Page 41 of Hex and Scales

“That’s the outer ward alarm.” Clover’s voice turned sharp. “Something big just breached the boundary.”

Protective magic surged through Sabine. Her friends. Her town. Her mate. The thought of any of them in danger made her essence burn fierce and bright. “Ylan, get the people off the streets. Romi, Clover?—”

An unholy screech cut her off as a massive creature burst from the forest edge. Some twisted hybrid of boar and chimera with multiple heads writhing on its shoulders and evil leaking from its hide like oil. But worse than its appearance was the magical signature pulsing from its flesh—the same binding spells that had tried to trap her powers at the shop.

“Well,” Romi said brightly, “this is new.”

“Get back.” Sabine pushed her friends behind her, power crackling at her fingertips. “That thing’s radiating black magic.”

“We’re not leaving you.” Clover’s voice brooked no argument. “Whatever this is, we face it together.”

Romi stepped forward, hands already weaving a spell. “Time for my signature sleep enchantment! Now with extra chamomile and a hint of lavender.” Her magic sparkled as it wrapped around the beast.

The spell hit true, but instead of collapsing, the creature merely stumbled. And started... humming? The beast swayed, knocking over market stalls while crooning Romi’s lullaby in a decidedly off-key growl.

“At least it’s musical,” Clover said, already summoning vines to contain it. The plant magic wrapped around the beast’s legs,but this only prompted it to attempt what looked suspiciously like drunk yoga.

“Fascinating!” Felix appeared beside them, notebook in hand. “The magical resonance patterns suggest a completely unique hybrid classification. Also, its downward dog pose needs serious work.”

THIRTY-FIVE

“Felix!” Sabine yanked him back as a massive paw swiped where he’d stood. “Document from a safe distance!”

The beast crashed through Madame Zephyrine’s garden, tangling wind chimes in its horns. Immediately, jazz music filled the air.

“I told you the jazz chimes would come in handy,” Neve remarked serenely to her twin, materialized from nowhere.

Rook and Lux arrived in shifter form, coordinating with local defenders to evacuate bystanders and strengthen wards. Sabine reached for her own power, ready to join them—but something about the creature’s central head caught her attention. It glowed with a familiar energy that tugged at her magical core.

She extended her senses instinctively. The connection sparked, giving her a flash of insight into the beast’s nature. The binding spells weren’t just controlling it—they were twisting its very essence. Like the shadow creatures that had attacked her shop, this thing reeked of archaic, evil power.

The creature reared back for a devastating strike at Romi, who’d stumbled while dodging debris. Time seemed to slow asSabine gathered her magic. She wouldn’t reach her friend in time, but she could redirect the attack?—

Her protective instincts flared as she launched herself forward, knowing the hit would hurt but unable to watch her friend suffer. Energy gathered in her hands even as she braced for impact?—

The ground shook as massive black wings blocked out the sun. Ren’s dragon form towered over them, obsidian scales gleaming as he positioned himself between the beast and both women. His roar rattled windows for blocks as dragon fire blazed from his maw. Steam curled from his words: “If you ever sacrifice yourself like that again?—”

Sabine’s breath caught at his magnificent form. Even as her power thrilled at his protection, she reached for him instinctively. Their magic merged in a rush of heat and light, her unique blend of powers amplifying his dragon fire until it turned pure white. The purifying flame wrapped around the creature, burning away darkness until nothing remained but a final, discordant note from the jazz chimes.

Ren shifted back to human form, his clothes somehow impeccable except for the pastry cream still splattered across his designer shoes. He drew her close, one hand cupping her face while the other searched for injuries. The barely contained emotion in his touch made her lean into him.

“The resonance readings are extraordinary!” Felix bounced excitedly, scribbling furiously. “A perfect blend of dragon fire and hybrid magic! Also, you two look adorable when you’re doing the power-coupling thing. And those scales! The iridescent patterns under direct sunlight?—”

“Felix.” Eiji appeared to drag him away. “Read the room, romance boy.”

As others began cleanup, Sabine helped Ren scrape pastry debris off his ruined designer shoes. Their fingers met, sendingawareness cascading through her veins. His touch lingered, palm warm against her skin.

“You could have been hurt,” he said quietly. The raw emotion in his voice made her look up. His eyes burned gold with dragon fire and something deeper, more possessive. “When you jumped in front of that creature?—”

“I couldn’t let it hurt Romi.” Sabine traced the line of his jaw, feeling the tension there. “Just like you couldn’t let it hurt me. That’s who we are.”

His hand settled at her waist, drawing her closer. “My brave, foolish woman,” he murmured, the words more tender than chiding. “Always protecting everyone but yourself.”

The endearment made her essence sing. She’d been researching in the archives, discovering more about dragon mates. Something about this—about him—felt achingly familiar.

“I had a dream after you left,” she admitted softly. “Fighting alongside a dragon against shadow creatures. It felt... strange. Like I’d done it before.”

Something flickered in his eyes—recognition, fear? His arms tightened slightly as if afraid she’d slip away.

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