Page 118 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“Only because the safety of the continent was in jeopardy. You have not presented anything that leads us to believe that those circumstances apply here.”

“They will come looking for us,” I said, partly in threat.

“Maybe, maybe not.”

I locked my jaw, holding back all the vitriol I wanted to hurl in their direction. They had no idea what we faced. They had not been privy to what I’d seen in the last half year. They knew not of the rot growing by the day, nor would they listen if I tried to plead my case. I knew that much now. So I wouldn’t waste my breath or give them any indication I would fight back.

“Do you understand?” she asked when I didn’t say a word.

“No, but I respect your decision.”

“What?”Kiera practically screamed in my head.

“Trust me,”I replied, keeping my face neutral.

“Then we won’t keep you after your long flight. We will reconvene to discuss your findings from the outside once you have settled in. For now, you may return to your home.”

I took Kiera’s hand as the elders dismissed us.

She fought tears as we stepped onto the street.

“It will be okay. I promise,”I told her, taking her into my arms.

“Don’t be sweet. I don’t want them to see me cry.”

“Can you fly?”

“Why? How far is your house?”She glanced around at the small village.

I laughed.“It’s a nice walk, but a long one.”

I stepped out of my leathers in the middle of the street.

“Jaxus!” Kiera’s cheeks heated, and she glanced around.

No one gave me a second glance. In the First Kingdom, the flyers were still expected to be modest because of all the non-shifting fae, but in a place entirely dragon, this behavior was totally normal.

I threw my leathers at her. “No one cares.”

“Maybe I care,” she said in a half growl.

A smile curled at the corners of my lips. “Is that so?”

“I don’t want anyone else seeing what’s mine.” She locked her gaze on mine, and she’d never been sexier.

“I can’t fucking wait to get you alone,” I growled right back before I turned.

She vaulted onto my back, using her magic in a way she’d never done before, and I launched us into the air.

“What was that?”

“Just a little something I worked out.”She shrugged like it was nothing.

“Have I told you that you get sexier by the day?”

She giggled.“Stop.”

“You do.”I banked and followed the river around the curve of the mountain, bringing the sprawling city into view.

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