Skye reaches for my other hand, her blue eyes piercing mine. “Your mother reminds me of mine,” she says softly. “She must have loved you very much to insist that you be treated before her.”
Tears swim at the edge of my vision as I lower my head. “She did.”
“I wasn’t there, but it seems she chose to risk her life to make sure you survived, Raidyn. It’s a choice I think any parent would make. That’s why the Fire Clan honored her wishes.” A tear slips down her cheek. “My parents did the same for me, you know.”
Shocked, I search her face, waiting for her to continue.
“Almost all of the colony crew was sick and there wasn’t enough medicine.” Her voice trembles. “My parents gave up their medicine to me and my younger brother. They loved us so much, they wanted to make sure we would live, Raidyn.” I pause. “Several parents made the same choice, but not all of them died, like mine.”
An image of the younger male lying lifeless in her arms flits through my thoughts and I suddenly realize whom she may have lost. “Your brother… is he among the other survivors?”
I already know the answer by the quiver in her bottom lip as tears stream down her cheeks. “No.” Her voice is barely a whisper. “He was killed during the attack on our ship.”
“My heart grieves with yours,” I whisper. I gather her in my arms and she buries her face in my chest as her shoulders rack with suppressed sobs.
“The pirates who attacked your ship. Who were they?”
“I don’t know. But they had scales like your people, and a long, tapered tail, sharp claws, and fangs. No wings, though.”
Rage fills me when I realize what race she is describing. It is difficult, but I somehow manage to maintain a stoic expression. “I know of whom you speak—the Rovarans. It is fortunate that Varus found your friend and I found you.”
“Why?”
“They are ruthless mercenaries and slavers. Your species resembles ones they covet, which would bring thousands of credits in the slave trade. It is highly probable they are still searching for your people.”
Her eyes snap up to meet mine in alarm. “We need to go find the rest of my crew, Raidyn.”
I move to reassure her. “I am certain by now that the Fire Clan has already discovered them and sheltered them in their capital city.”
“How do you know?”
“Because that is what I would have done, if my father had agreed. Do not worry. The Fire Clan can defend against the pirates. We will find your friend. You will see her again. My vow.”
She lifts her tear-filled gaze to me. “But it could be dangerous for you to enter Fire Clan territory. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
If her expression was not so pained, I would be happy that she cares so deeply about my wellbeing. I run a hand gently over her long, golden hair. It is softer than I imagined, the fine silken strands slipping through my fingers. “I will be fine. Do not worry. We will wait for a few days and then cross the desert.”
She nods and hugs me again.
Was ever a male blessed with such a caring mate? I think not. I used to pray the Gods would grant me a female who could see past the scar on my face, who would want me for who and not what I am. Now, they have gifted this female to me. They have blessed us with the fate bond. I now understand that the Gods gave me my scar so I could wait for the right female to accept me.
We sit on the balcony after consuming our meal, watching as the sun sinks low on the horizon. She gazes up at the star-filled sky.
“It’s gorgeous here,” she whispers, more to herself than to me.
A thought suddenly occurs to me and I stand. I extend my arm to her, offering my hand with a smile. “I would like to show you something.”
Cautiously, she takes my hand. “What is it?”
I arch a brow. “Do you trust me?”
She grins. “If you had asked me that only a day ago, I would have said no, but now? Yes, I do.”
My heart swells at her words. Trust is vital between a mated pair. I never imagined I’d earn hers so soon.
I place an arm behind her back and sling the other under her knees to lift her to my chest. My heart stops as a stunning smile curves her lips and she wraps her arms around my neck. “What are you doing?”
“We’re going to fly.”
She blinks. “But I thought you had to shift into your other form.”
I shake my head. “No, I am perfectly capable of flying like this. I simply prefer the other form.” What I do not tell her is that I prefer this form because I can hold her in my arms, close to my chest.
I move to the edge of the balcony and she grips me tighter. “Are you ready?”
She nods and I step off the ledge. She yelps in surprise as I extend my wings to catch the air, flapping furiously to climb above the tree line. I slip into an air current and glide toward the larger floating island nearby so she can inspect the city below.
It is nighttime. Most have already returned to their homes. Those who have not, pay us no mind, as I’ve made sure her robe covers her form, concealing her alien features.
She stares wide-eyed at the city. It is not as large as the capital, but still impressive by any standard. Tall buildings carved from light-gray and white stone shimmer softly beneath the light of the moon overhead. Water spills over the edge of the smaller island above, feeding the small river that winds
