Page 74 of Beneath Scales and Shadows
She felt the truth of his restraint through their newly formed bond—the constant battle he waged against instinct, prioritizing her recovery over his own desires.
“And you need to eat,” he added, his tone lightening as he reached for a flask of rinsing water. “Your strength must return before we face what comes next.”
As he carefully rinsed away the soap from her skin, Sora leaned into his touch. Somewhere beyond these chambers, complications awaited: a captive prince, a wounded clan, Coal’s continued imprisonment, and Celestoria’s next move.
But here, cradled in steam and warmth between powerful thighs that could crush stone, watched over by caring eyes that had seen decades pass hoping for change, she felt something she’d never expected to find in this foreign world.
She felt home.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
IGNIS
Ignis leaned back in his stone chair, satisfaction rumbling through his chest as he watched Sora finish the last morsel on her plate. The dining hall buzzed with life around them—dragons in their dragoon forms conversing in low tones, casting furtive glances at their king and his Luna. The meal had sated his hunger, though the real pleasure came from watching her strength return with each bite.
She’d needed this—food, rest, healing. The poison had nearly claimed her. Even now, the memory of her blood spilling across his scales sent a surge of protective fury through him.
Their shared meal amongst the clan had proved more challenging than he’d anticipated. Despite their souls being tethered through the blood bond, his instincts remained hypervigilant. Each unmated dragon who lingered too long, whose gaze traced the silver scales adorning her skin, whose nostrils flared to capture her sweetening scent, tested his restraint.
“Ready?” Sora asked, setting down her goblet.
Ignis nodded, rising from his stone bench. The clan members nearest them bowed their heads in acknowledgment as he extended a wing behind her, not quite touching but clearly establishing his claim.
She washis.
She walked closer to his side than she had before the blood bond, her body instinctively seeking his. Whether it was her omega need to touch him, her alpha—or her own need to.
They left the dining hall, his arm settling around her shoulders, wing curving protectively at her back as they navigated the crystal-lined corridors toward the east guest chamber where Prince Markth was being held.
“Do you think he’ll talk?” Sora asked, her voice pitched low enough that only he could hear.
“He’ll talk,” Ignis growled, tail flicking behind him. “The question is whether he’ll speak truth or lies.”
The corridors widened as they approached the eastern wing where crystal formations embedded in the walls glowed more softly than those in the main caverns. Glowstones hung in woven baskets, casting brighter light that spilled across the walls and floor in gentle waves.
Ember stood outside the prince’s door, trying to maintain a rigid stance despite the exhaustion that weighed down her wings. Dark circles shadowed her droopy eyes, and she hadn’t properly tended the wound on her shoulder—testament to her stubborn refusal to rest.
Her amber eyes lit at their approach, though the shadow of sadness behind them lingered, unwilling to fade.
“My king. Luna.” She straightened, offering a formal bow. “You’re looking stronger. I was worried, but was told you were recovering.”
“How is Coal?” Ignis asked, addressing the question that clearly haunted his guard.
Ember closed her eyes, emotion flickering across her scarred face. “He lives,” she whispered, one hand rising to press against her temple. “But I can feel him fading. The connection grows weaker as time continues to pass.”
The pain in her voice cut through Ignis’s chest. Coal had been with them since they were hatchlings—one of his oldest friends, his most loyal spies.
“We will save him,” Ignis promised, gripping Ember’s shoulder. “But first, we must recover our strength, meet with the council, and determine if our neighbors will stand with us.” He squeezed gently. “And you must see Asher. I need my guard at her best, not sacrificing herself to guilt.”
“I can still—”
“That’s an order, Ember.” His voice softened the command. “I can’t afford to have two of my people recovering—or captured—when we mount our rescue. Especially not my king’s guard.”
Ember’s jaw clenched, but she nodded. “I’ll ask Blaze and Enixa for replacements.”
“How’s the prince’s temperament?” Ignis asked, changing the subject. “Do you think he will be willing to work with us?”
She shrugged, her bronze scales catching the light. “He doesn’t appreciate being kidnapped, but he seems to prefer our mountain to death.” A slight smile curved her scarred lip. “He’s been surprisingly cooperative. Almost too much so.”
