Dragonfae & The Soul Catcher (29 page)

Lumos narrowed his eyes. “You’re no longer a witch—you are a Dragonfae.”

“Will growing wings hurt? Are they the same as teeth?” Thalia wrapped a lock of Lumos’ hair around her finger. “How will I make the wings go in and out of my back like you do?”

“I’ve always had wings, so I can’t answer the first question.” Lumos inclined his head. “Tell me, sweetness, how do you close your eyes and open them again?”

“It happens without thought. Hmm—I don’t really know, although I can open and shut my eyes as I desire—why?”

Grinning, Lumos sat up. “Then you’ll understand how to control wings. You may open or close them at will. If you want to fly, they pop out the same as your leg takes a step forward when you want to walk.” He slid off the bed, turned, and offered Thalia his hand. “It’s time to bathe and then we must eat. Come, there is a bath here as big as a rock pool.” He took her hand. “Today is a day for rest. Perhaps, later, I’ll fly you to the top of Farrell Mountain. The view is spectacular—and we can be alone.” He sighed. “Tomorrow, we’ll rise early, take the Gate to Drakka and I’ll face Kird.”

“Will I be able to watch the challenge?”

“Aye, I’ll lock you in my rooms at the palace. You may watch from the balcony.” Lumos touched Thalia’s cheek. “There is evil in Drakka. Although we won’t see him, I have no doubt the Magus will be there, expecting Kird to win. Should anything happen to me, go to my father, and he’ll get you to safety in Draconia.”

Lumos gazed at his beautiful mate. The vision of her at this moment would stay locked in his heart forever. The thought of the challenge gnawed at his belly. Kird would not be his problem. The danger lay in the trickery the Magus had undoubtedly planned. He bit his bottom lip. At noon, the following day, the Nightdragon would be fighting for his life, and for the freedom of all the people of Drakka.

Chapter Twenty-One

Thalia gaped at the city of Drakka, nestled beneath a glittering mountain range humming with magyck. The buildings appeared to flow out of the ground, each a mixture of the mountain’s rock, and living trees. Even the air held the sweetest fragrance, a potpourri of the masses of flowers spilling from a myriad of garden beds. Faeries of every colour flew around in excited bunches, their voices tinkling throughout the city. Everyone they passed stopped to greet Lumos and give their support for the challenge.

They crossed the drawbridge into Drakka palace and rode towards the stables.

“I must send word to my father of our arrival.” Lumos dismounted and lifted Thalia from the saddle. “I’ll be a few minutes.” He handed a stable boy Argos’ reins, and strode off in the direction of the gate house.

Thalia waited in the stables for the grooms to settle the horses. On Lumos’ return, she followed him outside into the courtyard.

“This is a magnificent building. Where is your room?”

“Come here and I’ll fly you to my chambers.” With a mischievous grin, the Dragonfae opened his massive, black wings, and lifted Thalia into his arms.

With Brew clasped to her chest, Thalia ground her jaw. Her stomach lurched at flying so high.
I’ll never get used to this.
A few seconds later, Lumos landed gently on a balcony overlooking the city square. Thalia slid down Lumos’ body and her knees buckled. The Dragonfae supported her in his strong arms, holding her close. Thalia smiled up at him.

“I’m fine.” She dropped Brew to the floor. “Although I’m afraid flying makes my legs wobbly.”

“You fear falling. It’s a normal reaction and will pass.”

The balcony led to a suite of opulent rooms. Thalia stood in the middle, too scared to move. Frighteningly aware of the pristine condition of everything around her, she admired the beautifully crafted furniture, and rich furnishings.

“I’m not sure that this is the place for Brew—perhaps I should leave him in the stable with Albert.”

“Brew can’t hurt anything here, so put him down.” Lumos smiled. “Don’t worry so much.” His gaze followed the cat’s exploration f the room.

Anxious, Thalia stared down at her buckskin breeches and well-worn boots, then pulled Lumos around to face her. “Look at me!—I can’t possibly meet your family dressed like this. I’d die of shame.” She sighed. “Will they accept me without wings?”

Lumos touched Thalia’s cheek. “We’ll bathe and change clothes before you meet my father.” Lumos took her hand and led her to the bathroom. “I’m surprised your wings haven’t emerged but they will—and don’t worry.” He smiled. “My father will love you.”

Thalia marvelled at the strange contraptions in the bathroom. They bathed in a place where warm water tumbled from the wall—a shower, Lumos had called the contraption. After taking a long, very passionate wash with Lumos under the fast-flowing water, Thalia stood naked in the middle of the bedchamber. Lumos, his face a mask of concentration, walked around her weaving magyck. The next instant, a flowing jade green garment wrapped her body. The soft, diaphanous fabric caressed her skin. She turned around to gape at her reflection in the mirror. The gown matched the colour of her eyes. Thalia swallowed hard. The face in the mirror had changed significantly since she had left Broclarre. Apart from the pointed ears, her skin glowed and her green eyes danced with fire. Behind her, she noticed Lumos’ worried expression. He had caused this transformation and his concerns of rejection radiated through Thalia. She turned and smiled.

“This is wonderful. I’m so happy to be here with you.” She rested her hands on his wide chest. “Thank you so much for making me beautiful.”

“You were always beautiful, butterfly.” Lumos bent to kiss Thalia with tenderness. “After we mate, you’ll wear dragon skin, although I’d like you to wear green ribbons in your hair. You have such beautiful, hair, it dances like fire in the sunlight so many hues of red and gold.” Lumos curled strands of Thalia’s hair around his finger and brought it to his mouth, brushing the silken mass across his lips. “I wish I could linger a little longer, my love, but we must go and see my father, and it is less than an hour before the challenge.”

* * * *

The palace at Drakka, with its polished stone floors, tall ceilings, and massive rooms, impressed Thalia. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined such magnificence. In front of each window, elegant pedestals displayed bowls filled with faceted gems. The crystals sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting a halo of rainbows. She paused to admire the creation, consumed with the need to run her hands through the multicoloured aura.

“The magyck calls to you, sweetness.” Lumos ran his hand through the shafts of colour. “These crystals were collected from every realm of magyck. They enhance our powers.”

Cautiously, Thalia caressed the rainbow. A rush of power surged through her like the first taste of chocolate. She gazed at Lumos. “I’ve never felt anything like that before.”

“Only the king is allowed such things.”

Apprehension curled in Thalia’s belly. Her legs grew weaker with every step closer to the king. Taking a deep breath, she reached for Lumos’ hand and followed him through open double doors into a large room. She took comfort from his strong grip.

“Ah, Lumos, I knew you would arrive in time. Axim is here, too. I wasn’t going to forfeit Drakka without a challenge.”

“Have I ever broken my word, Father?” Lumos returned his father’s smile. “I have found my true mate. This is Thalia.”

Thalia glanced wildly at Lumos for some instruction. Her knees shook. Goddess, the king of the Dragonfae stood before a great marble fireplace, his face creased in a wide smile. The Fae appeared no older than Lumos and his eyes held compassion, no doubt earned by years of experience. Fear of rejection curled in Thalia’s belly, followed swiftly by a pang of indecision. She wanted to make a good impression on Lumos’ father. Without thinking, she reached for the dragon.

“Do I curtsy? Fall to my knees? What must I do?”

“Dragonfae bow to no one.”
The Nightdragon gave a soft chuckle.
“Do not fear the king, Thalia. This is your family now.”

“Welcome to the family. Ahh… I see you carry an unusual blend of magyck.” The king narrowed his eyes. “I understand why the dark Magus feared your joining with the Dragonfae.”

Forcing a smile, Thalia gazed at the king. “I had no idea of my bloodlines until recently, Your Majesty.”

“My name is Luka.” The king smiled. He turned to Lumos. “Have you discovered anything more about the Magus’ involvement in this challenge? After you left for Broclarre, I questioned Kird. He still insists he has nothing to do with the Magus and yet none of us can breach his barriers to find the truth of it. I believe, as you do, the Magus is behind Kird’s challenge. The wizard has not returned to Drakka since he supplied the tainted wine. I‘ve posted guards at the Gate to send news of his arrival.”

“He duped us all.” Lumos frowned. “We gave him sanctuary, and all the while he plotted our downfall. The tainted wine was only one of his ploys.” He rubbed his chin. “Thalia is an innocent pawn. The Magus used her to lure me into an ambush. I don’t believe he knew of Thalia’s connection to the dark side at the time. As soon as she began to use her magyck to defend me, the Magus discovered her true nature.” He glanced at Thalia. “The Magus thwarted our every move because he used Thalia to scry us. She has since built up her barriers to stop him and, now that we are bonded, he has no chance of using her again.”

“Bonded and not yet mated?” Luka rolled his eyes. “You risk a mating rage before a challenge—have you lost your wits?”

“There wasn’t sufficient time to complete moonfire before my return.” Lumos squeezed Thalia’s hand. “I’ll confine Thalia to my rooms until after the challenge. My rage will be concentrated on Kird.”

“What do you know of potions?” Luka turned his gaze onto Thalia. “My dragon informs me you were once a Nomag witch.”

Thalia swallowed hard. She lifted her chin. Whatever she had been before, she was Lumos’ mate now—a Dragonfae. “Aye, I know potions. I have a wide knowledge of poisons and their cures. “

“Is there any way to discover a cure for the Magus’ potion?”

“If I could smell the potion, I may be able to discover what roots and herbs were used to make it. If the Magus mixed the ingredients with a spell, my knowledge of magyck is too limited to untangle that riddle.”

“Then I would ask you to work with Yashna. She can cast out any spell.” Luka fingered the heavy, gold medallion hanging around his neck. “My mate has tried but the combination of the potion is foreign to us. Together, you may be able to undo this disaster—many of my young males are addicted to this potion. I would like to see them free of the Magus’ clutches.”

Thalia smiled. “I’ll do whatever is necessary.”

“Good. I’ll send a bottle of the potion to your chambers. Perhaps this task will give you something to occupy your time while Lumos is away.”

“I hardly believe it will take too long to fight Kird, he is little more than a fledgling.” Lumos shrugged “Or have you heard otherwise, Father?”

“Kird roosts with two warriors known to you, Quade and Zaan.” Luka narrowed his eyes. “My dragon insists there is a plot to bring you down. All three are under the Magus’ spell.”

Footsteps echoed in the hallway and a tall Dragonfae wearing pure white dragon skin sauntered into the room. His long, black hair fell in a braid over one shoulder. The Fae’s features were strikingly handsome and, as he moved closer, his lips formed a sultry smile. Beside her, Lumos growled deep in his chest, tensed, and every muscle rippled. His large hand gripped her fingers. Anger radiated through him to Thalia in a rush. Thalia glanced up at her mate to see his lips draw back in a feral grin.

“Hold, Lumos, I’m here to save your ugly butt.” The Dragonfae held up his hands. “You have my word I’ll not touch your mate.”

“I don’t need saving.” Lumos stepped in front of Thalia. “Take one step closer and, brother or not, I’ll rip your head off.”

“Axim is here to prevent the Magus’ treachery.” Luka moved between his sons. “Should you be overcome by the three dragons, I’ll order Axim to fight by your side. I do not intend to lose Drakka, Lumos. You will abide by my decision while I am king.”

“I—will—not—lose—Drakka.” Lumos’ mouth became a thin line. “The Nightdragon fears nothing, he will prevail. The gods gave me Thalia to rule Drakka by my side, to produce a king with mixed blood so we will never be in this position again. I trust Cymbeline to protect me. I fight in her name as we all do.” He jerked his head towards the door. “Go back to your females, Axim—or stay, and I’ll give you reason to defend your realm.”

“Very well, Brother, after you have mated Thalia, we’ll celebrate together.” Axim gave Thalia a wink. “Not all of us are so…
angry
. Lumos has given you the wrong impression of the Dragonfae—we are lovers and, in truth, only fight when we have to defend our realms or the gods.” He grinned at Lumos. “May the gods watch over you in the challenge.” He turned around and strutted from the room.

“It is time for you to prepare, Lumos.” Luka smiled grimly. “My heart flies with you, as does my faith in your ability to win.” He slapped Lumos on the back. “Have no fear. I’ll post guards around your quarters—no male will enter. I’ll have Yashna take the potion to Thalia.”

“Aye, it will give me comfort knowing my mother waits with Thalia.” Lumos let out a long sigh. “Thank you, Father.”

“Return a king.” Luka gave Lumos an encouraging smile.

Thalia trembled. How could she possibly concentrate on a potion while Lumos fought for his life? In silence, she followed Lumos back to his rooms. Inside the sitting room, the Dragonfae pulled her against his hard chest. He pressed warm kisses to her face, her lips.

“Do not move from this room.” Lumos gazed down at Thalia’s upturned face. “We will fight in the air so you may not be able to witness the challenge. The Nightdragon will block our bond so that nothing distracts us from the fight. I’ll finish this as soon as possible. Have no fear, butterfly, I will return to you.” Lumos stepped away and with long strides moved through the door to the balcony. He opened his tall, black wings and, with one leap, soared into the sky.