17. Chapter 17
A fter leaving Alaric in the cell, I went to my office to wait for Agnes to bring Annika’s clothes. That was soon forgotten when I saw a letter from the royal mage on my desk. After reading it, I struggled to rein in my temper, which had become a recurring issue this past week.
The bastard was sending one of his lackeys to ensure I’d Anchored Ani and had her under control, just as I had promised.
I wished I could throw the poisoned missive into the fire. Instead, I folded it carefully, intending to show it to Alaric later. My friend would take some time with his interrogation of the prisoner, and I knew better than to disturb him while he was using his … unique skills.
When Agnes arrived with Ani’s clothes, I was in such a daze that I didn’t even acknowledge her presence, gathering up the dress and heading down to Vahin’s lair, wondering how a half-asleep woman could have found her way to such a remote part of the castle.
As I neared the dragon’s lair public entrance, I paused before snorting with laughter, realising I wasn’t only carrying a woman’s dress. On top of the bundle was a set of undergarments, and as much as I didn’t care, the soldiers might get interesting ideas if they saw their commander parading around with female underclothes.
There was an alternative route, a hidden passage—or, more accurately, a hidden staircase—that led down to Vahin’s quarters. I could only hope Ani hadn’t used it; the injuries she could have incurred on the slippery stone didn’t bear thinking about.
The view that greeted my arrival rendered me speechless. The fearsome dragon of Varta Fortress was curled up on the ground like a giant cat, his front paw held in front of him. In the crook of his elbow slept Ani, covered by an inky black wing, her creamy skin a stark contrast to the dragon’s scales. I looked on, charmed by the enchanting and innocent tableau. In her white nightgown, Ani looked like a virgin bride sacrificed to the beast.
‘Beautiful, isn’t she?’ Vahin’s voice was full of pride, pleased with his prized possession. I watched as his head moved closer to her. His forked tongue slowly trailed over the sleeping woman’s cheek before she swatted him away.
‘Wake up, Little Flame.’
But instead of opening her eyes, Ani grumbled and pulled the membrane of Vahin’s wing over her head, muttering, ‘I don’t want to. Let me sleep a little longer.’ I coughed to cover my laughter, causing Annika to look over the edge of Vahin’s wing. ‘Orm? What are you doing here? How did you find me?’ I smirked at her attempt to finger-brush her tussled hair.
‘That overgrown bedspread you’re sitting on told me. Shouldn’t I be the one asking why you’re here? If you intended to sleep on the dragon, you could have at least woken me so that I could have slept in my own bed. I assume you saw me, since I found myself covered with a blanket.’
I reached over to pass Ani the clothes. ‘Please put those on before we return upstairs. The soldiers here don’t usually see women running around half naked, and that translucent muslin might actually be worse. I don’t want them getting any ideas.’
Ani scowled at me but snatched the clothes away before turning towards Vahin. ‘Can you spread your wings, please? I need some privacy since the men here are sooo prone to getting ideas ,’ she huffed, and Vahin’s laugh rumbled throughout the cavern.
‘Of course, Little Flame. I will always protect you, though Orm is the last person I would suspect of having ideas. I’m afraid he is a man of stone, and even such a beautiful creature as yourself couldn’t tempt him. Alaric, on the other hand …’
‘Could easily be tempted by such a gorgeous woman,’ the soft baritone finished behind me, and I glanced over at him. Alaric had changed from the clothes he was wearing earlier. It was strange to see him here in his grey kaftan and matching trousers. He looked refined—and, I had to admit, dangerous—with the silver embroidery highlighting the natural light grey colour of his skin and the glint in his golden irises.
Annika’s snort made me turn back, surprised.
‘Well, as much fun as it is to have you two chase me around the castle dressed for high tea, I don’t recall asking for assistance. I’m perfectly capable of finding the way upstairs myself,’ Ani grunted as she fumbled with the ties on the back of her dress.
I couldn’t help staring as the shape of her body became visible through the thin membrane of Vahin’s wing. I was about to offer my help when Alaric stepped in. ‘Let me help you,’ he said when it became clear she was struggling.
‘Really? What about you, Orm? Do you want to help? Was that the reason you visited me while I was sleeping? Poor Agnes will be so upset if you replace her.’ I didn’t take it to heart, expecting scorn after my impromptu visit.
I stepped closer to explain myself, but Ari smirked. ‘Orm is only good at taking a lady’s clothes off . I’m afraid he couldn’t assist you prepare to face the world if his life depended on it. I, however, can do it with my eyes closed and with one hand tied behind my back. Besides, the privilege of touching such beauty should fall to the most handsome man in the room,’ he said so confidently that it caught my attention.
Something felt odd in his demeanour. The elaborate clothes, the compliments as if he were trying too hard to impress her … I stood to the side, observing him. He was trying to gain Ani’s favour at my expense, but I didn’t intervene, unsure why his attitude had changed. I watched the conflicting emotions rush across her features. In the end, she laughed, shaking her head at Alaric’s playful expression.
‘Let him help you, Little Flame.’ Vahin’s voice seemed to help her decide, and with a heavy eye roll, she turned her back towards Alaric, lifting her hair.
‘Fine, but I demand two things. First, he has to admit no male, human or otherwise, is more beautiful than my dragon. Second, as soon as I get to my room, I’m burning this dress. I need something practical, not some elaborate court garment.’
‘I will admit no such a thing. My dark fae beauty has been honed over centuries, and you’re asking me to relinquish my crown to a dragon? As for your clothes, you can burn them or have them ripped off your body. Our tailor will be overjoyed to provide a new wardrobe, I assure you. I can even help you select the best practical designs, if you’d like.’
I didn’t fail to notice how gently Ari held the laces, tying them slowly while his fingers trailed over her back. When he was almost done, my friend traced his fingers under the edge of her collar to straighten it. The move was slow and sensual, and despite a sharp pang of jealousy, it surprised me how much pleasure it gave me to observe his interaction with Ani.
She inhaled sharply when he brushed her bare skin and pulled away. ‘Are you done playing around? Or do you plan on standing here all day?’ She looked over her shoulder with a frown and I saw Alaric’s mouth twitch with the hint of a smile that mirrored mine. Ani wasn’t easily swayed, and knowing my friend, he took it as a challenge.
‘You are ready. Shall we let Vahin hunt for his breakfast?’ he said, pulling away before gesturing towards the stairs. Ani nodded, but before she stepped out of the dragon’s reach, she bent over and kissed his snout. ‘Thank you. For everything. I had a wonderful night.’
I felt waves of joy and pleasure radiating through my bond with Vahin. My dragon was happier than I had ever felt him being before. ‘Any time, Little Flame,’ he said, his voice almost a purr. The smile he received in exchange made me wish it was directed at me.
‘Let’s go, please. We can’t let Vahin waste away,’ I said, and Ani walked towards the exit before she stumbled, hissing and hopping on one leg. ‘Bloody rocks … Next time you bring me clothes, please bring boots too. This place is full of rocks.’ She lifted the hem of her dress to check her foot.
I saw the blood smeared across her heel, and before I knew it, Ani was in my arms. It was a minor injury, but it angered me; I could have prevented it if I’d been thinking clearly. Then came the fear. She’d walked down here barefoot and could have fallen to her death with no one the wiser. I could have lost her… It was a startling thought, and what followed was a choking fear that I couldn’t understand. As if on command, darkness rose from inside my soul, turning into a fury that I struggled to contain.
‘How the fuck did you get here barefoot and barely dressed? You should be more careful, not acting like a toddler strolling around the place in their nightgown,’ I scolded her, gesturing to Ari. ‘Check her wound.’
‘It was just happenstance. I wouldn’t have come barefoot if I hadn’t given Agnes my boots to clean. Next time, I’ll take yours, since they were set out so neatly next to the door.’ She rolled her eyes, unbothered by my outburst. ‘Orm, don’t be so ridiculous and put me down. It is just a minor cut, not a mortal wound.’
‘No,’ I said, tightening my grasp. I wouldn’t let the cut get infected because of stupid pride. ‘You are bleeding, and the cave floor is filthy,’ Ari added calmly, taking on the role of mediator between us. I saw the bright hue of his magic wrapping itself lazily around his arm, changing from silver to green as he chanted a healing spell, weaving it together.
‘You’re healing me again. I know you’re dark fae, but with your healing ability and all those glyphs … your power looks more like high magic than foul. There’s no hint of purple. How is that possible?’ Ani asked, leaning forward to observe Alaric. I used that as an excuse to press her to my chest, inhaling her herbal scent with its hint of verbena.
‘My mother was human. I inherited both abilities, but I prefer to work with high magic than resort to my dark fae heritage. I don’t think the citizens of Varta would like it if I started raising their friends.’ He lifted her foot higher, and I frowned, noticing the scraped skin on his knuckles.
‘I will tell you more later. First, I need to address this before Orm loses his patience with us. Judging by his expression, he’s already getting testy,’ he teased, and as soon as she nodded, his hand slid over her damaged skin.
‘Siltin o’goth.’ 1
I felt his magic affecting me as well, the tiredness of last night vanishing and energy suffusing my body. Ani gasped, stiffening in my arms. She looked at Alaric with a deep frown, but his only response was a gentle smile.
‘Yes, I didn’t mask it this time, and I know what you felt. I didn’t want to burden you, but from the moment I helped you deal with Vahin’s Anchor, I knew that our magic was in synergy.’ I watched the damage to her foot disappear, but Ani didn’t pay attention to it or to me, her gaze solely focused on Alaric. ‘That was more than synergy,’ she murmured hesitantly. ‘You shouldn’t have hid it from me. Is that why you want to be my Anchor?’
‘Not initially, no, but you have to admit it makes sense now.’ He didn’t even try to deny it. ‘How many mages with perfect synergy is it possible to meet in one lifetime?’
I felt unease build in my chest. With no knowledge of magic beyond a basic education, I didn’t fully grasp what my companions were talking about, but it seemed to have significant meaning for both of them.
‘I can’t let you do it. It is too dangerous,’ she said, disturbing my thoughts.
‘It is far less dangerous than Anchoring a dragon, but I understand your objections. I’m willing to risk it, but it will always be your choice. Still, shielding you from my magic would make little sense in the long run. Sooner or later, you will see how compatible we are,’ he affirmed, and Ani sighed.
‘And you couldn’t find the time to tell me earlier? In your workshop or in the library? I spent days in your company and you failed to bring it up. Why?’
‘It slipped my mind,’ he quipped with a roguish smile.
‘Alaric!’
‘I didn’t want to pressure you. Trust is hard to earn, especially if one is dark fae.’ He wouldn’t look at her, and Ani reached out. I clenched my teeth but didn’t move when her hand cradled his cheek, stroking him gently with her thumb until his gaze returned to hers.
‘Stop beating yourself up with that chip on your shoulder. How many times do I have to tell you? You are who you are, that will never be a problem. I don’t care what other mages think, and I’m not refusing because of who you are but because of what happened before.’
I felt excluded from the conversation. I’d heard of magical synergy: a rare occurrence when the power of two or more mages aligned so perfectly that they could connect and enhance each other’s spells. Yet, both Ani and Alaric seemed to think there was more to it, and I had no idea what they meant.
It took all of my willpower to hide how uneasy I felt at seeing them so connected. That would always be something I couldn’t give her. I didn’t possess the kind of magic that could link us—yet another reason to let them find some happiness together, but even thinking about it stirred a wild inferno in my core.
‘We should go upstairs. Alaric, I want to see you once I return from the barracks. We have much to discuss,’ I said as calmly as I could. I was better than this, better than the mindless beast trashing in my core. I coughed, pretending not to notice Annika’s questioning frown.
Annoyed by my lack of reaction, she wiggled in my arms. ‘I’m all right now, so please put me down. I prefer people see me walking than once again being carried by the commander like some damsel in distress.’ I shook my head, nodding towards her bare feet. ‘You forget you’re still barefoot, Nivale. How about we compromise? I will carry you upstairs, but as soon as we reach a level with clean and polished floors, you can walk to your heart’s content.’
‘You know, I could make you put me down,’ she stated, tightening her lips to hide the smile I had still caught sight of.
‘That is true, but then Alaric would be forced to avenge me, and we’d end up with a mage battle in the dragon’s lair,’ I said, feeling amused by her snarkiness.
She responded, ‘And I could call a dragon for help.’ Vahin chuckled in the background.
‘Keep me out of this, Little Flame. Just let him do it. Let him experience carrying a human around like I’ve done for him for years.’
‘Aha … yes. Let me ride on your back.’ The mischief flashing in Ani’s eyes didn’t bode well for me. Still, I tried to look as offended as possible when, with a deep sigh, she wiggled, wrapping her hands around my neck. Before I could protest, she scrambled over me to sit on my back in a truly uncomfortable position. It looked like I was going to be giving the stubborn mage a piggyback ride upstairs.
‘Mush, mush, my noble stead, stretch out those oversized muscles of yours,’ she said, patting my shoulder. Both Alaric and Vahin roared with laughter. ‘How does it feel to be mounted like a dragon?’ Vahin’s voice reverberated in the air, and both Ani and Alaric snorted at his remark.
‘You are much more comfortable, Vahin,’ she called out, and I sighed, feeling utterly disarmed. ‘Besides, he is not a dragon but a bear—a big and grumpy bear. Maybe I should start calling him Ursus, like the biggest bear in the stars?’
‘You will be the death of me, Nivale. Bloody “ mush ”—as if I were a damn sledge dog. Even “giddy up” would have been better than that. Oh, and for the record: I hear one word of this from the servants, and my revenge will be swift and painful,’ I threatened, a smile slipping from my control as I spoke. The woman who loved the stars had just named me after the biggest constellation in the northern sky. It felt as if the fates smiled at me.
Ani’s defiant laughter told me how comfortable she was, and having her body pressed against me chased the rest of my worries away. My life was not a bed of roses. I ate when I needed to, worked until my eyesight blurred, and almost forgot how to smile. Yet here I was, laughing and carefree—all because my Nivale called me a bear and rode me like a horse.
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, placing her chin on my shoulder. ‘For your help … and the compromise, my Ursus.’ I acknowledged her words, gently squeezing her thigh and followed Alaric as he created a light to ease the way.
I knew I needed to talk to Ari. About their magic, the synergy, and the Anchoring—because forcing Ani was no longer an option. Vahin was right. She was becoming important to us. I had to find out what my friend thought because, seeing the change in his behaviour, I suspected something was going on … and as willing as I was to wreck the world for him, I wouldn’t let Ani be put in harm’s way.
1. Heal the flesh.