Page 139 of Song of Her Siren

My breath caught when Radnor lifted his torn wing with a whimper, revealing Helian lying in the dirt, a dragon rider who looked like a shorter version of Helian kneeling beside him. The smaller golden dragon must’ve been his, and this man was probably the green witch dragon rider who’d helped Nikkos.

“Your Majesty.” The rider stood and bowed before me, sweat dripping down his forehead. “I managed to stop the flow of blood, but he’s lost so much.”

“Thank you.” I gave the man a grateful smile and knelt beside my love, taking his clammy hand in mine, relieved he still had a faint pulse. He had a severed rope still attached to his wrist, as if his hand had been tied behind his back. “Leave him to me.”

The green witch bowed and went to the golden dragon, rubbing her snout while she purred like a kitten.

I gave the rabbits to Finn, and he set the sack down, letting them munch on flowers that fell from the tree. Closing my eyes, I pressed my hands against the bloody bullseye on Helian’s gut and channeled my healing magic into him. Finn knelt behind me, a hand pressed against my back, the strength from his love pouring into me as I envisioned Helian’s smiling face, his pale eyes, and the way his silvery hair gleamed in the sunlight. The magic flowed, warming my hands, making me feel like I was weightless, my mates and I floating in the clouds.

At the sound of Helian’s groan, I sat back on my heels, my shoulders sagging in relief. Finn wrapped his arms around me, kissing the side of my head and murmuring words of love into my ear. I sighed while snuggling against him. How I’d missed him. How did he always know exactly what I needed?

Helian’s eyes fluttered open. “Tari?”

“Hello, you.” I wiped blood and sweat on my gown.

“Nice to see you alive, brother.” Finn helped Helian sit up. “You need to stop making a habit out of trying to die.”

Helian hung his head in his hands with a cross between a groan and a chuckle. “I didn’t think dying could become a habit.”

“Neither did I.” Finn laughed. “But you’re trying to prove me wrong.”

Helian squinted at the big, hot shadow hovering over us. “Radnor?”

Radnor snaked his neck around, facing Helian with a snarl.Here, Prince.

Both rabbits stomped their back paws in panic when they saw Radnor, then scurried back into the bag. Had they forgotten him already? I rubbed their ears, whispering a soothing spell, and they quickly fell asleep.

“What happened?” Helian asked.

Ivar tricked you and slid a dagger into your gut.Radnor blew a puff of smoke in Helian’s face.Then you pulled the dagger out and threw it into his back, because you didn’t trust me to defend myself.

“That’s right.” Helian dragged a hand down his face. “He was about to run his sword through your belly.”

Ire flashed in the drake’s golden eyes.I would’ve turned him to ash first.

Helian shook his head. “You were busy fighting his dragon.”

I was winning.Eyes narrowing, Radnor arched back.You would’ve died if your mate hadn’t saved you.

Helian chuckled. “You’re welcome, Radnor.”

Indignation flashed in the monster’s eyes.Don’t ever sacrifice your life for me again.

I gritted my teeth. For once, I was in agreement with Radnor.

Helian shrugged. “You can’t ask that of me.”

Radnor arched a brow.Why not?

Helian visibly swallowed, looking away. “Because we’re family, that’s why. We protect each other.”

Radnor gave a snort and reared back.

“Careful, Helian.” I laughed, even as my heart was breaking. “You’ll melt the iron casing around Radnor’s heart.”

Helian flashed a languid smile, dragging his knuckles down the side of my face. “Are you okay, Tari?”

Afraid I’d tear up if I looked into his eyes a moment longer, I averted my gaze. “I’m fine.” I’d resigned myself to the fact that most of my time loving Helian would be spent worrying about him, though I prayed that would change once we defeated the demons.

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