We’re surrounded by over a dozen warriors of the Fire Clan. All of them are unclothed, like Varus, and preparing to shift into draka form. While I know nudity is not frowned upon by his people, I can’t help but think mine are going to be astounded not only by real-life dragons but also when those same dragons shift into a group of naked Drakarian men before their eyes.
Varus growls low in his throat and when I turn to him with a questioning look, he wraps a possessive arm around me. “You are mine and mine alone.”
At first, I don’t understand the cause of his jealousy, but then I realize he’s reacting to my visual appraisal of his warriors. I smile, squeezing his hand. “I’m yours,” I agree, watching the fiery possessiveness leave his eyes.
Ranas explained this is a part of Varus’ mating heat. That his protective instincts are heightened in response to some strange compulsion of his biology during the fertile peak of my cycle. With as many times as we’ve made love, I’d be worried about getting pregnant if Ranas hadn’t assured me some medical intervention would likely be required for that to happen.
It’s not that I don’t want children with Varus. It’s just that we’re still in the early stages of our official bonding and I’d like some more time to ourselves before we have fledglings, as Varus’ people refer to them.
Satisfied with my answer, a smile crests Varus’ lips. He gives me a tender kiss before turning to face his warriors again.
I tilt my chin up as I address the men assembled before me. “When we find my people, you must realize what a shock our arrival may be to them. We have not had much contact with other species outside of our own ever since we set out on the colony ships from our world.” I pause, allowing my gaze to drift over each warrior before I continue. “There is also the chance that my people may not wish to return with us to the city. I will do my best to convince them, but ultimately, it is their decision to come with us or not.”
Rakan steps forward, seeming concerned. “But surely they must realize they’d be safer within our city than out on the desert plains?”
I nod. “That is my hope as well, but their agreement is not assured. That’s why I must convince them. But until I do, you must follow my lead so that they do not view your race as a threat.”
Rakan bows low and then straightens.
Varus steps forward, turning a hard gaze on all his warriors. “I know each of you carries the hope that you will find your fated one among the females as I did. But you must remember that the fate bond does not present itself to them as it does to us. They will not recognize it. You must not approach the females too eagerly, lest you scare them away. Do you understand?”
Each warrior nods in agreement.
“Now, assemble the wing!” he commands, and I watch as they fall into formation behind us.
With a sudden whirl of dust and wind, Varus transforms into a fierce and beautiful draka. He turns his massive head to me and gives me his best attempt at a draka smile before crouching and extending his leg so I can climb on.
I’m nervous to mount him in front of his men since I’ve only technically done this twice. Carefully, I clamber up his leg and settle onto his back, between his shoulders.
Without warning, Varus leaps from the balcony. He extends his wings to catch the wind like billowing sails, flapping furiously as we ascend into the sky.
Dipping his wing to the left, he banks in a long, slow arc over the castle grounds. I watch, enthralled, as each of his warriors shifts and takes flight from the balcony as well. I realize this is why Varus is circling the palace grounds—he’s waiting for each of his warriors to transform before leading them across the plains.
I scan the area around us, amazed at how many Drakarians are in flight over the city, down by the river, and above the farmlands below. I also see many in humanoid form, walking along the streets, milling around various stores, and shopping at open-air markets as they go about their day. Some are clothed in long, silken, colorful robes like mine, but most of them are nude.
I can hardly wait to explore the city, but there will be plenty of time for that later. Right now, our priority is finding my people and bringing them to safety. Even if the Wind Clan doesn’t find them, the desert is rife with predators and sandstorms. Despite our years of training to adapt to a new world, I know we’re not ready for those dangers.
Varus folds his wings and we dive down the side of the mesa, leaving the castle behind and heading toward the river below. He skims one claw across the water, and I watch in wonder as our image ripples and distorts along the reflective surface.
Once we’ve crossed to the other shore, his wings billow like great sails beating furiously and we climb again. The wind whips violently around my form, trying to pull me off his back, but I hold tightly to his spikes. Once, I would have been afraid, but I know Varus would never let me fall. I trust him. Completely.
As we reach the top of the plateau just beyond the water, I marvel at the vast expanse of the desert that spreads out ahead. Crimson waves of sand dotted by several towering rock formations like bare islands amid the desert sea.
The sun beats down relentlessly overhead, but the winds whipping around us keep me cool enough for comfort. I raise the hood of my robe over my head, shielding my eyes
