Page 14 of Mad Dragon of Chaos

The rest of Haru’s argument never left his tongue. The words became lodged in his throat at Adrian’s stern glare.

“Enough. We’re not talking about the future—yours, mine, or ours—until we get a few things settled. Starting with getting Yesuntei’s powers out of you. After we deal with that and stop the lunatic in Damardor, maybe we’ll talk about things.”

Haru’s heart skipped a beat, and he grinned at Adrian. “Things?”

“Yeah.”

“Like?”

Somehow Adrian’s glare grew even more ominous. If he hadn’t still been buried deep inside Adrian, the human might have punched him. Hell, there was a good chance Adrian would do it anyway, regardless of how they were connected.

“Like us and the future.”

“Very good.” Haru stole a kiss prior to pulling free from Adrian.

They cleaned themselves and the floor, sopping up all the puddles. They dressed in some light sleep clothes for bed. It might have been summer, but the temperatures were much cooler on the Isle of Stone. However, Haru paused as they were pulling aside the sheets to climb into bed.

“Adrian, you know I want nothing more than to sleep with you,” Haru began.

Adrian snorted. “You want a hell of a lot more than sleeping with me, and we both know it.”

Haru’s lips trembled for a flash, but fell into a frown. “It might be best if you return to your room. There will be nightmares. My control over those powers isn’t as strong during sleep. I don’t wish for you to suffer.”

Adrian grabbed the blanket, pulled it back, and climbed into the bed with a loud, weary sigh. “Haru, I’ve been having nightmares nonstop since you flew away from Bellcairn. Nightmares suck, but they’re not going to scare me away. All I want is to hold you and for you to know that you’re safe in my arms. Now get in the damn bed.”

Haru laughed. He slid in next to Adrian and wrapped his arms around him. He settled close enough that they were using the same pillow, but Adrian didn’t utter a single sound of complaint. Sleep came, and so did the nightmares. But they didn’t seem as bad as before because through all of them, Adrian was right there holding his hands.

FIVE

TYCHE

The young lady giggled at the sight of Tyche hesitating in the doorway leading out to the koi pond and garden in the secluded courtyard. He’d asked her to help him locate King Caelan, and she’d agreed, escorting him through the vast Omari clan complex of buildings, gardens, training grounds, and courtyards.

Right now, the king was sitting on a flat rock next to the pond, tossing pieces of fish food to the gold, silver, orange, and white koi. Their scales flashed in the sunlight as they’d dart up to the surface to snag a bite and then swim off again. The king of Erya wore a white robe like the rest of the Omari clan, but dark green and gold edged his garments, giving him a very regal appearance.

Or maybe that was the power that radiated from him, reminding Tyche that besides being a king, Caelan Talos was also a powerful god and not to be trifled with.

“Don’t worry. He’s friendly,” the young woman whispered to Tyche.

Even from this distance, Tyche could see Caelan’s lips twitch, though he didn’t look in their direction. He’d heard her despite her attempt to speak softly.

“Thank you,” Tyche murmured and stepped into the garden, allowing her to close the door behind him, but it felt more like she’d closed off the rest of the world, trapping him with a panther.

That morning, he’d enjoyed a pleasant breakfast with Shey, Caelan, Drayce, and the key leaders of the Omari clan. They’d avoided any kind of politically charged topics and instead had exchanged general information about their different kingdoms. Shey had been overflowing with questions about the Isle of Stone and the dragons, which it seemed Nori and the others were happy to answer.

Meanwhile, Haru and Adrian had slept in late. Nori had promised to have some food sent to Haru’s rooms so they could eat in private. They would catch up and make plans after Haru had some time to regain his strength.

Naturally, breakfast hadn’t been the best time to speak with Caelan about more private and pressing matters. Namely, Haru’s possession of Yesuntei’s powers.

It had been tempting to drag Prince Shey along. Tyche had blabbed plenty of things he shouldn’t have to the prince, and Shey was on good terms with Caelan. However, he had no way of knowing if they needed to discuss things that Caelan wouldn’t be comfortable talking about with Shey. No, it was better to keep this between gods for now.

“You know, you’re the first minor god I’ve met,” Caelan said, his words edging above the trickle of water that burbled up from the pond. He twisted to gaze over his shoulder and smile at Tyche, but there was a hint of something in his eyes. Maybe a bit of trepidation.

Was it possible that Caelan was just as nervous?

Just the thought almost made Tyche laugh out loud.

What the hell did the God of Hope have to be afraid of? He’d already taken on the major gods and come out alive. That said plenty about his strength and intelligence.