Page 24 of Dark Prince's Captive

My heart starts pumping as a thought hits me.“Are there other, um, dragons on land?”

“They’re everywhere,” she says vaguely, not seeming keen on the discussion.She blows out a shaky breath.“I’m Gaia, Aruan’s sister.”She adds with a smile, “We weren’t properly introduced when you arrived.”

“Elsie,” I say, holding out my hand to shake hers while making sure the sheet around my body stays in place.

She stares at my outstretched hand in amusement, not making a move to take it.

Maybe that’s not how people greet each other on Zerra.

“Come,” she says with an eloquent flick of her fingers.

At first, I think she’s addressing me, but then a small army of men carrying loaded trays marches through the bedroom archway that has reappeared again.

While they offload dishes onto the big square stone, I use the opportunity to speak with Gaia.She seems more approachable than her brothers.

“There’s been a mistake,” I start carefully.“This is all wrong.”

“Don’t mind them,” she says, waving a hand toward the men.“My brother insisted.They’re here for your protection.”She props a hand on her hip.“He obviously doesn’t trust me, or anyone, with you—not that I blame him.We’ll put up a screen so you don’t have to see them.You won’t even know they’re here.”

“Oh.”I glance at the men.“I didn’t mean them.There’s been a huge misunderstanding.”Smiling awkwardly, I continue, “Aruan seems to think I’m his mate.”

Her expression remains serious.“Youarehis mate.”Scrutinizing me, she asks, “Can’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?”

“No matter.”She takes my hand.“It’ll come.Give it time.Considering what you’ve been through, I suppose it’s not surprising.”

“He thinks I’m an Alit, but I’m from Earth.”I pull my hand from hers.“Why doesn’t anyone believe me?”

“Oh, you poor thing.”Compassion softens her silver eyes.“Of course we believe you.The fact that you ended up on Earth is most unfortunate.But what was done can’t be undone.”Sadness infuses her tone.“For many years, Aruan believed you were dead.Most of us only feel the bond with our mates at adolescence, but your bond was so strong that Aruan felt it the day you were born.”Tears glimmer in her eyes.“He was only five years old.”Her voice turns bright again.“Look at me, getting all emotional.”She blinks several times and swipes at the wetness on her cheek.“That was a long time ago.Now you’re back, and that’s what we must focus on.”

I’m not untouched by her display of emotion, but her statement befuddles me.“Wait, what do you mean I’m back?”

She brushes my windblown hair from my forehead.“Everything must seem so confusing to you.”

Yeah, no kidding.I have a million questions about this world and how it all works, but now isn’t the time to indulge my curiosity.“I’m from Earth,” I say insistently.“My parents are there.Don’t you see?I have to go back to them.”

She abandons trying to manipulate my hair into some kind of style and cups my cheek instead.“Your parents were Alit.They were from Marikanea, the kingdom in the east known for its endless oceans and cerulean skies.You were only a baby when you disappeared.”

“No.”I back away.“My parents are Irene and Jonas Barnikoff.”

Her manner is strangely sympathetic.“They’re not your biological parents, are they?”

“No, but?—”

Holy shit.

This bizarre situation is starting to really freak me out.

Okay.So what if I was adopted?That doesn’t mean she’s right.

I lift my chin.“Where are these so-called parents?I demand a DNA test.”

That should settle the argument once and for all.Unless… do they not have those here?

Gaia scrunches up her face.“A what?”She blows out another sigh.“Never mind.My dear Laliss—” She catches herself and corrects quickly, “Elsie, I’m so sorry to be the bearer of such tragic news, but your parents died in a volcano eruption that wiped out half of their capital.It happened not long after your… um, supposed fatal accident.”

Ha.

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