The Dragon's Consort

Chapter 14

ZARA

As she marched up the stairs she felt her dragon quieting. It was still desperate to shift, but it was now a gnawing pestering feeling in her mind, as opposed to the commanding claws that raked through her soul.

She felt bad for saying such things to Zuri, she knew he was sensitive, had realized it back when she spoke with him near the fire those few weeks ago. He was a gentle person, couldn't bare to face the realities of the world. Why was she the one that had to educate him? Why was it her that had to hurt him?

She didn't want to. Wanted the opposite actually. He was a genuinely kind person and she wished only the best for him. But in this world the best thing is knowledge, as sorrowful as it can be.

Her hearing twitched as she listened for the right room. It was easier than attempting to knock on each one until she found it. Soon the sound of botched Rivyan met her ears, and she knew Kev was practicing it inside.

She pushed the door open, found the nearest bed and fell face first into it, falling asleep seconds after impact.

* * *

She had woken up a few hours later, but still laid burrowed in the mattress, feinting sleep so should avoid anymore conversations. She heard Zurden come in the hour before, and he hadn't tried to wake her, so she kept up the ruse.

Soon the sound of footsteps filled the halls. They had found Cadmus, and brought him. One of the few males who recognize her as a female almost instantaneously. Perhaps sleeping was a good way to hide her face from the knowing male.

The door squeaked open, as she cracked an eye to watch as they came in. First came in Kano and Illy, then Armos, a huge smile painted across his face. Then came what could only be Cadmus.

The tallest of them, save for Qaris and his beastly stature. This male was beastly too, but he was beastly like a lion as opposed to the oxen-like presence that was the other male. By the gods was he beautiful. That tall frame looked sculpted from marble by the gods themselves, and what a gift he was. Muscle and sinew rippled with each small movement. Tanned, tattooed, glistening and gorgeous.

His silver hair was longer than Zurden's, brushing against the tips of his ears, but no where near Armos, who swept his up into a long ponytail, or even Kano's whose scraped his shoulders. His eyes were an enchanting pale blue that matched his horns. All four curved in an elegant shape. His face rugged and handsome, every feature chiseled and precise.

He must've been a silver dragon, which made sense. Though Armos and him shared the same eyes and general looks, Armos' skin was paler, and his hair was bone white. Armos also had a more refined face, similar to Zurden's, but even more delicate, while still remaining masculine. Cadmus and Armos were blood brothers after all. It made sense they looked similar.

Why did the entire brotherhood have to painfully attractive? What kind of cruel joke was this?

She could hear some indistinct speaking, unable to make out the words, which must've been whispers. But see did hear an extra, smaller set of footsteps follow behind.

A woman entered. Horribly scarred, but still an awe-striking beauty. She could hear a gasp, knew it must be Zuri.

"This is Sephira," Cadmus said, voice commanding yet warm.

"Where did she come from?" Qaris asked.

"The auction in Carisport, I had just enough savings to free her," Cadmus guided her in, but his eyes landed on Kev.