Little bird, I need to leave you here for a bit. My beta will guide you through what we're doing, so you won't feel lost. I'm just stepping away to handle some matters, but don't worry—I'll still be nearby. If you need anything, call for me or let my beta know." He gives my hand a gentle kiss before turning away.
I stand there for a moment, glancing around, uncertainty creeping in. The weight of his absence settles over me, and I shift on my feet, trying to steady my nerves.
"Ah, if it isn't my Luna of Dragons!" A familiar voice reaches me.
I turn sharply, my breath hitching as I lock eyes with the man who kidnapped me. Anger flares in my chest, but I force myself to push it down. Now, now, don't be like that. Your mate sent hi to get you. If you're going to be mad, be mad at him.
Still, doubt coils in my mind. Is my other mate just using me? The thought stings, and tears prick at my eyes before I can stop them.
"Hey, don't get upset. I'm sorry," he says, stepping closer and lowering himself to my level. His expression is softer than I expect. "It's okay. He obviously loves you. I've never seen him be kind to anyone—not since his sister."
I glance toward my mate, searching for answers in his tense posture, in the way his gaze scans the treeline. Something about this moment feels far from peaceful. I lower my eyes, forcing myself to shut down the emotions threatening to consume me.
Then I hear it. A noise beneath the murmur of voices. It's distant but growing. My pulse quickens.
"Quiet!" my mate commands, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. Instantly, silence falls.
Then, thundering footsteps approach, accompanied by the eerie sound of howls. The ground vibrates beneath me. I tremble, instinctively knowing something—or someone—lurks beyond the thick trees, watching.
"Everyone, get into stance! We have unwanted guests."
Before I can react, he's beside me, wrapping his arms around me, a solid wall of protection against the unseen threat.
"Ah! So this is why we were summoned—to take the girl. I can smell her power." A deep, resonant voice booms from the trees.
"You can't have her unless you are to be her other mate," my mate growls, his voice laced with lethal intent.
From the shadows, a figure steps forward. The man exudes an overwhelming aura of dominance. His golden hair gleams even in the dim light, his mismatched eyes—one green, one blue—fixed on me with knowing amusement. Scars etch across his toned frame, whispering of battles long fought and survived.
A wicked smile spreads across his lips.
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from reacting, but a part of me wants to laugh. Of course.
"Oh, Dragon Lord, I see you finally found your mate after all this time." His voice is smooth, almost hypnotic. Too smooth.
Then, like a whisper against my mind, I hear him. I can smell her. My mate.
My stomach clenches. My gaze darts around, but the only one staring at me is him.
His voice caresses my thoughts again. Will you be mine again, beautiful? Just wait.
And then—
He's gone.