Page 62 of Maleen

A wide smile spreads across my lips as I jump up and hug her. “Why didn’t I think of that! Surely if they know about spells and different magick, they must know something!” My smile drops and I groan. “But I have no idea where to start or if they’re even still alive.”

“Well that’s easy,” Rozen grins. “They’re obviously in the Nairiden Woods. My mother used to tell me stories about the different creatures and legends from there. If this being is hiding out anywhere, it’s there.”

Ember smiles and kisses his cheek. “You’re so smart sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” he gasps in mock horror.

She frowns. “Sometimes I worry that your last two thoughts are struggling for attention.” Her lip twitches and I can tell it’s taking everything in her not to laugh.

Nero chokes on a cough. “Rav, I think this is our cue to leave. I know how you feel about watching other fae.”

I shake my head. “I’m going to head out, and tomorrow we can reconvene and see if Merriwhether knows of any books my mother might have taken out about the Woods.”

They say their goodnights, and I pull on the shadows and slip into them before slipping out into the room I share with my mates. All four of them, since we are now all bonded. A soft smile appears on my face as I notice Talyn sitting by the window in nothing but his leather pants drinking a tea.

“Where are the others?” I ask as I sit in his lap and we look out into the city where purple flames light the streetlamps and torches, giving it a mystical feel.

He places his tea down and wraps his arms around my waist, tugging me close as he buries his head in my neck. “Killian is in the barracks, doing what he does best and getting your army into shape. Aemon has been keeping all the high society at bay; they’ve been itching to have an in with you. And Jesper has been keeping an eye on things from the shadows and slipping into fae’s minds.”

“So it’s just me and you for a little bit?” I bite my lip, looking up at him.

“It seems so—”

A knock sounds at the door. Talyn stands with me in his lap before placing me behind him. “Stay here,” he growls as he strides towards the door.

I think not. I follow after him and he shakes his head. “I wish you would listen,” he mumbles.

“Hey now. I may let you males boss me around in the bedroom—”

“Or library,” Nero adds.

“—but I will make up my own mind and be a part of decisions when it comes to the rest of my life,” I state, gesturing for him to open the door.

He leans in toward me. “I think your ass is going to be tanned red if you want to mouth off to me like that, Princess.”

I cross my arms. “And if that doesn’t work?”

He smirks. “Then I’ll make sure your mouth is stuffed full of cock while I spank you.”

My mouth falls open as I try to think of a retort.

“Glad to see you’re already practicing.” He winks and then opens the door to reveal Lennox. “What’s going on?”

“Evander’s back and he has a message. He sent me up to get you while he tracks down Aemon. They found the dragons.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

TALYN'S ON MY HEELS AS I rush across the castle grounds to the Dragon’s Keep. The others are already there, discussing a plan, but the emotions coming through the bond from Vasari are concerning and I need to make sure she is okay.

The massive structure comes into view, and it brings me back to when my mother brought me to meet her dragon. It looks the same but different, time has aged the stone, and the vines which used to be pruned now strangle the Keep. Purple flowers bloom over almost every inch where vines lie it’s stunning, in its own way. Almost as if nature will always take back what belongs to her.

As I enter the Keep I see Vasari curled up in the back, watching the entrance as if she is waiting for me, with Voissor’s massive red-scaled frame curled up behind her.

Jesper and Aemon each greet me with a kiss and Killian cups my cheek, brushing my jaw tenderly with his thumb before moving out of the way as I make my way to Vasari.

I stop in front of her, placing my hand on top of her warm snout. “Are you okay?”

She blows out warm air, sighing, making Nero fly off my shoulder. “Rude. And you should get some peppermint herbs or something to help with that smell.”