“I want to see her,” Skye calls. “Will you take us to her?”
He studies me warily for a moment before nodding at Skye. Then he snarls as his crimson eyes meet mine. “No tricks, Warrior of the Wind Clan. Do you understand?”
A low growl escapes me, but I nod in response.
Rakan turns to lead us toward the Fire Clan’s capital city. The crimson desert plains give way to a towering plateau. As we climb the cliff face, the orange-and-red layers of rock seem to race by. I can sense Skye’s fear of falling through our touch connection.
“Do not worry,” I reassure her. “I would never let you fall, my mate.”
I cannot help the smile that crests my lips as I sense her complete and total faith in my words.
When we reach the top of the plateau, the altitude affords us a view of the capital city atop the mesa across the river valley below. Turbulent waters feed the canals that line the green farmlands at the base of the mesa. Houses dot the landscape of the valley, but not nearly as many as sit atop the tower of red sand and stone, surrounding a castle at the city center.
The orange-red earthen towers of the palace spiral toward the sky as if reaching for the sun. I squint my eyes as the structure’s five golden domes reflect the light in an almost blinding display. Open-air markets emanate enticing, exotic scents that drift across the valley.
Rakan guides us to the central courtyard of the castle. Several Fire Clan guards watch us warily as we land, their eyes widening in shock when they notice Skye.
I transform as soon as my feet touch the ground, quickly wrapping my arms around Skye’s waist to lower her the rest of the way.
A sharp cry from inside the large central dome of the palace draws my attention. Before I can comprehend what is happening, Skye rushes from my arms and runs toward Varus’ mate—the female with hair the color of flame. This must be Lilliana.
They embrace one another, jumping up and down excitedly in a strange display of greeting.
I growl, matching a low grumble beside me that I quickly realize is coming from Varus. We both watch the interaction warily. Drakarian females are very territorial, known to attack one another in close quarters.
“Is your mate attacking mine?” I grind out.
He arches a brow. “Though it might appear that way, I’ve learned this is how human females greet one another after spending time apart.”
Varus moves to his mate’s side and wraps an arm around her waist, tugging her back to him. I notice the permanent glow of the fate mark on his chest; they have completed and sealed their mating. I find intense jealousy flaring to life with my mark. The swirling pattern dims then brightens again, telling the world that Skye and I have yet to seal our bond.
“Why have you come?” Varus demands in a firm voice. His gaze drops to my chest and surprise flits briefly across his expression.
“My mate wanted to be sure that her people were well. I knew that you had already found them and brought them all here.”
He narrows his eyes. “And now that you are here, what will you do?”
“I did not come to fight.” With a slight clench of my jaw, I meet his eyes calmly. “I would ask a favor of you.”
He tips his head to the side, regarding me with suspicion. “After all this time? What would you ask of me?”
I am glad that he does not deny me outright. Perhaps some part of our friendship still survives in his hearts. As I study him, I am surprised at the realization that it still resides in mine. “I ask you to take care of my mate. To offer her shelter in your lands.”
He seems skeptical. “You would leave her with me and my people—your sworn enemies?”
Reluctantly, I nod. “I must.”
“But, why would—”
Skye steps forward, and takes my hand firmly in hers. “You’re not leaving me here.”
With a heavy sigh, I cup her cheek. “It is safer for you to remain here while I—”
“I’m not letting you go,” she proclaims. “And that’s final.”
Varus arches a questioning brow at me. “Perhaps we should discuss this inside.”
I nod and we follow him and his mate into the palace. He leads us to a large sitting room that overlooks the back gardens, a verdant space overflowing with plants full of vibrant red, purple, and yellow blossoms. A large fountain with sparkling blue water bubbles in the room’s center. The sound of running water relaxes me, lending an air of tranquility to the entire space. The desert breeze blows in through open windows, moving the sheer white curtains like wisps of clouds. We used to spend much time here together, he and I. I remember it all so clearly.
“It’s beautiful here,” Skye comments, rousing my jealousy once again. I regret that she had no chance to experience the full beauty of my castle because of my father’s madness. Although the Fire Clan palace is aesthetically pleasing, it is not nearly as grand or ornate as my home.
Varus turns to us. “I am pleased that you like it.” His gaze sweeps to me. “Raidyn, this is my mate, Lilliana. Lilliana, this is my—” he falls silent abruptly as if carefully considering his words before finally concluding, “This is Prince Raidyn of the Wind Clan.”
Lilliana smiles kindly. “Varus says you’ve known each other since you were children. It’s nice to meet you.”
I’m surprised when she extends her small hand toward me. I look to Skye for direction.
“Our people shake hands when we greet one another,” my linaya explains.
Strange that my mate does not mind my touching another female, but
