Page 27 of Dragon King's Cursed Mate

Dain was anxiously waiting for her inside the entrance. Seraphina knew that he hated her going into the forest alone, but she must. She could protect herself, although she did have to admit that it was comforting to have a big ice and lightning dragon as backup.

She sat cross-legged near the fire, fingered her medallion, and told Dain everything she’d heard.

“Who is the ancient king?” he asked.

Seraphina shrugged. “I wish I knew who he is and I wish I knew how to wake him. Unfortunately, it has to happen at the right time. If he wakes too soon, then you could lose. It has to happen in a perfect sequence.”

He growled. “I want this done and over with. I dislike waiting.”

She slipped her hand into his. “No one likes waiting unless they have a good book to read.”

“I have my medallion and magic that will protect me. Be cautious of any voices or visions. Some will be helpful, but others will be dangerous. You will have to consider them carefully.”

He squeezed her hand gently. “Is it part of the curse? Will they drive me insane? Will I hear and see things because I’m going mad?”

She chewed her bottom lip. “I don’t know for sure, but I would say no because I was told that they came from ancient spirits and new magic. My guess is that Malakar has a dark witch on his payroll, which was how the hunter almost found me.”

He groaned.

“Hey, he might have a dark witch, but you’ve got me, and I’m pretty darned awesome.”

Dain laughed. “I can’t argue with that.”

“I believe Arkhadia is protecting you. There is ancient magic here, and I believe it has something to do with your return.” She held up her hand. “Don’t ask me what, because I don’t have all the answers. It will happen in due time.”

He hesitated for a minute and asked, “Are you afraid?”

The question startled her and she looked at him with wide eyes. “Of what?”

“Of the curse and if I lose myself?”

Her heart twisted and without thinking she cupped his face in her hands and brushed a kiss across his lips. “I’m not afraid. There is more to the curse than we know. You will get your throne back. Whatever happens, you are not alone. I will fight it with you.”

She gently traced his forehead and his jawline. “I don’t just see you as a dragon shifter, a warrior, or a king. I see you as a man—the man who is a part of my soul.”

He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly to him as though she was the only thing real in a world of shadows and hidden magic.

When they parted, he kissed her gently before she went into her tent. Seraphina struggled to sleep again. Sleep seemed to be a luxury for those whose worlds were simple, which hers hadn’t been since she first had the vision about Dain regaining his throne.

“Maybe this is what Elaris knew. She knew that I would be Dain’s fated mate, and I had to be the one to give that prophecy. I hope she’s watching from the other realm and will help a girl out once in a while.”

She sighed and her thoughts drifted toward Dain. Although he’d never show it to the brotherhood, his army, or the followers, he was afraid—not of dying—of something much worse than that.

Sucking in a huge breath, she focused on walking the path and clearing her mind. When her heart was steady, her breathing calm, and her mind clear of the “junk” that sometimes cluttered her brain, she asked her question. “What is the solution to the curse?”

A loud, deep, male’s voice boomed. “The storm must break before the dawn.”

Hope filled her because that meant they had to overcome a major challenge before the curse could be addressed. It also meant that there was an answer to the curse.

She focused again and asked, “What is this darkness that threatens Dain?”

The same loud voice echoed in her mind. “You must access the sacred scrolls hidden below the temple at Wyrmhaven. The scrolls will hold the key to Lord Dain’s success. They will reveal their message only to you and him, as he is the rightful and onlytrue king.” The voice paused for a moment. “Tell him that he must look within.”

Seraphina was confused. “Is he looking for strength and courage, or does he have the key to Malakar’s downfall hidden in his subconscious or soul?”

There was only silence.

She looked at the bear, wolf, and bat walking with her. “Figures.”

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