Chapter 26 Anastasius
I woke up well-rested. I blinked. Warm, strong arms were wrapped around my core. Claeg. I groaned, stretched, and listened to his easy, even breaths. I chanced a look over my shoulder. His expression was at peace for once. No sweat beaded upon his brow. A smile graced my lips.
Claeg was one step closer to becoming my Chosen. Mine. The thought made my heart flutter. A yawn forced its way from my chest, and I settled in closer to Claeg, breathing in his soft scent of citrus and woods. I absently pressed a kiss to his chest.
With my mind at ease, I allowed my thoughts to turn toward my task—becoming De Vita. There would be new responsibilities, such as taking care of the clan and protecting them. The former would need to be addressed eventually. Magic would dwindle, and without it we would have to return to the old way of life—scavenging for resources in the Neutral Strip. It was a consequence I was well aware of when I freed Hen a few moon turns before Claeg arrived. But the other option? Saving her wasn’t an option. As for protecting the clan… perhaps Choosing Claeg would be a step toward stability, if not peace.
I sighed, staring at my Selected. I wasn’t sure how long I laid there content in my Claeg’s arms before a familiar voice from outside drew my attention to the door.
“Stas, he has returned. We must meet.”
There was no need to ask whom he referred to. Ercan. The implication of why didn’t need to be stated either. More draconis. It was too dangerous to voice our intentions here anyway. I hummed quietly to confirm I had heard.
“Meet me at the usual place,” he said before his soft footsteps retreated. My gaze fell on Claeg’s peaceful form again. It was so unusual to see him without all the tension in his shoulders. My gut told me that now would be a good time to reintroduce him to his father, but he looked so serene. I couldn’t disturb him. There would be time later.
For now, I had draconis to attend to.