Page 49 of Fired Up Love

“We need to neutralize it,” she said, regaining her composure. “Any ideas?”

“Dragon fire can purify corrupted magic,” Xai suggested. “But I’d need to control it precisely to avoid damaging the foundation.”

“What if I guide your fire?” Zina turned in his arms, facing him with sudden inspiration. “My mother taught me how to trace ley lines through touch. Together, we could target just the corruption without affecting the stone.”

Elder Willow’s eyes widened. “A combined working? That would require exceptional synchronicity between your energies.”

“We can do it,” Zina said with certainty, meeting Xai’s golden gaze.

He nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. “Together.”

Bryn and Thora exchanged meaningful glances at this collaboration, but Zina ignored them, focused entirely on the problem at hand.

Together, they approached the malevolent rune. Zina placed her hands on the stone, feeling for the healthy ley line energy beneath. Xai positioned himself behind her, his larger hands covering hers.

“Ready?” he asked softly.

She nodded, closing her eyes to better focus on the energy flows. “Follow my lead. Gentle at first.”

Xai’s hands warmed gradually, growing hotter as controlled dragon fire channeled through them both. Zina directed the energy precisely where it needed to go, tracing the corrupted lines of the rune and burning away the malevolence without damaging the foundation stone.

Their energies merged with unexpected harmony—his raw power guided by her precision. The sickly green light flickered and died as their combined abilities neutralized the threat. When the last trace of corruption vanished, Zina sagged back against Xai’s chest, suddenly exhausted.

“That was...” She struggled to find the right word.

“Incredible,” he finished, his voice rough with emotion. “I’ve never been able to control fire that precisely.”

“You two make quite the team,” Elder Willow observed, her ancient eyes twinkling. “Such synchronicity is rare, even among established bonds.”

“I’m starving,” Zina announced, deliberately changing the subject as heat crept up her cheeks. “Magical workings always drain my energy.”

The hours that followed blurred into a flurry of activity. Additional protective measures were implemented, reports filed with the council, and allies briefed on the situation. Zina’s apartment above the spa became an impromptu meeting hub, crowded with supernatural leaders planning countermeasures against Severin.

By the time everyone left, night had fallen completely. Zina collapsed onto her couch, surrounded by takeout containers and hastily scribbled notes. Xai remained, reviewing security plans by the window.

“I can’t believe he’s escalating so quickly,” she sighed, rubbing her temples.

“He’s desperate.” Xai abandoned the papers and sat beside her. “Which makes him dangerous but also prone to mistakes.”

Exhaustion lowered her usual barriers. She found herself leaning against his shoulder, drawing comfort from his solid presence. Without thinking, she reached for the small vials they’d created at Aroma Alcove, uncapping hers first.

The scent he’d crafted for her immediately eased the tension in her shoulders, bringing a sense of calm focus. When he sampled his own blend, the effect was visible—his expression softening, the constant vigilance in his posture relaxing slightly.

“Your scent steadies my heart,” she admitted quietly. “Is that normal?”

His arm slipped around her shoulders, drawing her closer. “Nothing about our connection follows normal parameters. From the moment we met, something... recognized you.”

The simple truth of his statement settled between them comfortably. They sat in companionable silence, the day’s events having shifted something fundamental in their relationship.

As Xai eventually rose to leave, Zina impulsively caught his hand. “Stay,” she said simply. “I don’t want to be alone tonight.”

The request revealed both her growing trust and lingering vulnerability. Xai’s expression softened as he nodded, understanding all she hadn’t said.

They settled back onto the couch, her head finding a natural place on his chest, his arm protectively around her shoulders. The custom scents mingled in the air around them, creating a bubble of peace amid the growing storm.

“Together we’ll make Enchanted Falls safe and my mother proud,” Zina whispered, hovering on the edge of sleep.

Xai pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his response carrying the weight of an ancient oath: “By flame and fang, I swear it.”

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