“Ask her to describe this dragon’s appearance,” I tell my mate, anxiously awaiting her answer.
I suspect it was a member of the Wind Clan, and if so, we will have trouble retrieving the stolen female from them.
The creature—John—steps forward, tipping his chin up. His gaze rakes over my form, expression caught between disbelief and disgust.
I arch a brow in response, for the feeling is mutual.
John narrows his eyes. “It was an ugly bastard, just like them,” he also points at Rakan, who snarls at the accusation. “A hideous monster.”
I purse my lips, barely able to suppress the menacing growl that rumbles in my chest. How dare this filthy creature call us hideous? Perhaps he is possessed of even poorer sight than my mate and cannot see how pitiful he is compared to a Drakarian male. “Ask him what color his scales were.”
Lilliana repeats my question.
“Light gray,” he replies, and my hearts stop. I was right—a member of the Wind Clan has kidnapped Skye. This is deeply troubling, to say the least.
I approach him and he takes a step back, stumbling slightly. It seems he is not as brave as he tries to appear in front of the females. I am doubly glad we found these females; their pitiful human males are obviously unable to protect such precious treasures.
“The Drakarian who took her is part of the Wind Clan. That coloring is specific to their people.” I hold his gaze with confidence. “What else can you tell us about him? Any markings?”
I wait patiently for my mate to relay my words.
John brings his hand to his jaw, massaging the small tuft of coarse brown fur on his chin as he lifts a thoughtful gaze to the sky. “Yeah. He had a long scar on the left side of his monstrous face.”
My eyes widen and so do Rakan’s beside me.
“It was Raidyn,” I conclude, and my warriors all nod in agreement.
Most of our Clan knows of the scar that mars Raidyn’s face. It is the reason he has been passed over by many females and unable to procure a mate despite his status as prince. Drakarian females are vain and only want a perfect, unblemished male.
I believe this also explains his gruff demeanor. If our situations were reversed, I suspect I’d be bitter, as well. It must be difficult to be judged so harshly for a superficial flaw.
I turn to the creature, John. “Do not be afraid. No Drakarian, no matter what Clan, would ever harm a female.”
Lilliana relays my words and then poses the most important question. “Varus is the prince of the Fire Clan. They have offered to take us all back to their city for protection, if you’re willing to come.”
John narrows his eyes and steps in front of Talia. “I don’t trust them.” He grits through his teeth. “They could be luring us into a trap.”
My mate huffs out a frustrated breath and places her hands on her hips as she levels a dark gaze at the male.
“Look at them.” She gestures to me and my warriors. “I mean, take a really good look.”
I’m surprised to note intense fascination rather than fear on many of the human female’s faces as their eyes scan my warriors. It is almost as if they are appraising them like a female Drakarian would when considering a mate. I do not doubt that most of my warriors, if not all, will be able to find a mate among Lilliana’s people, if the female’s interested stares are any indication.
Sensing their gazes, I notice my warriors straightening their stances, standing tall and proud. A few of them even shift to display their flexing muscles, demonstrating their strength to the pool of available females.
Lilliana continues. “Look how strong they are.”
My warriors snap to attention, tipping their chins higher with pride at her words.
“If they wanted to take us, they could. There would be nothing we could do about it.” She pauses, allowing the weight of her words to settle. “But they haven’t harmed us. Instead, they are asking us to come live in their city. A city with running water, technology, and amenities. They are offering protection, in case the pirates come looking for us.”
A few of the human’s eyes widen with fear at her last statement. One of them speaks up. “You think they’ll come searching for us here? Even without the transmitter beacon?”
I nod. “Yes. The pirates who attacked you are known as mercenaries and slavers. They would not give up their quarry so easily. But under the protection of the Fire Clan, we would be safe.”
When Lilliana relays my statement, many of the females huddle closer as if already instinctively turning to my warriors for safety. This is excellent. They already regard my people as allies instead of enemies—and someday, I hope, as potential mates.
“But what about the dragon who took Skye? Why did he take her?”
Her question is one I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since Talia explained what happened. I do not know why he did this, especially if the female was unwilling. There must be more to the story than what has been shared so far. I narrow my eyes and face John.
“Were you in any type of danger when Raidyn came upon you?”
He swallows thickly and lowers his gaze as if my question disturbs him.
“I…” He clears his throat nervously. “I mean, we… we weren’t in any danger at the time.”
My nostrils flare at the acrid scent of fear that begins to seep from his pores. There is something he is not telling us. “What are you hiding?” I demand.
He sends me a nervous look as Lilliana translates my question. Clearing his throat again, he shakes his head vehemently. “Nothing. I’m not hiding anything. I’ve already told you what happened.” His gaze shifts to my mate. “We were out looking for you when the dragon took her.”
Something about his statement troubles me. I doubt his words are truth. From Lilliana’s expression, it
