“Yes, I recognized it immediately when I came upon her in the desert.” I pause. “When Raidyn saw this mark, he attacked me.”
“I thought your two Clans had a treaty of nonaggression between you.”
“We did,” my father interjects. “Raidyn has broken the alliance by attacking my son.”
Llyr nods and lowers his gaze with a pensive look before facing me. “They are probably hunting the humans already,” he says, concern etched into his features. “My people can help you search, if you will accept.”
I bite back a low growl as fierce possessiveness moves through me. Logically, I understand this is an effect of our mating bond, but all reason abandons me when Llyr’s gaze rakes up and down Lilliana’s form with intense fascination evident in his eyes. I’m certain she appears more attractive to him now, despite the lack of scales, wings, and natural defenses. For he has seen proof of the fated bond between us.
I wonder if this deeply possessive instinct will ever truly fade. Surely it must. I cannot imagine spending the rest of my life ready to fight and kill every male that even looks Lilliana’s way.
“That will not be necessary,” I tell him. “We have enough warriors to search for her Clan.”
He nods, but I read the disappointment in his expression. More females would be a blessing to his Clan, as well.
Chapter 24
Lilliana
Both Llyr and Noralla’s eyes weigh heavily on me as they rake over my form.
I suppose I must be a curious sight to behold. Varus said that ours is the first interspecies fated mate bond. In Llyr’s expression, I notice a strange mixture of hope and disbelief. I expected Noralla might be jealous that I took her fiancé, but I see nothing but intense fascination in her gaze.
Prince Llyr steps forward, brow furrowed. “How does your kind protect itself? You do not seem to have any natural defenses.”
Varus snarls at the comment even though he’s admitted to thinking the same thing. I suppose he feels differently now that I’m his mate, but I’m not offended in the least.
“We wear protective clothing and use weapons to defend ourselves,” I explain.
Llyr nods with a pensive look. “Is it true there are more of you? More females?”
In his eyes, I can read hope. If the plague Varus told me about affected all the Clans, women must be as precious as they are rare on this planet.
“Yes. There were twenty-five of us total on the escape pod, including five men. There were many more humans on our colony ships, but we haven’t managed to locate any other survivors yet.”
Both Llyr and Rakan inhale sharply at my statement.
“A gift from the Gods,” Llyr whispers under his breath. He turns to Varus. “You cannot mean to keep them hidden from the rest of the Clans, can you?”
Indignation fills me as I interrupt. “My people escaped our dying home world. We were hunted down by pirates and somehow managed to survive crash-landing on this planet. We are not about to become breeders for your people just because you lack women.”
He blinks several times, dumbfounded. “We would never do such a thing,” he denies vehemently. “Females are cherished and treasured. None would ever be forced to carry fledglings against her will. My vow.” He bows slightly and then straightens. “Forgive me. I meant no offense. I meant to say, what if there are others beyond the Fire Clan who are fated to a human, just as Varus was fated to be yours?”
I back down, ashamed that I jumped to conclusions. “No, Llyr. Forgive me for accusing you of ill intent.” I gently squeeze Varus’s hand. “My mate told me that your people would never mistreat a female. I suppose after the pirate attack, it’s hard for me to realize that not everyone is out to harm us.”
He frowns. “What did these pirates who attacked your ship look like?”
I look him up and down. “They had scales like your people, and a long, tapered tail, sharp claws, and fangs. No wings, though.”
His eyes widen, as do Noralla’s. Llyr’s gaze snaps toward Varus. “We need to send out ships to search for any other survivors of their ships, as soon as possible.”
Varus nods. “I agree. The Rovarans are ruthless mercenaries and slavers.” He looks to me. “Your species is similar to the Elveron; one female would sell for thousands of credits in the slave trade.”
“You must let our Clan help yours in the search for your mate’s people,” Llyr tells Varus. “Before it is too late.”
I turn to Llyr. “I appreciate your concern for my people, but I need to make sure you understand something first.”
He cocks his head to the side. “What is it?”
“Your species believe mine are gifts from the Gods. And while that may be true, we are also just people—sentient beings, just like you. We are survivors trying to forge a new life now that our home world is gone. You need to understand that not every human woman will be open to the idea of bonding to one of your men.” I glance at Varus. “I love Varus, but I did not experience the instant recognition he did when he first saw me. My species does not experience fated bonds as yours does. I hope that we can build an alliance with your race. One that is forged in peace, mutual understanding, and respect.”
He dips his chin in a subtle nod. “That is my hope as well, Princess.”
Chapter 25
Lilliana
We stand on the balcony of the main floor of the castle. I turn my gaze toward the desert plains. The red sands are as vast as an ocean and extend as far as the eye can see. My people are out there, waiting for us to find them.
Little do they know I’m bringing them both salvation and a future I’m not sure they’re ready to embrace. We always assumed we’d colonize an uninhabited world and start over fresh. We weren’t
