Page 9 of The Dragon King's Awakening

The way our auras twine together, I know she's right.A day won't hurt, and we all need time to adjust to this unexpected bond.The queen will understand; she’s always had a soft spot for fated mates.

Chapter7

Rachel

It takes Zahraxis a few tries of exhaling golden breath to conjure clothing, only for everything to fade to shimmering wisps before our eyes.This prompts Finn to huff with impatience and blow a gust of red smoke at the other man.Once it finally dissipates, Zahraxis is clad in simple cargo shorts and a plain white T-shirt that hugs his cut torso.It offers a stark contrast to his dark skin and the gold band holding his coiled hair back from his face.

"Couldn't we just fly?"I ask after watching the whole production.Zahraxis sneers, earning a chuckle from Finn.

"He doesn't have the power to shift without losing his mind again, and hewon'tride.It would be beneath him," Finn explains.

So we're walking.

The hike back down the mountain with the pair of men at my side feels like a dream, and I have to surreptitiously pinch myself to prove it's real.It's slow going, due to Zahraxis pausing to snack on berries and request words for every random object on the path.

"Where is he from?"I ask.

"He understands you.You can ask him," Finn says, nodding toward the other man.

"I'm not sure I can understand him, though," reply, cheeks heating.Languages were never my strength.

Zahraxis returns from up the path, grinning and holding up one of the ripest, juiciest blackberries I've ever seen.He holds it out to me and says, "Open, Rachel."

My stomach flips at the very idea that he wants to feed me.I open, and he gently places the berry on my tongue.The moment I bite down and the sweet-tart juice blasts across my tastebuds, his mouth is on mine, warm and sensuous, his tongue teasing past my lips to share the treat.My legs go wobbly and my entire body heats, but Finn is behind me, shoring me up against the onslaught of Zahraxis' power.

Finn utters a warning to the other man, and when I open my eyes after he pulls away, there's a faint wisp of shimmering golden smoke swirling around my head.

"Wh-what was that?"I ask.

"Feels good?"Zahraxis asks.

"Don't waste your power, brother," Finn says."Let's rest first, okay?"

Zahraxis waves dismissively, glancing at me with renewed hunger."She has more to give."

My panties are uncomfortably wet again, and I almost wish I hadn't put them back on, but the only thing less comfortable than wet panties are wet denim shorts.Zahraxis’ comment makes me wonder what my own aura looks like.When I activate my dragon sight to look at each of them, I'm met with banked desire from both men.Zahraxis' aura is an agitated crackle of red and gold lightning, volatile, but under control; Finn's is a steadier pulse of magenta—desire mixed with patience.

We start walking again, and I hesitantly touch Zahraxis' arm."Can you tell me about your home?"

A shadow passes over his eyes, and I wince.It was entirely the wrong question, wasn't it?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," I say quickly, giving his arm a gentle squeeze."You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

To my surprise, Zahraxis gives me a small, wistful smile."It was...beautiful," he says, his voice low and melodic."The Nile, flowing like liquid gold.The temples, reaching to the sky.And the people, vibrant and full of life."

He pauses, his gaze growing distant."I was a protector, a guardian," he says in halting, but evocative English."My purpose was to watch over the land and its people, not just rule.Then...the Ultiori came, and everything changed."

I listen, enthralled, as Zahraxis describes his homeland—the lush greenery, bustling markets, and intricate architecture.His words grow more confident as he continues, like a long-dormant muscle warming up.

"We were dragons, yes, but also builders, scholars, artisans.Our cities thrived with commerce and learning.The libraries at the capitol were the grandest in the world."His expression softens."And there, in the palace gardens: my hoard...my mates.

"It was my home," he murmurs, deep sadness in his eyes."And I failed to keep it safe."

Finn, who has been silent until now, reaches out to squeeze Zahraxis' shoulder."You did all you could, brother.The Ultiori's evil was not your fault."

Zahraxis nods, but guilt weighs heavily on him.I take his hand, lacing our fingers together.His thumb caresses my skin as Finn's magenta aura pulses with a mix of empathy and caution.

"What happened?"I ask gently.

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