Dragon War: The Morrigan Aerie, #1

By Calliope Parrish

A Never Ending War is in its final chapter. One dragon aerie steps onto the battle field with the Morrigan's aid to bring it to an end.

 

The twins, Jericho and Jeriah have spent centuries hidden in a top-secret program called Amber Sky. The programs mission is to train dragons to fight against their brethren. The twins have stolen many psions from the enemy camp over the centuries. Then she appears. Kellan a lost Royal. Before they can bring her home to her people, they have to earn her trust.

 

Kellan is the strongest psion ever tested in Aurumden. The problem is her temper. An abandoned child she was shuffled between orphanages and foster homes where her abilities ostracized her. Tricked into joining Amber Sky, she is paired with a dragon who dismisses her and a guard who watches her closely.

 

Can the twins earn her trust? Will she join the rest of their family to destroy Amber Sky and free the dragons? Is this the end of the war or just the end of the beginning?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Calliope Parrish
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201232719

Calliope Parrish

Calliope Parrish is the joint name that Antonia Tiranth & Delilah K. Stephans. After both spent a lifetime writing separately, they joined forces to create new worlds and interesting situations to intrance readers. Antonia works in the medical field in the Baltimore, MD area and is married to a Parrish. Delilah has a degree in Graphic Design and Glass art and works from home in Mobile, AL and was born a Parrish.

Book preview

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Copyright © 2022 by Calliope Parrish

Cover and Interior Art Copyright © 2023 Stringfellow Studios

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1. Part One

2. Jael

3. Gabriel

4. Jael

5. Gabriel

6. Jael

7. Gabriel

8. Jael

9. Gabriel

10. Jael

11. Jeriah

12. Gabriel

13. Kellan

14. Jael

15. Part Two

16. Kellan

17. Jeriah

18. Kellan

19. Jeriah

20. Kellan

21. Jeriah

22. Kellan

23. Jeriah

24. Kellan

25. Jeriah

26. Kellan

27. Jeriah

28. Kellan

29. Jeriah

30. Kellan

31. Jericho

32. Kellan

33. Jeriah

34. Kellan

35. Jeriah

36. Kellan

37. Jeriah

38. Kellan

39. Jeriah

40. Gabriel

41. Kellan

42. Part Three

43. Jordan

44. Miri

45. Jordan

46. Miri

47. Jordan

48. Miri

49. Jordan

50. Miri

51. Jordan

52. Miri

53. Jordan

54. Miri

55. Jordan

56. Miri

57. Jordan

58. Miri

59. Jael

60. Miri

61. Jordan

62. Part Four

63. Jael

64. Gabriel

65. Jael

66. Gabriel

67. Jael

68. Gabriel

69. Jael

70. Gabriel

71. Jael

72. Gabriel

73. Jael

74. Gabriel

75. Jael

76. Gabriel

77. Jael

78. Gabriel

79. Jael

80. Gabriel

81. Jael

82. Gabriel

83. Jael

84. Gabriel

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Chapter one

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Sometimes a tragedy is not the end. Sometimes it’s a beginning.

From the journals of Rowan, High Priestess of the Morrigan

Chapter two

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W hy couldn’t I stay at the cabin? I asked again, I’d lost count of how many times I’d asked Daddy to let me stay or go back to our cabin home. I’d even tried tears but that didn’t work either. Daddy didn’t even turn his head to look at me as I flew closer to his head.

I have explained it to you a dozen times already, hatchling, he replied wearily. Usually this tone meant I was close to getting my way, but ahead I could already see the expanse of tents that heralded our arrival at the camp.

Too late. I would have to meet the Queen now. Daddy and I landed in a field near the tents where a male dragon waited in human form. He just waited on the edge of the field and I didn’t pay him any attention as I stood there, looking at my father as he raised a foot so his anam cara Sophia could dismount his broad back. I turned my head and a bright light flashed as he took human form. He and Sophia started walking toward the waiting male. Maybe he would forget about me and I could sneak back home. I should have known better, because they both paused and looked back at me. I rolled my eyes and shook my wings in annoyance. Daddy folded his arms and cleared his throat. He said nothing, but his meaning was clear.

I sighed and let the transformation magic flow over me until I stood before them in human form. I folded my own arms. Happy? Sophia crossed the distance between us and started fussing with my hair. I let her for a minute and then took a step back. It’s fine, Mom.

She gave me a smile and patted my cheek. Did she think I was nervous about meeting the Queen of Kaldona? No, I wasn’t nervous. I just didn’t want to. It didn’t matter to me I had reached the age where tradition called for me to go before the ruler of our country and declare whether I would find a place in the army or stay out of the fight with our neighboring country of Aurumden. Did it really apply to me? I was the only female dragon who wasn’t sequestered up in the mountains or where ever they spent their time. Whatever, it appeared I wasn’t getting out of doing it regardless, so I followed Daddy and Mom as they approached the male waiting patiently at the edge of the field. He held out a hand to Daddy, who shook it. It’s good to see you two are safe, the male said.

Daddy let out a bark of laughter. Not for lack of them trying, he responded, earning a shake of head and tutting from Mom.

The male also shook his head, chuckling, and then seemed to catch sight of me, leaning to the side to look around my parents. And who’s this?

I rolled my eyes as Dad turned, putting an arm around my shoulders as he drew me forward. This, he said, chest puffing out, Is our daughter, Jael. Jael, this is Michael. He’s one of the captains.

Mom cleared her throat, and I held out my hand like I’d seen Daddy do. Pleased to meet you, I grumbled.

Michael took my hand and chuckled. Feisty, isn’t she?

Daddy groaned but was grinning. You have no idea.

I’m standing right here. I realized Michael still held my hand and pulled it away, folding my arms again.

Pretty little thing you are, too. He hadn’t said that aloud or let Daddy hear it. I narrowed my eyes at him, but he just smiled and held his arm out. You know where the Queen’s tent is, after you.

The closer we got to the Queen’s tent, the stronger the psionic aura brushing my skin became, but there was something else making my skin tingle, drawing me forward. But what was it? I needed to know who was in that tent! Strangely, I felt my future was in that tent. I couldn’t take my eyes off the opening of the tent and ran into Daddy when he stopped and would have fallen on my rear if it weren’t for Michael, steadying me with a hand on my back. I looked up at him, a thank you on my lips, but something in his eyes made my throat go dry. It was gone just as quickly, and I wasn’t even sure I saw it, so I stepped away from him, returning my attention to my parents ahead of me, who were now greeting the psion and dragon pair guarding the entrance. Solomon...my foster brother and his anam cara Kara. Great. I had an audience for this. Couldn’t we just get on with it? I didn’t even know what I was going to say. If I declared I wanted to join the army, I’d be sent away from Daddy and Mom. If I said I wanted to stay out of the fighting, I’d still be sent away to the Stronghold. I just wanted to stay in the cabin. It was close to my brothers. There wasn’t anymore time to think on it though because the next thing I knew we were being ushered inside the tent. I paused at the entrance to let my eyes adjust to the dimness of the tent. In the center of the tent a woman and a dragon, likely her anam cara, stood. Next to them was a young man, with hair of the deepest black I’d ever seen, like a midnight starless sky. Even from here, I could see his ice-blue eyes when he glanced up before returning his gaze to the papers in front of him. He wasn’t looking at me, but gods above, I wanted him too and I felt frozen to the spot, my heart thudding wildly in my chest. With agonizing slowness, he raised his head from the paper he’d been studying and looked directly at me. I didn’t know which one of us let out the sharp intake of breath, but a hand on my shoulder broke the spell.

Don’t be afraid, pretty little Jael.

My skin crawled from his touch, and my heart ached at the sadness in the boy’s eyes. I angrily brushed his hand off my shoulder and stepped forward, just to put distance between me and Michael, but also to get closer to whoever that boy was. Daddy, Sophia, and the woman were talking about psions and a girl named Kellan. They’d been looking for her for a while, but still couldn’t find her. I didn’t really pay attention. I was trying to figure out a way to ask who the boy was without sounding stupid...or desperate. I alternated looking at the floor with glancing at him. Michael kept stepping closer to me and bumped into Daddy before I realized I was moving away from him. Unfortunately, this brought everyone’s attention to me. Maybe now I could finally find out who he was. This is the hatchling you said you were bringing?

She didn’t have to sound so shocked. I lifted my chin and straightened my shoulders, waiting. Daddy had gone over the protocol a few times, but it had all flown out of my head. Thankfully, it seemed as if I was supposed to remain silent since daddy didn’t poke me physically or mentally but inclined his head. Queen Abigail, Prince Abraxas, our daughter, Jael.

The queen stepped forward with a male dragon; I assumed was Abraxas a step behind her. Fine, but who was the boy? Jael, it is a pleasure to meet another of Luke and Sophia’s children.

A little mental prod from daddy had me bowing, but I didn’t really know what to say. I was afraid I might blurt out the question running through my head, but with the reminder that all my older brothers were well respected by the efforts, I didn’t want to look like more of a fool. Even my foster brother Solomon had recently been appointed personal guard to the Prince. I looked at the boy, meeting his piercing gaze for just a moment as my brain pieced together the puzzle. He was the Prince. Gabriel. I knew his name now at least, but... he was the prince! Michael’s hand settled on my shoulder again and a shudder went down my spine. From the corner of my eye, I noted the frown and narrowing of Gabriel’s eyes. I took another step forward and bowed again. I would like to join you in defending our country, I started, hoping I didn’t sound like an idiot. I don’t know where I would best fit, though.

I couldn’t see Daddy or Mom. I hadn’t really given this any thought, even when they brought it up and they never tried to encourage me one way or the other, so I didn’t know how they felt about this. Not that it mattered. I wanted to stay here, but I couldn’t deny that it had more to do with the fact that Gabriel was here more than anything. The Queen and her anam cara were giving me encouraging smiles, though. Excellent, the Queen said. And you don’t have to worry about where you best fit in. You can try out different roles and see what suites you best. We don’t force anyone into a position they aren’t comfortable with. Isn’t that right, Gabriel?

You are correct, he responded and those three words bored straight into me. I wanted to hear more of that voice, but it was Abigail who spoke again.

Michael, please give Jael a tour of the camp? Give her an idea of the different things she could choose to do?

Michael moved to my side and grinned at me. It would be my pleasure, my Queen.

No. I didn’t want to be alone with him. I had no reason to feel this way, but...how could I refuse? Gabriel was frowning again. What did that mean? I kind of wished he would be the one to escort me around. Mom and Daddy beaming at me. Solomon and Kara were...yes! They were standing just inside the tent now and I took the few steps to my foster brother’s side, wrapping my arms around one of his. My brother said he would show me around, my Queen. I was looking forward to spending some time with him since we haven’t seen each other in so long.

Solomon was staring down at me like I had three heads. What are you playing at, sister?

I gave him my best pouting look. Please? He makes me nervous.

His gaze flicked from me to Michael and then back. The corners of his mouth turned down in a brief frown, but then he rolled his eyes at me. You owe me, he said and then aloud. Yes, I promised her, your majesty. Tidus and Pip could relieve me a little early, if that is alright with the Prince.

Gabriel inclined his head. I have no objections.

Very well then, Abigail said, already turning back to the table of scattered papers.

I stopped myself from letting out a sigh of relief. Michael turned on his heel and stormed from the tent and I bit back on another sigh of relief, keeping a hold of Solomon’s arm as we left the tent. I couldn’t stop myself, however, from looking back at the prince.

Chapter three

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Itried very hard not to sigh in aggravation as more minutes ticked by waiting for Sophia and Luke to arrive. I was supposed to be on the training field with Tidus. Today we’d work on sword skills, which was my best weapon. Not that I didn’t enjoy learning the other weapons in the arsenal, I was just more comfortable with a sword in my hand. It left my other hand free to direct my psionic abilities. While not entirely necessary, it was easier to direct the force of the psionics with a gesture. But, I was a Prince of Kaldona and for the last six years, Abigail, the current Queen, had been teaching me to rule. Taking reports were just one of the duties but, why did we have to be waiting here? Luke could send out a telepathic call to all the dragons in the camp when he arrived and it would be a simple matter to summon me from the training field, but no, we had to stand here in a mist covered field on a morning that was chilly even for early spring. Abraxas gave me the look, and I schooled my features back into the appropriate Prince Gabriel expression, not that of a eighteen-year-old who wanted to be beating someone up with a practice sword and shifted the cloak around my shoulders to block the chilly spring breeze.

They’re close, Abraxas said, breaking the silence of the early morning.

A few minutes later, Luke’s landing blew up a cloud of dust, and I raised my arm to shield my eyes from it as well as the flash of the dragon’s transformation to his human form.

Where is Kellan? Eva whispered from my other side. Her anam cara and dragon, Adam, didn’t respond.

Eva clutched the front of Adam’s shirt, tears in her eyes. Adam extracted himself from her grip and stormed over to Luke as he and Sophia approached. The other woman was sobbing.

Where is my daughter? Adam practically bellowed.

I exchanged glances with Abigail. Something was very wrong. The last report I’d read from this pair seemed hopeful. They had a solid lead on the location of the girl, Kellan and seemed confident they could finally retrieve her after years of searching. We waited for an explanation, and finally Luke answered. We lost her.

What do you mean you lost her? Adam roared.

Luke shifted his anam cara to put himself between her and the angry dragon. Abraxas, Abigail’s anam cara, took a step toward them, but Abigail and I both used our abilities to lift Adam before he took a swing at Luke.

Let me go, damn it! Adam struggled. I demand an explanation. Where is my daughter?

Luke relaxed slightly and put his arm around Sophia. She wiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks. Abigail took a few steps to stand in front of the dragon we still held a few feet off the ground. He was fuming and cursing. Adam rarely ever raised his voice at anyone. He trained like all the other soldiers but never took part in any battles, other than to be a combat medic, ready to assist in healing wounded fighters. I glanced at Eva but she made no move to calm her dragon. The woman stood a few paces away, arms folded, frowning.

Adam, please, Abigail said, her tone filled with infinite patience and undisputed command. Would I ever be able to speak with that in my voice? Calm down. You demand explanation but have not given them a chance to do so.

Michael, one of the dragon captains, and son to Abraxas, snorted softly beside me. I glanced at him. He’d confessed to me that he didn’t understand why such hope was being hung on this girl but he kept his thoughts from his father and the Queen. All reports received so far were suggestive of the girl being a strong Royal and we really wanted to get her out of Aurumden before she was flagged to enter their Amber Sky Program, where she’d be further brainwashed to believe that we wanted to take over Aurumden. He didn’t speak, so I returned my attention to Luke and Sophia.

The latter took a deep breath and said, We finally found a way to get her out of the psion school she was in but the day before we were going to make our play, she was moved to one of the other academies. It took us months to formulate a plan and the new school has even more security than the previous one. By the time we have a plan to get her of this one, she’ll have been tapped for Amber Sky.

Have Jordan route her to Compound Four. Jericho and Jeriah are there and if I know anything about General Jackson, its that he links Jericho with the strongest psions he can find, Abigail said, glancing at me with a sly smile. Good for us, very bad for them.

My mentor had a very good point and once they were linked to Jericho, it was stupidly easy for us to get the psion out of Aurumden. I shook my head, wondering why the idiots in charge hadn’t figured that out yet. Eva’s aura flared and shoved against my own, drawing our attention to her. She threw her hands in the air. Yet another excuse. Another delay. You promised us a child to raise, but now she is almost a grown woman.

Eva—

No, the woman said, slashing a hand through the air and I couldn’t help the widening of my eyes. No one interrupted Abigail when she was speaking. I understood that you wouldn’t be able to bring her out the moment she was born. I trusted in your plan to pass to a chain of families loyal to us as planned. I didn’t agree with leaving her with some random Aurumden couple in the end but I saw the wisdom in it. She’s a Royal, you should have foreseen her abilities would show up strongly. You should have known an elderly couple wouldn’t be able to handle it.

She wasn’t wrong, but I was just the Prince, I hadn’t had much say in how this particular operation was handled, plus, I really only started training to rule with Abigail six years ago. Kellan’s abilities started showing when she was five and a Royal psion with abilities her parentage would give her, throwing a temper tantrum or just losing her temper would be enough to test even my people, who were used to it. Eva wasn’t done with her tirade.

But I didn’t give up hope when you found out she was in an orphanage, even though you didn’t know which one. I trusted that you’d find her and you did, in one of their damn psion academies many years later. I’ve waited all this time for nothing!

Adam growled but had no more to say. I felt for the couple. The child Daniel created using the Republic of Aurumden’s technology was supposed to be given to him and his anam cara to raise, because though Eva desperately wanted a child, she couldn’t have any and hopefully give Kaldona another Royal, since Abigail and I were the only ones left. To have this hope taken from them. It was worse than losing what we hoped for her. A tingle went up my spine, and I turned to see her coming into the clearing.

Jael. She was coming to greet her father, Luke. As she got closer, my every sense came alive. I could almost smell her spring rain and wildflower scent from here. Her long silver hair waved gently with her movements and gleamed in the light of the rising sun. Ever since I’d met the silver-haired dragoness five years ago, I’d been drawn to her and it wasn’t just because like all dragons she was an almost perfect example of human beauty when she took the form. There was something to her that made me have to know everything about her. But every time I tried to get close, she’d run.

Everything else ceased to matter once I set my eyes on her. There was a buzzing in my mind and feelings not my own flickered through me. Was she possibly my anam cara? The one I was destined to be bonded to and our lives joined into one. Her fate would be mine and mine hers. There was no acknowledgment from her except a glance in my direction and the slightest blush on her cheeks, but she didn’t veer toward me or look like she was feeling any need to know me. Maybe I was wrong?

Movement beside me caught my attention. Michael headed in her direction, now blocking my view of her. Anger that he would step between us rushed through me. I didn’t care that until I’d seen Jael, I’d considered him a big brother. Now he was a rival for the dragoness that I wanted. The roaring in my ears was so loud I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Before I could intervene, Abigail clapped me on the shoulder. Come on, boy. You’re combat training will have to wait until later. We’ve got planning to do.

Forget the combat training. I hesitated, wanting to try to get the dragoness’s attention, and I certainly didn’t want her paying any attention to Michael, but my mentor was insistent. Not only was she my mentor, but Abigail was like a mother to me.

Gabriel, let’s go.

I ran a hand through my hair and caught up to the queen. This is not good, she murmured. You and I can barely even the odds. If they get their hands on that child and we have to go up against another Royal?

The Republic of Aurumden didn’t understand or wouldn’t admit that the strongest psions came from dragon-human pairings. Through arranged marriages, they tried to strengthen their psions but only diluted their powers. None of their psions were a match for most of the ones we had, but with their technology behind them, we struggled.

If we could only convince Seladon to join the fight, we could win, I replied, thinking of the country to the north that shared a border with both our own Kaldona and Aurumden.

Abigail shook her head. They will remain neutral. Their current king is too close to the newest President of Aurumden. While they will trade with us, they have no intention of becoming our ally.

As we spoke, Eva stormed by us with Adam close behind her. Abigail called for them to wait.

What? Adam growled, but didn’t stop, though he slowed his steps. Eva didn’t even look back.

Her station as queen demanded more respect than Adam was giving her, but she overlooked it. Abigail merely said, I’m sorry. I know you two had a lot of hope in this plan, and I’m sorry we disappointed you. We will find Kellan. I promise you.

Adam snorted, and quickened his pace, trying to catch up to his human. I continued following Abigail and Abraxas to their tent, thinking more of the dragoness in the clearing than what I needed to learn to lead my people.

Chapter four

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Daddy and Sophia were leaving again, they hadn’t stayed long after delivering their most recent report. I didn’t know the details, only that their last mission had been unsuccessful, and they were still trying to track down a child who was a Royal. They were returning to the cabin near the border to both be a contact for our agents within Aurumden and try to salvage the failed mission. Closer to the border they might be able to get more information. I had no idea how long they would be gone this time. A few days, weeks, months? I waved one last time, and my human mother waved back. I sighed, maybe it was time for me to decide what exactly I should be doing. I helped with just about everything around the camp, from washing clothes to cooking meals, taking care of weapons to participating in a few trainings. I just didn’t know what I was best suited to. Maybe I should have said I wanted to stay out of the war and remained at the Stronghold, but there were so many people and dragons there. It was too much. The camp was better. I could get away from the crowds if I wanted, and I actually enjoyed watching the soldiers train. Not to mention, the prince was here, and something drew me to him. Ever since I met him my first time in camp, I found myself thinking of him often.

He was a very handsome male, with his black as a moonless night hair, aristocratic features, and those ice-blue eyes, and I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t attracted to him. He’d shown no interest in me, but the possibility was there. I sighed and turned to go back to the tent to look for something to occupy myself with when a wave of tingling heat went through me. I gasped and then stumbled as a pain followed it.

I put my hand against a tree to steady myself. My breath came in ragged gasps. What was happening to me? This need took over my thoughts, and I called for the one person I would want to satisfy it. Gabriel.

Another wave dropped me to my knees.

Jael? This was not the voice I wanted to hear. It wasn’t the prince, but Michael, one of the dragon captains who I tried to avoid whenever I could. Concern transformed his hard features. Despite my need for Gabriel, my body responded to the nearness of a male dragon, and I had to stop myself from obeying the urge to throw myself at him. I dug my hands into the grass and clenched my teeth. Hello, Captain.

He went down on one knee and put a hand on my shoulder. The touch sent bolts of electricity and heat through me. I leaned into the touch without conscious thought, gasping again. He made a soft clucking sound. This is your first, isn’t it?

What was he talking about? My first what? My skin felt like it was on fire. I wanted to fly. I wanted to . . . something.

Your father never spoke to you about dragon mating?

Mating? Was that what this was? I vaguely remembered a very awkward discussion about dragon mating, but he never mentioned anything about this pain and heat. My dragon mother had died before I hatched, and I was raised by Daddy and his human anam cara. That other female dragons came around humans and the male dragons who lived among them only during their mating cycle was the only thing I remembered from that talk. The next wave made me cry out, and despite myself I reached for Michael, gripping the front of his shirt, leaning into him. He smelled good, but there was another scent I truly wished to have fill my nostrils. The scent of sandalwood and leather . . . Gabriel’s scent. He stroked my back, which soothed a little of the desire and a purr vibrated through me, even though a large part of me wanted to push away from him, seek someone else.

You need a male dragon to help you through this. It will only get worse until you are . . . taken care of. The last came out in a deep rumbling growl.

I started to push away from him. I didn’t need him. Didn’t want him. I didn’t like the way he’d been looking at me since the first time we met. There was only one I truly wanted and that was Gabriel! But the cursed heat washed over me again, and I was in Michael’s arms, shaking. I couldn’t make it very far from here on my own. I certainly couldn’t ask Michael to take me to Gabriel, could I?

I can help you, pretty little one.

I looked up at him, torn. Was he speaking the truth? He had no reason to lie to me, and any time I had spoken to him, he was always kind, though as I once told Solomon, I didn’t trust this male. Yet, I had no real reason for that feeling and even if I could find Gabriel, who I wanted, would he want me?

No strings attached, he said. I ask nothing of you. The other you call for . . . he cannot help you in this.

My cheeks heated knowing that he had heard me call for the one male who had no reason to look my way twice. Reluctantly, I nodded, and he swiftly scooped me off the ground and carried me through the trees back to camp. I couldn’t think straight. All I could think of was this heat and desire. Once we reached the camp, I hardly registered where we were going now.

Michael? What is wrong?

Gabriel’s voice cut through my haze like a ray of sunlight through clouds on a rainy day. I shifted in Michael’s arms and tried to reach for our prince, but Michael strengthened his grip, and I couldn’t raise my hand.

I told you, little one, he cannot satisfy that need. Only another dragon can. He warned me using telepathy and to the prince he said, Nothing, Prince Gabriel. Merely a dragon ailment. She will be fine in a few days. I know how to care for her.

Is there anything I can do? His obvious concern as he reached for me made me ache for his touch, but I couldn’t respond. My voice wouldn’t work. Would he even want to give me what I needed right now?

Michael shook his head. Nothing you can do. I will take care of her. You need not worry yourself.

More of those damned heat waves flashed through me as Gabriel regarded me, and I spasmed in Michael’s arms, clutching his shirt with a whimper.

You’re certain? Gabriel asked.

Oh yes, quite certain. You can check on her tomorrow morning if that will settle your mind.

Gabriel nodded slowly, and then Michael was on the move again. I watched the prince over Michael’s shoulder as he carried me away, uncertain now in my assent but unable to argue with my body. I met Gabriel’s ice blue gaze, imploring him silently, but he just stood there watching as Michael continued moving away from him, and soon he was out of sight. This only confirmed my suspicion that he didn’t want me.

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Ileft Michael’s tent near dawn with my head down, clutching what was left of my clothes to me to keep them from falling off. I nearly collided with Sara, who gave me her usual dismissive look. She said nothing this time, but her jaw tightened as she side-stepped me and kept going. I reached my tent without further incident. Luckily the night guards were updating the day guards so there were none patroling. Which was just as well. I was in no mood to see anyone. Tremors ran through me, and I made a fist in my tattered dress, willing the shaking to stop. I had agreed to this. It had been my choice. The mirror across from me showed me what a mess I was. My hair was disheveled and knotted, and a semicircle red mark from Michael’s teeth was just visible at the junction of my neck and shoulders. The sting of scratches down my back began to scream and those on my legs to burn. The room blurred, and I brushed away the tears angrily. Could this really be how mating should be? A body playing a sonata of agony afterwards? There was no evidence of this violence between Daddy and Sophia. Or were they just that good at hiding it?

I kicked at a basket near my feet and watched it fly across the tent. I wanted to scream, but I would have to settle for a bath in an icy stream.

Jael?

I froze, not even breathing. Gabriel. Why was he here? I slowly let out a breath. Maybe if I was quiet, he would think I was sleeping or not here, and he would go away. As much as I had wanted him yesterday, I didn’t want him to see me in this state.

I know you are awake.

I tore a blanket off my cot and wrapped it around me. He was our prince, and I had no reason to disobey or want to avoid him, but for some reason, I did.

I’m coming. I spoke quietly, hoping a lower volume would hide the tremor in my words.

I pushed aside the flap and peeked out. Good morning, your highness.

He nodded but did not respond in kind. Gabriel was breathtakingly handsome in his soft cowhide pants and loose white shirt and looking at him made my heart ache. His brow was furrowed, as if trying to figure something out.

Is something the matter? I asked.

I don’t . . . He shook his head and took a breath. The aura of his psionics brushed my skin, making it tingle. I was just checking in with everyone. Is there anything you need?

I didn’t answer right away. There was something in his tone that I could not identify. It was on the tip of my tongue to say that I needed him but I managed to keep that silly reply to myself. After a moment, shook my head slowly. Everything is fine. I’m sure you are very busy, I said as I turned to go back into the tent. I wanted him to go, so I could wash Michael’s presence off of me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him lift his hand toward me and gods help me I wanted him to touch me. I hissed in pain as his fingers brushed the nail marks on my neck.

Gabriel stiffened. What happened? he demanded as a swirl of wind whipped around us.

Embarrassed, I shifted the blanket to cover the bite on my shoulder and covered the scratch with my other hand. Oh, nothing. Just a silly accident. Please let him believe me, I prayed. I didn’t want to tell him what had happened. I couldn’t.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes, frowned, but said nothing. He merely studied me, but I couldn’t meet his gaze, and an incredible guilt overwhelmed me. Why should I feel guilty? For obeying my biological urges? It wasn’t as if I could ignore them. After a long moment of silence, he cleared his throat. Very well. Just remember I’m here if you require anything.

I nodded, keeping my eyes trained on the ground. He had to say that. He was our prince. Yes, your highness.

Another long moment passed before he moved along, and I finally looked up to watch him go. Though he nodded good morning to those he passed, he did not stop to speak with anyone, and I had to fight a silly urge to call him back.

I took a step to go pick up the basket, and it felt like I had one of my brothers tied to each leg, in dragon form. I forced myself to at least right the basket and missed it on the first try my vision was so blurry.

The mating urge was gone, but I did not know if it would return. Since I had never known my mother, I hadn’t known what