Page 62 of Israel

“She is young,” Larik said. “And she puts great importance on ephemeral things. This ‘career’ she was so desperate for—for her, it will be over as quickly as one of your…vacations.”

He stepped forward, gazing into Israel’s eyes. His were a bright orange-red, the irises fluctuating like flames.

He went on, “To a creature that lives for centuries, your lifespan is that of a pet. And like a pet, she may mourn you when you die…but she will move on and you will be forgotten.”

Ashley’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s not true,” she said. “Love always matters.”

Larik sneered, “Look at this creature. It has no power, no magic. Nothing worth fighting for or preserving, simply petty squabbles with other animals over bits of earth and worthless ideals.”

Israel took a step forward, his eyes burning with passion.

“Is that so?” he said softly. “Let me tell you something about wolves.”

He turned his gaze from Larik and looked deeply into Ashley’s eyes. “The heart of a wolf contains the most powerful magic in the universe,” he said. “When an alpha finds his true mate, their love not only binds them together, but binds their pack with a loyalty unmatched in any other creatures. It infuses their territory, so that the land strengthens the pack and creates a magical barrier that both protects and defends them.”

He turned back to Larik, his gaze burning into the Draken’s. “I’ve seen the love in a wolf’s heart heal a poisoned wound, drag people back from the depths of Hell, carry them across the boundaries of the spirit world and bring them safely home. I’ve seen it destroy an evil man’s mind between one heartbeat and the next. And I’ve seen it bring someone back from death itself and heal her mortal wounds without a scar.”

He took one more step, bringing himself right up into Larik’s face. “Wolves were given their magic for a reason,” he said. “I’ve seen it break every bond there is, and forge ones no one thought were possible. Believe me, Draken,” he finished in a soft, deadly voice. “You have no idea what wolf’s heart is capable of.”

Larik stared at him for a long moment. Israel gazed up into the taller man’s eyes, not backing down.

“Passionate words, puppy,” Larik said finally. “But a wolf’s heart can be broken. When you are alone and that wolf heart you value so much is shattered beyond repair, send word. I’ll be happy to put you out of your misery.”

He swept his long black cloak around him, and Ashley caught a glimpse of his glistening black scales before he blurred out of sight. The downdraft of his great, invisible wings filled the air with leaves and grit, and they both put their hands to their faces to protect their eyes.

Moments later, the air was still once more. Larik was gone.