Page 36 of Beneath Scales and Shadows
She felt herself leaning closer, guided by something deeper than thought.
Their lips nearly touched, heat building between bodies now perfectly aligned. His wings unfurled partially, creating a cocoon of privacy in the otherwise open training area.
“Ignis,” she whispered, uncertain whether she meant to encourage or warn.
The tension between them pulled taut, possibility hovering in the breath they shared. His restraint was tangible, a force of will she felt rather than saw. Choice. He kept giving her choice when every line of his powerful body screamed to claim her.
She’d read how alphas treated omegas—at least human—as property, claiming them—forcing the bond—especially when the omega was in heat.
And yet, he’d rescued her and given her the freedom to roam his caverns… while he hovered, he also cared for her—about her.
Something about that deliberate control, that respect for her autonomy despite his obvious desire, affected her more profoundly than any display of dominance could have.
A throat cleared loudly nearby.
Reality crashed back with jarring abruptness. Sora stepped back, heat flooding her cheeks as Ember approached, amber eyes gleaming with undisguised amusement.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” the delta guard said, scarred lip curling into a knowing smile. “Though from the scent of things, perhaps I am.”
Ignis’s wings retracted with deliberate slowness, his expression revealing nothing, but his eyes betrayed him. “Perfect timing. We’ve just completed initial assessment.”
“And?” Ember eyed Sora with renewed interest. “Does she meet your exacting standards, my king?”
“She exceeds them.” The pride in his voice sent warmth spreading through Sora’s chest. “Her reflexes are extraordinary for one so newly awakened.”
Ember circled Sora with the critical eye of a seasoned warrior. “Let’s see what she’s made of, then.” The delta guard’s scarred face betrayed nothing, but her voice promised a very different kind of lesson.
“Another time.” Ignis stepped between them, his hulking form casting shadows over her. Ruby scales caught the morning light filtering through crystal veins overhead, transforming him into a living flame. “We’ve trained since dawn, and the council meets after the midday meal.”
Ember’s face registered surprise before settling into grudging acceptance. “As you wish, my king.” Her amber eyes shifted to Sora, assessing. “Tomorrow, then. Same hour. We’ll see if your reflexes can handle me.”
The words carried challenge rather than insult, a warrior’s acknowledgment that warranted testing. Sora straightened despite muscles that now trembled with exertion, meeting the delta guard’s gaze directly.
“I’ll be ready,” she promised, though uncertainty flickered beneath her bravado. She mustn’t show any weakness—not now—not when she needed to prove herself to his clan. She knew Ember was close to Ignis, and hoped by winning her over, she might find herself another ally amongst his council.
Ember’s lips curled into a challenging smirk. “We shall see.” With a respectful inclination of her head toward Ignis, she departed, taloned feet clicking against stone the only sound within the training grounds as she disappeared into a side corridor.
Alone again with Ignis, Sora became acutely aware of her physical state—sweat-dampened hair clinging to her neck, training garments adhering to curves now enhanced by rippling scales, breath still coming faster than normal. His crimson gaze tracked these details with predatory focus, wings shifting restlessly against his back.
“You should eat,” he said, voice rougher than before. “Your body requires nourishment to support the transformation.”
“I am hungry,” she admitted, surprised by the hollow ache in her stomach. On Earth, she’d often forgotten meals entirely when absorbed in research. Now her body demanded attention—especially the lack of protein bars and energy drinks.
“The dining hall is always prepared for the clan to come and go, eating at all hours between their duties.” He gestured toward the corridor leading back to the central cavern. “After you’ve refreshed yourself.”
They walked in charged silence, each acutely aware of the other’s proximity. Sora found herself cataloging new sensations—the way her heightened senses detected subtle shifts in his scent when she moved closer. There was a delicious heat that radiated from his scaled half-form like banked coals—that seemingly went along with his smoldering scent of roaring bonfire at midnight. The imperceptible brush of his wing against her shoulder as he loosely wrapped it around her when the corridor narrowed was both oddly comforting—and sent a thrill through her.
The bathing chamber attached to their shared quarters steamed invitingly, crystal-infused water bubbling from underground springs. Ignis paused at the beaded entrance.
“I’ll await you in the dining hall,” he said, every muscle taut with restraint—wings held tightly to his back, and his usually restless tail swaying lazily. “Unless you think you’ll need my help once again.”
“I believe I’ll be alright.” She felt her cheeks burn at the memory of him rushing into the hot spring pool to save her when she’d slipped. “I feel much stronger, regardless of our recent sparring.”
“Reach out if you need me,” he promised, giving her a final nod, his gaze lingering, eyes catching hers before he turned.“I’m only a thought away.”
“Thank you.”
As she sank into the healing waters, Sora wondered how long such restraint could last—and whether she truly wanted it to continue.
