and I tilted my head to look at him.
“He has looked after you for days now, and nobody has come. Even if he is annoyingly chatty, he has kept us a secret when he didn’t have to, and he treated your wounds.”
Ronan glanced between us, and he was so much closer to me, his presence dominating the space around me.
“I don’t trust you,” I stated firmly.
“Didn’t say you did,” he countered, his voice softening. “Trust is earned, and for some reason, I want yours.”
The heat in my chest intensified; his smell was literally mouthwatering, and I kind of wanted to climb him like a tree.
Shut up, stupid brain.
Oh god.I had a nagging suspicion about what was stirring within me, but there was no way I could ever admit it; doing so would expose my darkest secret.
Ronan might not want me dead right now, but that would surely change if he ever found out.
“My dragon doesn’t want to eat you, so I suppose I can share a little.” Ronan stepped back, his expression curious yet patient, and I felt like I could think a bit clearly.
“Nothing about the king.”
Yeah, that was one thing nobody could know.
“Yes, I’m an unregistered witch, and I intend to stay that way; that’s why I have been living here with my dragon. I’m also dying from a spell that was put on me years ago to bind my magic.” I looked at him and hoped that would be enough.
“You can’t tell anyone I am here, and I know that goes against everything you were trained for, but please, keep this a secret.” A wave of nausea washed over me, but having Xarothar next to me helped.
“Thank you.”I sent a wave of warmth and gratitude towards my dragon, grateful for his support.
“I’ll take that for now, Cherry. Don’t tell me your name just yet. Consider it a little deal between us. When you can trust me,you can share it.” He flashed me half a smile, “I have to go, I’ve got a meeting tomorrow, and then I will be on patrol at the borders. I’ll visit when I can, but do your best to avoid more vampires.”
He stood straight, “I will keep you and your dragon a secret. Just remember, I’m not like all the other hunters.” In a swift motion, he leaned in and softly kissed my cheek before walking off into the night.
I pressed my hand against the spot where his lips touched, feeling a tingling warmth bloom there as I watched him disappear. My chest ached in a way I didn’t fully understand.
