Page 22 of The Lost Nation

“Go to your mate. He needs you.”

I didn’t know where he was, but I didn’t need to. I closed my eyes, and shifted to him. When the darkness faded, I was on the high cliffs looking west out over the sea.

Benedict was on his knees, a ring of devastation around him. I heard a moan and saw my other two mates with Xana, a small blood shield flickering out of existence now that the danger was over.

Ronan fell over, covered in black soot and concussed. Kieran didn’t look much better, but he at least had the sense to sink to his knees so his fall wouldn't be as far.

Xana was shaking, but appeared unharmed. I'd get to her in a moment.

I knelt between both of my mates, barely wincing as Kieran sank his fangs into my shoulder. I offered my arm to Ronan, and he greedily bit down. I felt the tug against my magick as they drank and healed, and after I felt they 'd had enough I shifted my gaze to Xana.

“I...I should have waited for you," she confessed, twisting her fingers in front of her. "I figured it out. The fire demon is Baila. His sister." Xana quickly added, to make sure I understood the severity of the situation.

My jaw dropped. That was...incredibly possible, now that I thought about it. Astrid and Vela had even said the fire demon could be a draken prisoner who'd been experimented on.Whyhadn’t we considered that before?

Kieran detached himself from me, licking his wounds clean. He stood and cast a pissed look at Benedict.

“Warna draken next time. I’m not as young as I used to be!”

He tackled Benedict to the ground, even as my anxiety spiked. The movement snapped Benedict out of his shock, and he fought back. They both tussled like school boys, neither actually trying to hurt the other. Rolling my eyes, I gently pinched Ronan.“Are you done?"

He blushed, and lifted his fangs from my arms. The rough pad of his tongue sent goosebumps along my skin as he healed the bite marks.“I’m assuming he didn’t take the news well.” I added.

Xana shot me a pleading look. “I’m sorry.”

I sighed. “If you can, go warn Luci and the fire—er, Baila, that we’re coming. Ronan, please get Kieran and go with Xana.”

I stomped over to my fighting males, and grabbed a hold of their wings. I held the sensitive membrane firmly in my hand—enough to let them know I meant business, but not enough to hurt them. They immediately froze.

“Ow! WREN!”Kieran complained, while Benedict hissed in pain.

I glared at Kieran.“Go with Ronan.”

Kieran pouted but took off into the air after the others. I was left alone with Benedict, who glared at my hand.

I sighed, and released my grip to gently stroke the area I’d roughly grabbed. He shivered at the contact, his eyes full of emotion as he finally looked at me.

“My sister was here this whole time. How did I miss it?”

I held my arms out to him and we both fell to our knees. He crumpled into me, and I held him tight as he sobbed against me.

I rubbed soothing circles on his back.“Weallmissed it.You can't take all the blame."

Benedict pulled away, harshly wiping his face.“Wren...if she’s truly responsible for destroying the island, what do wedo?”

I wiped his tears away, and nuzzled into his neck to force his chin up.“Does it matter now? Do you really think she'd do something like that on purpose?"

He look horrified at the mere suggestion, and I pushed forward. "There, you see? It was likely Severn's fault, or the Overlord.The best thing you can do now is get your assdown thereand spend some time with her. I bet she’s been dying to talk to you. Then we can check if any blood witches are recovered enough to take a look.Maybe they can change her back."

Benedict took a steadying breath, those violet eyes finally calm as our hands entwined. He bent forehead, and captured my lips with his. It was short kiss, but full of emotion. He pulled away, stroking my jaw with the pad of his thumb.

“What would I do without my queen?” He murmured, his voice a dark rumble.

I huffed. “Probably be living on a large, black hunk of ash like the uncivilized heathens you all truly are.”

He chuckled andpulled himself to his feet, his wings cuffing my shoulders in friendly chastisement.“Come. Introduce me to your elder sister.”

We jumped into the air and soared away.

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