His presence consumed the space. Even without scales or wings, his power was undeniable. It leaked from him in waves. Not just physical force but age.
Wisdom.
Heat.
Magic.
When he spoke, it was that sensual voice that she remembered. “It is time to show you the castle.”
She blinked. “Castle.”
“Yes, my queen.”
“But. . .I am not your. . .qu—” The words curled like ash on her tongue—refusing to pass her lips.
He smiled. “You are not my what?”
“I am not your. . .qu—” She tried her best but could not say it. She cleared her throat and attempted to say it again. “I am not your. . .qu—”
“Because you are my mate. You are my queen.”
“But. . .I am not your ma—”
A low chuckle spilled out from him.
She blinked in confusion. “Why can’t I finish my sentence?”
“I already told you, little one. Dragons cannot lie.”
What?
Shock thundered through her.
Is he saying that. . .I am. . .a dragon too?
Fast, Korin picked her up with his huge arms. “And it is time for you to meet my twin brother.”
“Twin?!”
“Yes. Your other king.”
What?!!
Her body stiffened.
Then, something changed. The air no longer pulsed withonlyKorin's heat.
A new scent curled into the chamber—velvety, dark, and potent. Roses after midnight. Black violet crushed beneath a leather boot.
That scent again. . .where is it coming from?
The new fragrance coiled above Korin’s jasmine-and-stormwater scent, rising higher, pressing down on her chest like an unseen hand.
She inhaled again.
And again.
The scent was alive—feral and precise, like a predator announcing itself not with growls, but with perfume.
