Page 89 of The Exiled Dragon

“He’s alive?” Her face continued to rub on my hairy chest.

“Like I said, barely.” Osirus stood up. Several more footsteps ran down the cave. “Braxton, Finley, take their pet to the Tamed Stables. Careful now, you might get dirty.” Two large, redheaded Faes came to pick up Fluffy, who let out a groan.

“The Stable Master will take care of him,” Melina spoke quietly. “He’s like a veterinarian of sorts. It’s his own power to understand the magical creatures of this realm and know how to heal them.”

Not knowing what a veterinarian was, Odessa rubbed my cheek. “They are going to fix him, like a healer.” Odessa always knew when I had questions. My forehead touched hers.

“I’ve ordered your pet to stay alive, for the both of you. It’s the Siren heritage that lets me control some creatures,” she explained to Odessa.

Osirus led us out of the cave, ordering soldiers to strip the cave of all of its belongings, burning them. The evilness hung in the air and the remnants of their aura had put Osirus in a mood I had never seen. His light skin turned dark, his wings fluttering with black swirls in the veins of his wings.

“What do we do now? I don’t want to put you or your country in danger,” Odessa spoke as I carried her, more for my comfort than hers. Odessa may have shifted, but such a strong lineage that I have, coming from two Alpha lines, hindered Odessa’s growth. She was tiny and human, two obstacles going against her. Her Dragon could fly, but her control was limited. Her magic still hadn’t come through well enough to let her Dragon’s breath be used as a defense to help her win a brawl. Mine being fire, I had a strong feeling hers could be ice since we were to complement each other.

“You will stay with us in the palace. There will be guards placed at your doors, and we will scout our territory more thoroughly.” Osirus pushed open the double doors to a sitting room. “I’m not sure how they could have snuck by my soldiers; we have a powerful defense system.” The room was blinding, even with the light sources setting on the opposite side of the kingdom.

“I miss our cave,” Odessa whispered in my ear. “I just want this all to be over so we can go home.” Gripping her tighter, I sat her down on the couch beside me, her arm still holding onto mine. There was no place for her to feel more protected than with me, which made my Dragon purr. However, I couldn’t be with her every minute of the day, I had to keep her away from danger. My heart was torn.

The whisps danced; they came from an open window, staying around Odessa and me. “That’s a good sign.” Osirus sat opposite of us holding onto Melina’s hand. “The whisps like you, Odessa, just like any other mated couple. As much as many Shifters find them annoying, my people find them an omen of good luck.”

Odessa said nothing, her body glued to mine. “I need more information, Odessa.” Odessa’s head perked up. “I need to know exactly what Vampire is after you.” Shaking her head, her hands trembled.

“The Duke, that’s all I know.”

“Yes, but which one?” Osirus pressed. Odessa squirmed. I never told her what the Duke’s name was after I killed Enoch. There was never a reason to. I didn’t want to hurt her more, since she had mostly forgotten.

“Mortus.” My voice radiated anger. “Duke Mortus.”

“I’m sorry to bring it up. Clara mentioned a Duke, but she did not specify which.” I growled. How could she forget something so important? Then again, Osirus wasn’t there when Clara told Odessa that Duke Mortus was looking for her. Princess Clara is still young, but when my mate is at risk, it is a piece of information that should have been said.

“He can talk?!” Melina’s voice shrieked. Osirus smiled, rubbing his mate’s hand.

“Of course he can, he’s mated to his true mate. Have you not noticed the healing of his scars?” Melina huffed, crossing her arms as her breasts rose. Osirus, taking a quick glance, pecked her cheek.

“The scars might be gone physically, but my mind can’t remove the memories.” I pulled my fawn to my lap, putting her head into my neck, my Dragon purring to calm her racing heart.

“There are more humans still stuck there.” Odessa’s voice shook. “I’ve been selfish about not trying to go after them. I’m a terrible person, living in my bubble.” Melina shook her head frantically.

“No, no, no, you cannot blame yourself. You took the first chance you could, you ran, you survived. Humans are no match for the Vampires, or for any supernatural. Clara and Kane have already warned the Queen of Vermillion of the lies, now we have a name. Unfortunately, the Queen has relied on his funds to aid the kingdom; it seems that the Duke is doing this to his advantage, like he is trying to take over the throne.

“Well, that’s shitty.” Alaneo walked in; his mate, who was a Vampire, set down a plate of small sandwiches. Odessa paled, her body scooting farther away from her. She smiled sadly, stepping back towards Alaneo.

“I won’t hurt you,” she spoke softly. “Not all of us are evil.” Her voice held grace, a softness you would hear from a mother speaking to a fledgling that knew it would be in trouble. Odessa peeked at her with one of her amethyst eyes.

“I was experimented on by the rogue Witches, trying to use my blood to enhance their powers. They thought since I wasn’t with the rogues, my blood would suffice, but they found something much more powerful.” Her eyes landed on me.

“The Dragon’s blood, it’s enhancing their dark magic.” Alaneo rubbed his mate’s hand, kissing it gently. “This is Juliet. She has prepared your room and will take you there when you have finished eating.” Odessa relaxed, seeing that no one else in the room was upset at Juliet’s presence.

“Your Majesties.” A guard strode into the room, holding a spear. “We have Elves at the front gate, a whole squadron. They are here to aid us.”

“Ah, yes, bring in the leaders so we can speak with them.” Osirus’ smirk played on his face. Odessa nibbled on the small sandwiches that held nothing but vegetables. I growled in frustration that the king wouldn’t give us some sort of meat. This would not help Odessa’s Dragon and she was going to need more strength if she would need to fly away during a fight. There was only one of me, and I didn’t completely trust a Fae army against a few hundred Vampires high on black magic.

“Um, I’m sorry, but is there some meat? Like red meat, I could have?” Odessa’s eyes glanced up at me. Smiling, I rubbed my nose to hers. She was such a suitable mate, she read me better than any other.

“Oh, of course! I forgot.” Melina blushed. Juliet left the room in a hurry.

“You don’t have to cook it,” Odessa spoke louder for the first time, hoping Juliet had heard her down the hallway. I chuckled, having her curl back up into my lap.

I didn’t want Odessa to fight. I wanted her wings to be strong so she could fly high above any scuffle. My strength was enough for the both of us, and my Fawn’s Dragon was not built to fight. Her Dragon was underweight, but her Dragon was to be more slender than most. Her pearled beast was a peace animal not meant to defend. Once her Dragon strengthens, I believe she will radiate the magic the Dragons have been deprived of for hundreds of years. Her features were soft, the wings covered in feathers were of a dove or an angel. I never wanted to see a drop of blood land on those feathers, but the situation before us may have my wishes flung away.

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