My rant cut was off with a jerk of my head. He had fast traveled, closing the distance between us instantly.
His hand fisted my hair at the base of my neck and yanked me into his chest. My heart sputtered.
He growled, “They will not touch you. Fuck the laws—when I mark you,you are mine.”
He released my hair, and his fingertips slid down my shoulders, tender now. I shuddered at the mix, rough with pain and soft with affection.
In a low voice threaded with sadness, he asked, “You will be mine, Delilah. I just need to know for how long.”
Then he turned and continued down the path, his spine not quite as straight.
What was I going to do? What did I want? I was torn between two worlds, and the choice felt impossible. I didn’t have an answer, only the weight of the question pressing heavier with every step.
The Faerie Realm looked completely different at night. The night I tried to escape, I’d been so focused on not getting caught that I hadn’t paid attention.
This far north in the Kingdom of Flame was still forestland. Farther south, across a massive river, the landscape turned to mountains and volcanoes, rock, and ash for miles. Not a single green plant in sight.
Draxxinar’s grumble rattled the trees. We were getting close. Finally—we made it.Imade it.
Titus transferred the eggs into a leather pouch on his dragon’s back. I handed him the one from my pack and headed straight for the lake to wash up. Thanks to the Lithovore, I was caked in dust and desperate for a rinse.
I wandered down the shore until I was out of view. I didn’t need to go far; the darkness gave me privacy. I stripped, grabbed soap from my pack and then—
Oh no.
Calpurnia… she didn’t.
I’d told her to pack sleeping clothes, just in case, and she’d packed fucking lingerie!!
I pulled out a red lace nightgown that barely covered my ass and a matching thong.
Was she trying to encourage the mate bond with Titus?
Well, this sucked.
I didn’t want to put my dusty clothes back on, but I couldn’t wearthat… could I?
Surely there was something else.
I dug through the bag and dumped everything out—small toiletries, snacks, water, and a small rolled-up blanket.
That was it.
I guess I could cover up with the blanket until I got to the tent.
I waded into the cool water and scrubbed myself thoroughly. That’s when I noticed the stars. They were so much biggerhere—another thing I’d miss. I probablyshould’vebeen afraid of whatever lurked in the dark forest, but I wasn’t. I’d never been afraid of the dark.
I’d always found it peaceful.
With a groan, I slipped the lingerie on. It fit nicely. The fabric was soft. The lace cups were see-through—my nipples embarrassingly visible. The dress was form-fitting and left little to the imagination, but after the day I’d had, all I cared about was being clean and comfortable.
With my small blanket wrapped around my chest, I headed back to our camp.
To my surprise, Titus had set up two tents. I didn’t know if I should be grateful or offended. My head hurt. I had no idea what the fuck I wanted. Titus was finishing up with his tent.
“Do you want some help?” I asked. “I could… start a fire?” He looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “Seriously?”
Then he nodded to the space between the tents, and a healthy bonfire appeared along with a thick blanket spread beside it.
