Nulok’s eyes flick to Bane. “Is it true they are super sensitive?”
Bane tilts his head, silver eyes glinting in the moonlight. “Not as you think. We despise any unwelcome touch. Our wings are the source of our power, the only part of us that resembles dragons. Cut the wings and you cut the power.”
Riven leans forward, resting his chin on his hand. “After they left, we swore to guard the borders. To keep others from coming for the dragons and to leave them in peace. But we were few, the border vast, and the other clan vengeful.” His gaze locks on mine, silver eyes sharp and knowing.
“We turned to Gorok for help. He answered, sending Fae from the spirit world and creating the Beriganders to enforce our borders. Gorok promised a Queen who would rule all creation in Rhodria, commanding the trespassers not to cross. In return, my clan protects the Beriganders from all harm.”
He leans back, shoulders heavy with history. “You all know the rest. We pledged ourselves to your family. In return, you keep the western border safe.”
I knew that story, but hearing it from him, my shoulders dip under the weight of the responsibility.
“I will try my best,” I whisper, needing to be deserving of their loyalty, and of him.
“And I will be here to support you,” Riven offers me the smallest of smiles. In that moment, we share an understanding, a mutual goal.
“We all will,” Bane adds, and I freaking melt.
“They are so freaking cool,” Nulok peeks above the magical orb. I won’t be surprised if Samira is listening from the matching one.
I excuse myself to get ready for the night, but before I can even leave the unspoken border of our campfire, a hand on my arm halts me.
“Hey, Sels, can we have a minute?” Nulok asks. His dimpled smile and freckles make him look impossibly charming.
“Yeah… sure.” I step closer, curious.
“Firstly, I really wanted to apologise for how Samira treated you. Me and her were trying for a baby, she was afraid it wouldn’t work out, and she took her frustration out on you,” he says, running a hand through his copper hair. “She really values you as a friend.”
I cross my arms, my brow furrowed. “It didn’t feel like she valued me at all. And… come on? A pup?”
His smile widens. “Yeah, I hope we will find out in a few days if it worked.”
I shake my head. “I understand now why you are so upset with Jestin.”
He chuckles softly. “I am a little overprotective.”
Funny, that creature of books and magic, overprotective.
“Maybe you should head back before we enter the Mystic Forest?” I suggest, trying to steer him away.
“She is safe among two hundred Hermitage Warriors,” he says, holding my gaze with steady certainty. “And you… I believe in you. I believe in my Queen.”
He bows his head, a gesture as reverent as it is raw.
I recoil.
“Stop!” I tug his arm, keeping him from bowing too low.
“I really believe that you can be a wonderful queen,” he says, smiling, his eyes warm. “I always have.”
“Thanks,” I murmur, cheeks warming.
“Samira believes too.”
“Right,” I mutter, feeling awkward.
He chuckles. “You and her, you are the same when it comes to holding grudges.”
I clear my throat, my bladder ready to explode. “Excuse me, I… need to go,” I say, stepping back.
