“What elements do you have to gather?”
I tell him the four thingsImust have—a feather from the nest of anEmperorHawk, water from the very middle of theSacredRiver, a live coal from aFireDemonof theSouthernWastes, and a jewel dug from beneath the biggestGrandfatherTreein theWesternForest.
“It would take me days and days—maybe months to get to all those locations,”Isay.“AndtheI’dhave to gain entry to theKing’sCourtto work the spell.”
The bigDrakegets a thoughtful look on his face.
“We should concentrate on getting the four elements first.”
I look up at him in surprise.
“You think it might be possible?”
He shrugs, his broad shoulders rolling.
“Why not?It’snot like you’d have to walk to all those regions—you could ride on myDrake.”Helooks at me intently.“Ifyou’re not afraid to meet him, that is.”
I have to take another swallow of tea beforeIcan answer.
“You’d let me do that?Imean, yourDrakewouldn’t mind?”
A shadow passes over his face.
“Oh no, he wouldn’t mind.He’s…very interested in you.”
“He is?”I’mnot sure ifIshould be flattered or frightened.Isettle for a mixture of both.“Um…why?”Iask.
Theron shakes his head.
“I don’t know.Hejust feels very protective of you.”Heshakes his head.“Idon’t understand it—he’s never been interested in a woman before.”
I think of how the witch sent me toTheronspecifically.ShouldItell him what she said?Howshe forced me to seek him out?
But what if he refuses to help me?Whatif he throws me out?
IfIreally can work this spell,Ican go back in time to stop all of this from ever happening and he never needs to know of the witch’s interest in him.
I decide to hold my tongue—for now.IfIthought he was in any danger,I’dtell him.Butfor now,I’llkeep it quiet.
“WellI’m…flattered,”Isay at last.“So…he really wouldn’t mind letting me ride on his back?”
“He won’t mind.He’seager to meet you,” he says, but he doesn’t sound exactly happy about it.
I’m not sure how to feel about that butI’mdesperate.Ican already feel the curse working on me again, making me need to be filled and thirst for male seed.IfTheron’sDrakeis willing to take me to collect the four elements for the spell,I’llgo with him.
I put my mostly empty mug down on the rough wooden table beside the bed.
“When can we go?”Iask.
He lifts his eyebrows.
“You want to go right away?”
“Can we?”Iask eagerly.
He frowns.
“We need to pack some provisions, and you need to meet myDrake.”
