Page 55 of Killian
Dravyn sprinted off toward the copse of trees behind them. Rocking from heel to toe, Killian tried not to think about Dravyn removing his clothes so he wouldn’t do something stupid like chase him.
“It is weird standing here while you two kiss,” Baxter said.
“You are the one insisting on being here. Clearly, I am in no danger. If you think I will stop kissing Dravyn so as not to offend your delicate sensibilities, you are sorely mistaken.”
“No need to take offense. I was pointing out the weirdness, not expecting you to change your behavior. Kissing is a wonderful endeavor. I am quite fond of the practice myself.”
“You could stay home and kiss Ben instead of annoying me.”
“One would almost think you are not grateful for my services,” Baxter complained.
“I appreciate your kindness in believing your presence here is required, but it is a waste of your time.”
“Yet I still find myself asking it if is wise for you to go to a home full of strangers on a plot of land nowhere on our maps.”
“It is the family of my mate.”
“Everyone in my life is so damn stubborn.”
Killian cracked a grin. “Yourself included.”
“Thankfully, your dragon has arrived to whisk you away, so I must no longer knock my head against yours,” Baxter said as Dravyn’s beast came into view.
“Such dangerous beauty,” Killian murmured as Dravyn swooped down behind him so he would not run into any tall trees. Turning on his heel, Killian increased the glow of his lamp to better appreciate the way the light reflected off the dark scales of the magnificent creature in front of him. Killian stepped forward and laid a hand on the surprisingly sleek texture of dragonskin. “How do I get myself up?”
Dravyn stretched his legs out and bellyflopped into the dirt. It was such a surprisingly cute movement from such a grand dragon that Killian laughed. Then he tugged his cloak up and stretched a leg over Dravyn. It took some wiggling, but eventually, Killian’s bare feet dangled on either side of the beast’s curved back.
“Enjoy your evening,” Baxter called out.
He disappeared as Dravyn shifted beneath Killian. Before Killian could decide if he should be frightened, Dravyn thundered across the ground and flapped his enormous wings. They left the ground, and Killian threw his arms up as they went airborne. The wind whipped through his hair, tugging off his hood, and he grinned as they flowed through the cool night sky.
“This is incredible,” Killian shouted, and to his delight, Dravyn’s beast grumbled with what he hoped was an answering delight as they shared this wondrous experience together.
Far too soon, a modest home of wood and stone caught Killian’s eye. His nerves about meeting Dravyn’s kin fluttered to life as they gently coasted to the ground. Killian’s eyes widened. It was not from the wide expanse of the many plants of Dravyn’s garden, though it impressed him. What startled Killian into sliding off Dravyn without a word was the lovely music filling his ears.
Barely noting that the dragon had flown around to the other side of the house, Killian reached out his hand and allowed his magick to flow out to detect what other druid had dared getnear Dravyn’s land. But no sorcery reached him. The leaves of the plants leaned closer to Killian, and he sent a calming wave of support to each of them.
“How did you do that?” Dravyn asked, returning to his side fully dressed.
“It is not me doing it,” Killian replied, thinking Dravyn was remarking upon the pretty melody.
“Then who is making all the plants bend toward you?”
Killian glanced down. He had forgotten that Dravyn was unaccustomed to witnessing plants moving in his direction. It was one of the benefits of having such strong magick and the love in his heart for every living thing.
“I can feel their emotions, and they can detect mine,” Killian replied. “It is an anomaly no other druid has confessed to. Aloisa says it is because everyone—even the plants—knows I am the true ruler of our people, but she is far too humble. My sister and her mate do as much as me to ensure our people prosper.”
Dravyn’s brow furrowed. “Why did you say you didn’t do it if it happens wherever you go?”
“I was referring to the music.”
“What music?” Dravyn asked.
“The beautiful tune your garden sings.”
“Killian, I hear nothing,” Dravyn replied carefully as if speaking to a madman.
Sadness filled Killian’s heart as he stared at a dragon who defied everything he’d been taught his entire life. Only druids of the strongest magick had the power to create harmonies in their gardens. But Dravyn had done it. Without magick.
