Page 77 of Tempest Awakening

"I leave for work for a few days, and I come back to this!" Pippa's voice carried over the din, her green eyes wide. "A dragon? You've bonded with a dragon?"

Tess ducked her head, blushing. "It wasn't exactly planned," she murmured, sounding embarrassed yet proud.

As Tess told her story, I felt my earlier tension slowly fade. The way her eyes lit up as she described her dragon, the gentle curve of her smile—it stirred something within me, a warmth that both soothed and unsettled.

"It was like... like finding a piece of myself I never knew was missing," Tess explained, her gaze distant. "When we connected, it felt like coming home."

Pippa leaned in, her wings fluttering with excitement. "That's incredible, Tess. But aren't you scared? I mean, a human bonding with a dragon—it's unheard of!"

For a moment, Tess's mask slipped. I saw the flash of fear in her eyes, quickly hidden behind a confident smile. "It's a lot to take in," she admitted. "But I'm handling it."

No,we thought, our shadows rippling with frustration.You're suppressing it.

Their conversation continued, Pippa peppering Tess with questions about the dragon and the bonding process. I found myself drawn closer, my earlier protective instincts changing into something... more. The way Tess held herself, the strength she showed even as she hid her true feelings—it woke a possessive hunger in me.

We need to speak with her,we decided.Alone.

I watched as Tess finished her meal, saying goodbye to Pippa. As she stood to leave, I felt myself moving, pulled to her like a magnet. The shadows around me pulsed with anticipation.

Tess left the dining hall, her steps quick and purposeful. I trailed behind, easily blending with the shadows cast by the afternoon sun. The corridors were quieter now, most students still at lunch or hurrying to class.

So vulnerable. So unaware of the dangers.

She turned down a less-busy hallway, slowing to reach into her bag.

Now. It’s time.

I materialized just enough to grab her arm, pulling her swiftly into an empty classroom. The door shut behind us with a soft click that seemed too loud in the sudden quiet.

Tess spun around, her eyes wide with shock and fear. She reached for the door handle, but I blocked her path. My shadows writhed, both excited and uneasy at her proximity.

"What the—" she gasped, her voice sharp with surprise.

I stepped fully out of the shadows, becoming solid in the dim light of the dusty room. Tess's scent filled my senses, warm vanilla and a hint of something spicier.

She shouldn't fear us. We're here to protect her.

Recognition dawned in Tess's eyes, quickly followed by relief and annoyance. "Ciaran? What are you doing? You scared me!"

I ignored her accusation, my eyes roaming over her face, drinking in every detail. The soft curve of her lips, the fire in her eyes, the slight flush on her cheeks—it all called to me in ways I couldn't fully understand.

She's trying so hard to hide it. But we can see. We always see.

"Congratulations on bonding with a dragon," I said, my voice low and intense. "That's quite an achievement for a human."

Tess blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. "How did you—"

"Word travels fast," I cut her off, taking a step closer. The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, responding to my growing agitation. My body hummed with awareness of her proximity.

"How are you finding it? The bond, I mean. It must be... overwhelming."

Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance crossing her features. The sight sent a thrill through me, heat pooling in my core.

"It's fine. I'm handling it," she insisted.

Liar. But such a beautiful one.

"Are you?" I pressed, circling her slowly. My shadows stretched across the floor, reaching for her like tendrils of smoke. "And what about your mentor? Theron, isn't it? When do you start your training?"

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