When I open my mouth to speak, my voice takes on a unique timbre. “I’ve gotten stronger since I left. Something changed while I was in Faerie.”
Alexander’s large black reptilian eyes blink at me, his head lowering as he prepares to strike.
I raise my voice so the wolves and shifters around me can hear. “Northwest pack retreat,” I command.
I sense their hesitation and confusion. But I can’t fight knowing they could get hurt. I can’t have that weighing on me.
“NOW!” A wave of magic accompanies my words, and they turn and flee toward the houses.
The air grows heavy with an almost tangible weight as I begin to chant, the incantation spilling from my lips like forbidden whispers. Shadows gather around me, pooling into a dark mist that swirls with a mind of its own, my spell spiraling toward him. His scales ripple and his chest puffs out as he tilts his head, narrowing those inky eyes on me, and I see the exact moment when he realizes my actions. Without warning, he rises, his movements fluid yet commanding, a predator unchallenged. His massive wings unfurl with a deafening snap. The force of them surging outward creates a thunderous gust of wind that tears through the air, sending dust and debris flying in chaotic spirals. The spell I had so meticulously crafted shatters like fragile glass, its fragments dissipating into the air as if they had never existed.
Suddenly, a dark silhouette swoops overhead, and I look up, shielding my eyes from the sun.
A deafening roar shatters the air. My jaw drops in awe as I stare up into the sky. Above, a magnificent golden dragon gracefully circles, its pale hue almost shimmering like pure white. Its colossal wings span wide, creating a gust of wind that brushes against my skin. The dragon abruptly changes course, veering left before descending toward the ground. With a thunderous thud, it lands before me, its wings unfurling dramatically as it unleashes a furious roar directed at the brothers.
The ground quakes beneath us as the golden dragon charges toward Alexander, stopping only an inch away. To Alexander’s credit, he stands his ground and doesn’t so much as blink.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of motion. I snap my head toward it, and there is Talon, steadily making his way over. Fear instantly floods my chest like a crashing wave. The safety of the baby dragon is paramount. In response, a surge of magic courses through my veins, igniting a dazzling display as my bands glow brightly.
“Talon, please keep away.”
Talon pauses abruptly, skidding in the grass. His head tilts inquisitively as he looks at me.
Did he hear me?
Before I can say more, the majestic golden dragon gracefully shifts, causing a swirl of glittery dust to settle on the ground around her. Seraphina now stands with a fierce glare where the golden dragon was, her hands firmly planted on her hips.
“No harm comes to Ashwiyaa. If you harm even one hair on her head, I’ll bring my wrath down upon you.”
I’m speechless.
Myheart thumps hard as I stare at the back of Seraphina’s head. I didn’t realize the dragon shifter had taken a liking to me. I mean, I did rescue her from those bitch witches, but I never asked for anything in return.
“That’s why I’ll have your back.”
My eyes widen.“Stay out of my head.”
“Stop shouting your thoughts and I will,”she snaps back.
“I didn’t realize you could hear them.”
I will myself to mist and reform at Seraphina’s side, crossing my arms over my chest.
As Alexander shifts, his brothers seamlessly move to flank him, forming a united front. I smirk as I watch each of them gawk at the alluring female dragon shifter. They didn’t even bother to hear me out before attacking me, ready to crucify me without any explanation.
“You all owe me an apology,” I say, raising an eyebrow.
Alexander’s jaw clenches, and for a moment, it looks like he’s about to argue. His brothers, though, seem less certain. They weren’t expecting this—weren’t expecting the dragon shifter to stand beside me like this.
Seraphina, as always, is unfazed. Her head turns slightly, and she gives me a sidelong glance, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.
“Don’t let them off too easy,”she whispers into my mind.
I straighten, my smirk widening. “I’m waiting.”
My gaze sweeps over the three brothers, their eyes shifting and contorting with a mix of emotions. It seems Seraphina has a profound effect on them.
“What, are you all pussy whipped already?” I chuckle, and Seraphina frowns at me.
