Page 14 of Dragon King's Cursed Mate

She touched his arm and looked into his eyes, holding his gaze for a moment.

Kael broke the spell. “Are we ready?”

“Yes. As soon as you shift, I’ll create the spell.”

The three dragon shifters shed their clothes, put them in their tents. and then walked out into the courtyard, transforming into three magnificent creatures. Seraphina mounted Dain and the four of them set out for Eryndral.

No one spoke during the two-hour journey to the small kingdom on the southern side of Wyrmhaven. They landed in the heavily wooded area behind the remnants of the scorched temple.

They could see the bits of the gem-encrusted silver chalices and gold candelabras that had somehow survived the heat of the fire.

Why haven’t they been taken?Kael asked telepathically.I would think the people in the area would be desperate for the gems, gold, and silver.

Seraphina shook her head.The fear of the curse is much greater than their need or greed. If you steal from the temple where the oracle resides, you will suffer more than you would in the pits of hell. Even those who burned the temple are nowgoing through pain so excruciating that they are begging for death.

Kael and Xander exchanged glances.

Why would they risk it?Xander asked.

Shrugging, Seraphina replied,Either they’re more afraid of Malakar or they don’t believe in the prophecies and curses.

She slipped off of Dain’s back and glided over to a large tree that was at least a century old. The huge branches reached to the heavens and were covered with bright green leaves. It seemed to shimmer with magic and had a faint glow. A low hum resonated from the tree.

Why didn’t they destroy the tree?Dain asked, awed by the power that emanated from the tree.

You can only see and feel its power because you’re with me. To everyone else, it’s just another old tree.

Seraphina reached into a large knot in the tree and pulled out a protective medallion she’d hidden right before the soldiers arrived, and slipped it over her head.

Why did you take it off if you knew they were coming for you?Xander asked.

I knew that I had to let them take me. The medallion would have prevented that.

Dain grinned, showing large dragon fangs.We sound like a bunch of children with our questions.

Seraphina simply smiled as she pulled out a sacred dagger and secured that in a sheath attached to her belt. She took out a large bag that contained gems, oils, herbs, memory crystals and other crystals, and an enchanted object that would prevent anyone from knowing when she entered the dream realm. Another large bag contained clothes.

She put her hand on the tree and thanked it for its protection.

I’m ready, she announced as she glanced back at the temple that had been her home since she was a child.

They’d only been there for a few minutes, but Dain was already getting uncomfortable. He sucked in a huge breath when three hunters walked by them. However, none of them even glanced at the three large dragons and the beautiful woman standing in the middle of the forest.

She tied the bags together and then around her waist after she mounted Dain. As soon as she was secure, he flapped his wings and they were once again soaring through the air.

The cloaking spell wore off as soon as they arrived at the ruins. Sustaining such powerful magic for that long had sapped all of Seraphina’s energy. She slid off his back, unconscious, as soon as they landed.

Dain picked her up, untied the bags, and carried her to her tent, cradling her in his arms. Kael brought her bags and set them in a corner.

“Will she be okay?” he asked.

“I’m sure. She just needs to rest.”

Kael nodded and left. Dain went to his tent, dressed, and hurried back to Seraphina’s. He’d sounded confident when reassuring Kael, but he still needed to be by her side. He gently touched her face and was completely enthralled with her beauty. Dain ached to wake her and make love to her, but he pushed the desire away.

When she finally woke up, she reached up and touched his cheek, smiling into his eyes. His heart thundered in his chest and he leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. A storm exploded inside of him. It was fierce and all-consuming, yet at the same time tender and full of unspoken passion.

He laid next to her, his heartbeat echoing in his ears as she opened her lips to him.

---