Page 50 of The Lost Nation

The first week she kept mostly to her chambers, though I had a suspicion she was flying out at regular intervals to condition her wings and build her strength. I longed to fly with her, but didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. That was the entire reason she’d entrusted her recovery to me after all, and I wouldn’t screw it up. This was one thing Ivowednot to screw up.

So I took walks instead.

From the air Xana could see me, and it would be her choice if she wanted to approach me or not. So far she hadn’t, but that was fine as well. Our nightly dinners went smoothly, and I was sure she was becoming more accustomed to life in the fortress. Comfortable, even.

With me.

The children were thriving, and how couldn’t they be? They were allowed to practicealltheir magicks here, and in a stone fortress there wasn’t much damage they could do. My people were tough as well, their bodies easily able to channel and direct the large amounts of energy the children put off.I'd been worried how hardened warriors would adjust, but having young ones around had worked miracles.

Now that I had pruned the evil demons who delighted in pain and torture, what I found left behind was insightful and inspiring.

Demons were people too, it turned out. Sure, they weren’t as beautiful as nymphs, and they didn't have shifting powers like drakens, but there was an authenticity about them that was humbling. Behind their grumpy, off-putting exteriors were individuals who enjoyed hard work, valued results, and were loyal to a fault.

It was incredible how fiercely they took to the children. With no war to fight, many of the demons had seemed lost. Now, they had a purpose again.

They were my people, and I would protect them.

I followed a worn trail around the southern perimeter of the fortress, scouting for areas we could bring the children for some air and sunshine. An armed fortress wasn’t built with young ones in mind, and I didn’t feel comfortable letting them out to run around when the threat of an attack from Benedict hung over my head.

I would have to do something about that sooner rather than later. I knew Benedict wouldn't take Xana's departure well. Would he attack over here? Absolutely.

If Xana didn’t want to return to Lyoness, he’d have to take her over my dead body.

My feet rounded the corner and I stopped in my tracks. Standing there in a flat patch of dirt was Xana, holding an ancient sword and slowly running herself through a series of basic training exercises.

I knew draken males learned swordplay, but I didn’t realize the females had as well. I was mesmerized by the sight of her lithe body moving through the phases with a grace I would never achieve. Her muscles shook with fatigue and effort, but her practiced motions were smooth.

The sword was old and rusted, likely something she’d found decaying outside. She wielded it with ease and caution, but Icould tell she was quickly getting frustrated with the lack of strength in her upper body.

I indulged myself in watching her lithe form move, then cursed as I realized my 'little draken' was also paying attention.I tried to turn and go, but she was a trained warrior despite the centuries of captivity. Her eyes snapped to me at the slightest movement, andher white body flushed dark blue from her ankles to her ears.

I sucked in my pride and strode forward, just hopingmy breeches were loose enough to hide mylittle problem.

“Your form is excellent.”I offered, and I meant it.

Her face twitched unpleasantly, self-loathing curling itself around her lips. “Myformis the only thing left, I fear.”

I pushed away thoughts of just how wonderful herformwas.She picked up the sword again, the scant muscles in her thin arms bulging with effort.

I tried to be supportive.“Your strength will come the more you train, and the more you eat.”She was being too hard on herself, and it was important to me that she realized it.

Xanagrunted and rolled her eyes. I berated myself for explaining something she likely already knew. Say somethingmeaningful,you fuckwit.

I searched for something to say.“May I train with you?”

Xana raised one eyebrow, but I couldn’t take it back now. She snorted, and looked away. “It wouldn’t be much of a training exercise for you,” she said in a scathing voice.

I raised a brow. “I disagree. I was trained by human warriors, and find myself at a disadvantage in a draken body. You fight differently, and I’m curious to know if it’s because you’re a draken, a female, or both.”

Xana put the tip of the sword in the ground and leaned on it, considering. Her gaze felt like it was reading my soul, and I tried tomake myself look as honest as I felt.

“Fine.”She grunted.

I blinked. “Fine what?”

Xana sat down in the dirt, and cast the sword away. “Go get me arealblade, and meet me back here. We’ll train.”

I shifted away in a wisp of smoke before the last syllable left her mouth.

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