Chapter 30
Zena sat quietly next to Oziel and Loic, listening to Rhyel explain the plan for the reconstruction of the wall and the new arrangements for Sana's training.
Oziel and Loic were taking notes, agreeing with their assignments to oversee Lord Dante's calvary and accelerate Sana's training with his help.
But something wasn't right with him. It wasn't a bad thing, but something was off with her best friend.
Oziel and Loic seemed to be oblivious to the change in him, but then again, they didn't see his half transformation into his dragon, nor did they see the worry in his eyes when she informed him that his uncle had arrived.
And she didn't believe the reason for Sana's fainting spell was because of Lord Dante's presence. Rhyel knew something, and he wasn't telling them the full story.
"Zena, do you have anything to add to the plans?"
She shook her head. "No, but if you're finished, could I have a private word with you?"
"Of course." Rhyel nodded. "Oziel and Loic, you're dismissed unless you have anything else to add."
"Only that I'm glad Lady Sana is feeling better," Loic said as he stood. "And I hope Lord Dante keeps his word not to show up unannounced like that again."
"Agreed," Oziel said, curling his hand into a fist. "Our Lady should have never suffered like that."
"I know, and I will have words with him again before he leaves."
"Good," Oziel said, standing beside Loic. "Loic and I will get started on these new arrangements."
"Thank you," Rhyel said as they bowed to him and left the room. He sighed, dragging a hand over his face. "What did you want to speak to me about, Zena?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I want to know what truly happened last night with you and Sana," she said, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at him. "And I'm not leaving this room until you tell me what's really going on."
"I didn't think you'd let me get away without telling you," Rhyel said, lifting his hand and waving a weave of privacy over the room. "My dragon saved Sana from an attack last night. While the wraiths were trying to break through the wall, they were also wreaking havoc on her mind."
Zena's heart clenched as she sat up in her chair. "What? How... how is that even possible?"
Rhyel looked at Sune perched on his shoulder as if he were listening to something he'd said and nodded. "It's a lot to explain, but as General, Sune and I feel it's important that you know about Sana," he said, taking a deep breath. "She's not without any gifts. She carries the blood of a phoenix."
"My Gods," Zena breathed. "That's why she smells different. Does she know?"
"No, and my uncle warned me against telling her. He said his visions were clear that she must be the one to discover it herself or risk..." Rhyel shook his head as worry clouded his eyes. "It's just important that she's the one who realizes it."
"I see." Zena nodded. "Would this have anything to do with whatever you endured on your quest?"
"It has everything to do with that," Rhyel said, hanging his head. "But I don't like keeping this secret from her."
"Mm, I can tell it's weighing on your mind especially since your mother was taken from you by the wraiths."
"Yes, and I want to do everything I can to protect her and help her discover what's inside of her," he said, looking up at Zena.
"She doesn't remember the wraiths attacking her and my dragon was able to anchor her to this plane, but it could happen again.
" He curled his hands into fists. "And I don't want to be trapped inside my mind while my dragon protects her again. "
"Of course. I understand," she said, sliding her hand over his. "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to be my guide and watch over me while I learn how to merge with my dragon the same way we learned how to merge with our wolves."
"I can do that," she said, squeezing his hand. "But how does your wolf feel about this? If you merge with your dragon, he won't be your primary form anymore."
"He knows." Rhyel sighed. "And like me, he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep Sana safe."
"And what are we going to do to help Sana discover what's inside of her?"
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I have a plan for that."
Zena raised an eyebrow. "And are you going to tell me what it is?"
Twin flags of red stained Rhyel's cheeks as he shook his head. "No. That's for me and my dragon to handle. All I need from you, Oziel and Loic is to train her to the best of your abilities."
"We can do that, but this plan of yours," she said as a grin tugged at her lips. "Does it have anything to do with the feelings you're developing for our Lady?"
Rhyel choked out a laugh. "Is it that obvious?"
"A little. I've never seen you care about anyone like this other than the people of Darcanos," she said, patting his hand. "And I'm glad. I know Sana will never be your true mate, but that has never meant you don't deserve to fall in love, my friend."
"I... I don't know if what I'm feeling could ever be love," he said, dragging a hand through his hair. "But I care for her and I want her to know that I'd do anything for her."
"Then I'm sure this plan you have will work," she said as her smile grew. "And while you two are touring the realm during the festive season, it will give you a chance to show her how you feel."
"Yes, but it's more than that. Sana deserves to know that she's more than what she believes," he said and a red halo circled the pupils of his eyes as if it wasn't just him speaking from his heart. "And I...I want to show her there's no one else I wish to be the Lady of Darcanos than her."
"Mm, and I see it's not just you who feels this strongly about her," Zena said, laughing softly. "Maybe Loic should start planning your wedding."
"That will come with time," he murmured. "And only if Sana wants to, but certainly not until she knows and accepts who and what she is and she's ready to take your place as General."
"That's true, but I like that it's on your mind and you're finally open to the idea of Sana officially becoming the Lady of Darcanos," she said, leaning back in her chair. "So, when do you and your dragon want to begin your merging?"
"My dragon needs more time to rest. We'll start tomorrow after my uncle leaves," he said as Sune's eyes glowed and fluttered his wings on Rhyel's shoulder. Rhyel looked toward the door as a small knock tapped against the door and a bright smile curled over his lips. "Sana's here."
"Mm, then you better go to her," Zena said, following his gaze. "I'm sure she wishes to spend the rest of the day with you."
Rhyel nodded as he stood and crossed the room, removing the privacy weave with a quick wave of his hand and opening the door as if Sana was the only one who mattered to him.
"I hope we're not interrupting, but I'm going to show Lord Dante around, and I thought you and Sune would like to join us."
"You could never interrupt me, Sana," he said, taking her hand as Sune flew to her shoulder. "We'd love to join you."
"Alright," Sana said, looking around at Zena. "But are you sure you and Zena are finished with your meeting?"
"Yes, we've talked enough and I have things I need to get on with now," Zena said as she stood and gave her a bow. "He's all yours, my Lady."
"Yes, I am," Rhyel said, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm. "Shall we?"
"Yes." Sana smiled up at him as they left the room.
Zena grinned as she watched the trio walk down the hall before she closed the door behind her and strolled down the hallway to the library.
Now that she knew more about what transpired last night and how Rhyel felt, it only made sense that her friend—who'd been wary of letting anyone get close to him but the true mate he'd never have—would feel drawn to a woman like Sana.
Rhyel was a dragon and if the old myths and tales were true, Sana carrying the blood of a phoenix would mean that Rhyel's heart would only belong to her.
He may not think his feelings could ever amount to love, and maybe they wouldn't. Only time would tell, but if he wished to protect her and guide her to the truth of who she was, then Zena had to do her best to make sure his merge with his dragon was as solid as his bond with his wolf.
And no one could know the secret that lies within Sana's blood until she was ready to reveal it.
Or there would be more than just the wraiths coming to claim her.