 
### Table of Contents

Description

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Author Biography

End Credits
Banished

The Dragonsong Trilogy - Part One

H.C. Brown

Banished to the Singing Forest for witchcraft with only her cat for company, alone and desperately afraid Thalia sings to her dream lover, in the hope someone, anyone will help her.

Lumos enjoys the favors of many women until his dragon hears the Dragonsong of his mate. Consumed with passion for the girl who haunts his dreams, he leaves home to search for her.

Nothing goes to plan and he falls into a devious trap set by a dark wizard to destroy all of his kind.
Banished

The Dragonsong Trilogy - Part One

H.C. BROWN

WWW.LUMINOSITYPUBLISHING.COM
**LUMINOSITY PUBLISHING LLP**

BANISHED

_The Dragonsong Trilogy - Part One_

Copyright © July 2015 H.C. Brown

ISBN: 978-1-910899-11-3

Cover Art by Poppy Designs

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Dedication

For those who believe in dragons, this is for you.
Chapter One

The Kingdom of Broclarre

Thalia of Broclarre struggled against the guards, her movements as useless as a sparrow in the mouth of a cat. Her shoulders burned, and tendons stretched to the limit threatened to rip from her bones. These men cared less if they tore her arms from the sockets. The hard-faced soldiers, gripping her so cruelly, were unfamiliar and not the usual palace protectors. These men wore the uniform of the king's elite militia.

"I banish you from the Kingdom of Broclarre, never again to set foot in my kingdom by threat of death." King Garro lifted his chin, sitting back on the golden throne. "As I have declared this day, so shall it be done."

In the hallway, an angry crowd had gathered to hear the king's proclamation. The masses had fallen silent to stand waiting like buzzards over a dead lamb. One of the guards restraining Thalia swore under his breath, and dug his strong fingers cruelly into her arms.

She yelped and turned to face her father.

"Banished?" She stared at King Garro. "Father... _please_... What have I done to displease you so?"

"Speak no more, witch. Think not to cast a spell over me for I know your wickedness." King Garro struggled to his feet. His hand rested on the hilt of the gold dagger at his waist. "I took you into my house, treated you as my own, and you repaid me with death."

Aghast, Thalia gaped at her father in disbelief. "Is that what you believe...? That I had a hand in killing the queen?" She stared at the king's ashen face. The lines around his mouth cut deep, turning his expression bleak. Had he lost his mind with grief?

Beside him, the High Priest stood erect, his lips curled in a vicious smile. Thalia glared at the man in the crisp white robes. "Did you fill the king's mind with these lies? I would never hurt my mother." She met her father's daunting expression. "I could never do harm to anyone. I am a healer. Ask anyone in the village, I help people." She pointed at the High Priest. "There! There stands the evil in this palace."

"To think my dear wife had compassion for your sorry soul." Garro shook his head slowly. "Her belief a wholesome upbringing would prevent the evil magyck rising in a demon's seed was the error of a gentle, childless woman." The king ran a hand over his face. "And she paid _with her life."_ His black gaze traveled over Thalia, and he gave a snort of disgust. "No more will you breathe the same air as my people." He punched a fist into the palm of his hand. "If I had not given my word to uphold Brea's dying wish to set you free, I would have taken your head this day."

Pain tightened in a wide band around her heart. Confused, she met the king's enraged expression. The man's piercing blue eyes looked on her with contempt, disgust, and hatred. The only father she had ever known curled his large hands into fists. This angry man had once loved her, taught her how to hold a bow, and to gentle a horse. _Gods help me, now he wants me dead._

Overwhelmed by grief, she drew a shuddering breath. Tears stung her eyes. With effort, she bit back the sobs threatening to break forth and lifted her chin. "Aye, Father, indeed I do have the magyck. If you had seen your way to allow me to treat Queen Brea's illness, instead of locking me in the East Wing, she would not have died."

"Do not utter her name, witch. My queen was _not_ your mother." Spittle formed in the corner of King Garro's mouth. "You... You unholy spawn of the devil were born of the forest and considered so evil your own blood left you to die. Had we known then the meaning of the name marked on your garments, you would have been left to the wolves." He grimaced. The rich, red cloak bearing his colors swirled around his legs with each agitated step. "Aye, we all heard you sing to the dragon, no doubt to use the beast's magyck to hasten the death of my queen." He dropped his head, defeated. "Too late... too late, to save her innocent life but at least she sleeps in peace now." Garro swiped a tear from his cheek. "Thank the gods I secured you in the East Wing. Did you think I would allow you to practice magyck on my sweet Briar and send her innocent soul to the Underworld?" He stepped menacingly closer to Thalia and met her gaze. "Aye... _I know_ what you are and why your people left you to die. You are a Soul Catcher. I know of your magyck and vow you will never again use your evil spells on my people--not as long as I live." He slid the dagger from a jeweled scabbard at his waist and waved it in front of Thalia's face. "Speak no more or I will remove your tongue myself." With a curt nod to the guards, he turned, and with a swirl of red robes strode from the great hall. The echo of his retreating footsteps sealed her fate.

Disbelief slammed into Thalia. She fought back the desire to scream. The mortifying sadness of losing her mother paled into insignificance. A wave of desolation consumed her--nothing she could do or say would change the king's mind now. The man had delivered her into the hands of a vicious group of guards. Thalia took in the smirking faces of the men and made a silent vow. _I will survive this injustice and one day I will prove my innocence._

Thrust toward the massive, studded oak doors, Thalia stumbled. The crowd cramming the hallway roared and the air filled with the stink of the unwashed. She fell onto the cold flagstones and sprawled on the ground. Pain shot from her scraped hands and knees. She dragged in a breath, her lungs empty from the fall, and stared at the people crowded around her--her people--the familiar faces distorted with hatred. Someone aimed a kick at her ribs and a dirty boot crushed her fingertips. She cried out in pain, cradling the throbbing fingers against her chest. A trickle of sweat slid down her back. Fear curled in her belly. _They will tear me to shreds. The gods help me._

"Burn the witch. Burn the witch." The chant echoed through the corridors of the great palace.

Tomatoes and rotten vegetables splattered her back with agonizing repetition then a sharp stone cut into her cheek. She blinked at the crimson drops of blood staining the floor and swiped at the stream tickling her face. A night soil bucket crashed to the ground close to her head and the stained, metal container tipped, splashing the contents over her in a wave of brown fluid. She gagged at the acrid stink and bile filled her mouth. The crowd cheered in approval. She gathered up her stained silk gown and rose to her knees. The dirt and soil ground into open wounds. Gaping into the hatred before her, she opened her arms wide.

"I am innocent... Please... do not do this to me."

"You will not speak." A guard dragged her roughly to her feet. He turned to the other guard. "Erik, you are in charge. Let me tie her hands and gag her before she starts cursing the entire palace."

"Aye." Erik turned a look of disgust on Thalia. "Show no mercy."

The rope cut deep into her flesh. The guard, Erik, gave her a malicious grin then groped the front of her bodice for a silk handkerchief with his gloved hand. He gave a feral grunt and tied the soft yellow fabric around her head. Thalia's mouth gaped open. She tasted the stream of warm, metallic blood seeping into her mouth. Wide-eyed, she scanned the crowd in the hope of seeing one friendly face. Surely, one of the hundred or so people that she had tended this past year would speak on her behalf. The crowd hushed and split apart to make way for a group of heavily armed militia. They formed a guard around her. Erik wrapped the rope around one of his large hands.

She turned her gaze on the large man. "Let me walk. I beg you do not drag me on this hard floor."

"Take one last look at your home, witch." The man's nostrils curled with distaste and he turned away, dragging Thalia along the passageway.

Blinded by tears, Thalia stumbled behind Erik. The familiar passageway stretched out before her. They turned left to take another corridor, leaving the angry crowd mumbling behind them. Here, oppressive black granite walls opened into an entry hall with a majestic cathedral ceiling. Portraits of King Garro's ancestors glared down at her as if to stand in judgment. Along each side of the hall, a row of polished, white marble columns brought back sweet memories of a wondrous childhood, playing hide-and-seek, and laughter, so much laughter. _How did I come to this? Gods, what did I do?_

The great doors to the courtyard stood open--sunlight danced across the flagstones dusting the sandstone with gold and diamonds. Thalia moved forward through the door and blinked into the brightness. Two covered wagons containing her possessions, her trunk, her spinning wheel, and the thick woolen cloak she wore hunting waited for her in the courtyard. She gazed up at the man holding her so cruelly. He resembled a hawk, his shaved head accentuating a hard, angular face with black eyes ever watching.

"The king wants nothing of your evil to remain." Erik pulled on the rope. "Only the grace of our queen's memory prevented me burning this rubbish. She wanted no harm to come to you." He ground his teeth. "Although we all know you had her spellbound."

Thalia looked back at the palace, her home, once a place of safety and love. A sob caught in her throat. Never again would she bathe in the comfort of her family or the trust of her friends. The rope tightened and Thalia stumbled forward, the dusty trail shimmered through her tears, the road ahead leading her to wherever or whatever her future may be.
Chapter Two

Drakka

Lumos stretched on the soft sheet, the delectable taste of Lucinda lingered on his tongue. He licked his bottom lip. The heavy scent of feminine arousal caused his cock to fill, igniting an urgency to take her again. Gods, of late, no female satisfied him for long. _Tomorrow I will invite those sweet things visiting from Draconia to my bed_. He smiled into the darkness, enjoying the languid weightlessness from a night of indulgent sex. Under his palm, the female's belly quivered at his touch, the Faerie's peach-fuzz skin an erotic delight. Raised up on one elbow, he gazed at Lucinda. Moonlight bathed her body, turning her sweat-soaked skin into the finest alabaster. The Faerie held her lips in a swollen pout. Her long, platinum hair stuck to her cheeks, and spilled down her back to curl around her heart-shaped bottom. Lumos skimmed a path to Lucinda's pert breast and fondled the Faerie's rosy nipple.

_I am insatiable._ Gods, he had enjoyed the pleasure of three Faeries this eve before Lucinda had demanded his undivided attention. All had come to his bed to ease the worry of the upcoming battle--the Nightdragon would soon have to defend the Kingdom of Drakka with a fight to the death.

He bent to suckle the cherry tip of her breast. _I have over six months and many sweet Faeries to bed before I meet Kird._ The dragon inside him stirred. The connection boomed in Lumos's mind. The voice of the Nightdragon disturbed his thoughts.

_"Lumos, put aside your lust and listen."_

Lumos lifted his head. No sound echoed through the stillness of the palace. " _Listen to what? Go back to sleep, I will not have you disturb my rest._

_"We are not asleep."_ The Nightdragon pushed harder against Lumos's consciousness. " _Do you think I sleep while you indulge your lust? In truth, I find it quite intoxicating, although I do not experience any pleasure."_ The dragon chuckled. " _Now I have your attention, do listen. Can you not hear the melody carried from afar?"_

With a grunt, Lumos turned his head and caught a lilting song as if carried on the breeze, yet no wind brushed his face. The voice, female, alluring, curled around Lumos's heart in a lover's embrace. Flames of wicked, sensual delight licked up the inside of his thighs to caress his balls. _Gods, what is happening to me?_ Gasping, he sat on the edge of the bed. His mind filled with a sweet, gentle voice.

_"Dragon of the moon, I see your shadow as you search the night._

_Come to me, with skin of darkness, eye of green._

_Take me --honor me, for I am yours._

_I beg you, Nightdragon, save me from my plight."_

The dragon inside him roared. Smoke poured from Lumos's nostrils. He slid from the bed and strolled to the balcony. The hint of a breeze cooled his heated skin. Turning his head to catch the melodic tones of an angel, he gazed far into the distance. " _What is that? The song befuddles my brain, yet is strangely compelling. Gods, I think I am dying of pleasure."_

Far in the distance, the female's voice continued to seduce him with deep longing. A desire like no other compelled him to rush to her side.

_Lust consumes me. What is this song, dragon?_

_"It is the Dragonsong. Fly, Lumos, set me free."_

Lumos unfurled his wings, confused by his dragon's request. _The Dragonsong is a myth, some trick to lure us from Drakka._

" _No, Lumos, this is no falsehood. Our mate calls to us, and every second we waste arguing, her song drifts out of reach. If I take to the sky, I may be able to determine which direction to go."_ The Nightdragon brushed against Lumos's mind. " _Fly now."_

_I think you are mistaken, but I will do as you wish._ Urgency, anticipation, and joy shimmered through Lumos from his dragon. He took a deep breath and leaped into the air. The song replayed, dancing on the breeze. His heart clenched with recognition. Somewhere deep inside a connection formed and a name slammed hard into his mind. _Thalia._

How could a simple song cause such a reaction? His inner dragon acted on instinct and Lumos relied on the beast's judgment. He opened his wings, moving swiftly away from the palace. Heat burned his flesh. The dragon clawed at his mind.

_"Set me free."_

In a burst of white magyck, the Nightdragon exploded into the darkness and soared into the sky. With a flap of black velvet wings, the demanding beast circled the kingdom of Drakka. The Nightdragon's ears strained, twisting this way and that, to pick up the direction of the song. The beast's roars of frustration echoed through the empty streets. Lumos stared down at the rows of houses. His people lived in trepidation of the coming challenge.

_Have no fear, good people of Drakka. I will give my life to protect you._

A visitor in this massive body. Lumos watched through his dragon's sight. Everything appeared smaller from such a distance. Indeed, the palace resembled a child's toy. The dragon distinguished all things living by auras of different colors. The display of brilliant hues lit the Drakkan nightscape with a rainbow of life.

The Nightdragon accelerated, leaving the city far behind. He searched in a wide arc for the origin of the elusive song. Exhilarated with the power of his alter ego, Lumos wanted to stay in dragon form forever. The strength of the beast surged through him, all earthly bounds dropped away, and he became one with the Nightdragon in the search for their mate.

The song faded, the last strains hanging for a moment of bliss in the night air. Defeated, the dragon rose through the clouds to pay homage to the moon. With air filling his massive wings, the Nightdragon glided down to perch on the highest peak. As the beast scrambled for purchase, his curved talons ripped at the rock face, dislodging boulders. The ensuing landslide thundered down the mountainside, crashing into the valley below and sending up great plumes of dust. The Nightdragon opened his massive maw and roared in anguish. White-hot flames poured from his snout and blasted the rock face, melting the granite into a shimmer of white crystal. The Nightdragon's distress rippled through Lumos.

_"I have failed to find the origin of the song."_

_Then it is the gods' will. Cymbeline will guide us to our mate when the time is right._ Lumos did not intend to take a mate, not yet. Indeed, he enjoyed the company of many Faeries. Drakka would surely fall if he fell beneath a mate's spell before the challenge. Gods, he had no time for such things. _I admit the song intrigued me, yet as it faded, so did the desire._

_"Our mate's song traveled from far beyond the reaches of our realm and yet her voice consumed you with sexual euphoria. No female will satisfy you now."_ The Nightdragon lifted his head to gaze into the endless sky. " _The goddess gives us but one mate, Lumos."_

With a snort, Lumos languished in the memory of his night of passion. Although much to his chagrin, the Dragonsong had filled him with erotic delight. What if the dragon spoke the truth and, after this night, he would have no desire for another female?

_I do not have time to look for a mate, dragon. In case it slipped your notice, we have to fight for Drakka in six months' time. I have no doubt the challenge came from a Dragonfae influenced by dark magyck. Have you any idea how many young Dragonfae have fallen foul of the Magus' potion of late? How do you know this is not another of that foul wizard's plans to make me stray off course?_

_"The Magus of Fullmount may well be able to fool a young Dragon but not me."_ The dragon snorted with anger. _"I have the blood of the ancients."_

Lumos considered the dragon's words _. Gods, if you are correct, our mate could be a thousand realms away, and as many years to find._

_"Ahh, Lumos, do you believe our mate will not sing again?"_ The Nightdragon slipped from the top of the mountain and dropped into a thermal current to hover above the city.

_Perhaps, but how will that help if she is a thousand realms away?_

_"Do not worry. Our mate will call to us again soon. She is our chosen one and sings only for us, Lumos."_ The Nightdragon chuckled. You must hope she waits to sing again until after the challenge for Drakka.

_Why?_

_"The Dragonsong is a mate's claim and we cannot refuse to respond, Lumos. It is the will of the gods."_ The Nightdragon let out a triumphant roar. _"If it takes a thousand years, I will find her."_
Chapter Three

Thirsty, so thirsty. Not one drop of water had past Thalia's lips in three hours. She coughed, wincing at the pain in her throat. Her feet hurt. The silk slippers she wore gave little protection from the sharp stones on the road. Tied to Erik's horse, she had tried to keep up with him but had fallen many times. Dragged along the ground, she had come close to the wagons running over her many times. Neither he nor his soldiers cared a fig if she dropped dead from exhaustion and did little to prevent the horses near trampling her to death. Indeed, they had found her predicament most amusing and she hated them more with each step. At least her hands no longer throbbed. In fact, all life had left her fingers and the swollen digits had turned the odd blue color of a rotting corpse.

Hot, dusty and exhausted, she lifted her head to draw magyck from the cloudless, blue sky, and the song of birds in the hedge grove. Each one of the woodland creatures shared their magyck with her. A movement, a shadow crossing shadows flashed beneath the trees lining the dusty road. There, under the cover of a bramble bush, she caught the glint of orange eyes, the flash of a tail held high and proud. She drew in a deep breath. _Brew_.

The black cat rarely left her side. With sly glances, Thalia watched the sleek, black fur catch the sunlight. Brew blinked his large, round eyes at her in acknowledgment and leaped from one zebra stripe shadow to the next, moving beside her in concealment. She trudged on, her mind going back to her friend, old Nell, and the tales she told of the Singing Forest.

The old woman had come to the palace selling herbs. Enthralled by Nell's stories, it had taken little encouragement for Thalia to agree to meet the ancient woman. Each month, the day after the moon hung full in the night sky, she slipped away to meet Nell beneath the Lion's Head Rock. Such stories the old woman had told, of witches and goblins, the secrets of mighty dragons, the Fae, and the gods. With each visit, Thalia had learned more about her real heritage, of mystical herbs, and her place in the world--her destiny. _I am a witch, a healer by way of the goddess Cymbeline._

Thalia watched a squirrel bounce across a clearing, dance mischievously, then pick up an acorn and tear up a nearby tree. The small being had given her all the help he could. She took his humorous gesture with a smile of thanks. The small offering flowed into her power reserves like a warm, perfumed breeze. A child of the forest, she blended her magyck with all things living.

Of course, she had informed the queen, proud to explain her newfound talent and her joining with the goddess Cymbeline. With a heavy heart, she remembered the expression on her mother's face, the fear, or was it anger? From that day on, she had no longer met Nell in the forest. The old woman had vanished and soon after, her mother had fallen ill. Her heart twisted with the painful memory. Rather than accept her help, the king had locked her in the East Wing with only Brew for company. _How could he think I would hurt Mother?_

A horse whinnied and she heard voices from the men riding before the wagons. The sound of flowing water and the scent of damp earth wafted on the breeze. A cloud of dust rose from the road, twirled up in a plume of silver glitter, and danced in a will-o'-the-wisp. She blinked. Before her, a width of sparkling, blue magnificence peeked through a line of weeping willows. She moaned, her gaze fixed on a river running fast and clear, the banks green and lush. Staggering, she fell to her knees. _Oh sweet Cymbeline, thank you, for I am dying from thirst._

"Get up." Erik jerked the rope. "I am sick of the stink of you." He dismounted and unsheathed his dagger.

Stumbling to her feet, she gaped at the man, and waited for the deathblow. She drew her magyck around her and met his gaze, the will to survive and fulfill her destiny paramount. She concentrated on Erik's face, using what little power she had to influence the big man. _You will not kill me. Remember the queen's dying request._

"Do not waste your curse on me yet, witch. I am not going to kill you." Erik took hold of the front of her dress and split the front wide open with one pass of the lethally sharp blade. "You are far too valuable as entertainment." He untied her hands. "Take off what remains of your clothes and bathe." With one swift movement, he removed the gag, and pushed it into his sleeve.

Pain throbbed into her hands with the flow of blood. Pins and needles replaced the aching numbness. She lifted her chin to meet his chilling countenance. "Will you offer me some privacy?" Her voice had become a rasp. She licked paper-dry lips and coughed.

"No, but perhaps we may find some privacy later." Erik winked and pulled a small cake of soap from his pocket. "Use the soap." He eyed her critically. "And do not think your curses will harm any of us. The High Priest himself blessed us all before our departure."

_What fools you are._ Thalia forced her mind to work through the dehydrated deliria to form a plan. She must find neutral ground. Her spells would not overpower so many men. She needed help from someone, anyone. This man had carnal intent written all over his face and she could use his lust against him. Could she offer herself to him? In truth, she had little else to bargain with to save her life.

"Then may I have a strip of linen to dry myself on and some clean clothes from my chest?" She lifted her chin. "I beg you, good sir. I have done you no wrong."

"And what may I expect for payment, witch?" Erik laughed. "You will welcome me into your arms for a ride in your virginal folds?"

Drawing herself up, she moved spit around her dry mouth. How bad could sex be? The servant girls were always giggling about the size of one knight's cock compared to another's. They would lift their skirts for nothing but the pleasure of a man buried deep inside them. She stared at the river for some moments before turning slowly back to Erik.

"Very well, if you guarantee to feed me, allow me to ride in the wagon, and deliver me alive to my destination... Wherever that may be."

Erik scratched the dark stubble on his chin. "Now let me think. That is a long list for something I could take for free." He stared at her exposed flesh and licked his lips. "Then you in turn must agree to give yourself freely as many times and for as long as I decide."

_Gods give me the strength to endure._ "Aye, I agree to your terms but with one proviso."

"And what, pray tell, is that, witch?" Erik raised an eyebrow.

"Allow me to brew herbal tea to prevent me from conceiving a child."

"Agreed." Erik waved her toward the river. "Bathe. We will make camp here for the night."

Holding her head erect, Thalia walked toward the river. The grassy bank dipped down to join a strip of golden sand littered with brown leaves and sticks. The fast-flowing river ebbed at this point. The main surge skirted a row of large, granite rocks to form a small pool. Without a backward glance, she marched into the river. The cool water burned into the numerous cuts like boiling oil. She gasped, biting back a sob. With jerky movements, she pushed her ripped dress off her shoulders and stepped free of the skirt. The dress floated away to join the rush of water in the river. The silk billowed, forming a yellow sail, like a half-sunken boat. Thalia dropped under the water. _How easy it would be to drown and be free of this nightmare._ Old Nell's face drifted into her mind. " _Magyck is a gift from the gods, my child. They have purpose for you, so learn your craft, and wait for the call."_

Thalia pushed hard with her feet and broke the surface, gasping for air. Exhausted, she staggered to the bank, and sat swaying on a rock. Her shift and drawers clung to her body, offering no modesty. She glanced at the soap in her hand--her own personal soap. Erik had stolen it from her room, no doubt. The rich, lavender fragrance rose up in the air. With a growl of disgust, she lifted her head to see the man watching her closely.

Angry, she rubbed the soap through her hair and over her body. She rinsed and watched the prismatic colored bubbles dance away as if racing to the sea. A sparrow dropped onto the sand and hopped to the edge to take a drink. The rushes moved slightly and orange eyes peered out between the green spears. _Brew_. The cat's ears were stuck flat against his head. His eyes became slits just before he pounced. The sparrow flew away with seconds to spare, chirping its annoyance.

Erik arrived with a crash, sword drawn, and his hawk-like eyes scanning the bulrushes. She covered her breasts and glared at the man. "Do you plan to kill me now?"

"That black beast has shadowed my every step." Erik swung around and glared at her. "I will spit-roast him and enjoy his flesh."

With a sigh, Thalia dropped her arms, aware that her nipples pressed hard against the wet fabric of her shift. _Look at me, fool. I will not allow you to kill my friend._ She met Erik's gaze. The man's Adam's apple moved up and down. His intent gaze fixed on her breasts and drifted down to her wet drawers. The pulse in the side of his wide neck thumped wildly.

Thalia cleared her throat. "Is there something you desire?"

"Do not tempt my patience, witch." Erik swore and turned to collect a bundle of cloth from the bank. "Here"--he thrust a strip of linen toward her--"take off those wet things and dry yourself. I have left clothing on the bank. There will be a bed for you in the wagon. Shortly, I will bring you some food."

Heart pounding, she stepped from the river. From Erik's stance, he had no intention of leaving. She drew a deep breath and peeled off her wet clothes. No man had never laid eyes on her naked body before. Her face grew hot. She trembled and lowered her lashes.

"You are soft and rounded"--Erik grasped her chin--"but small, far too small for a woman of eighteen summers. No wonder the king has failed to find a suitable match for you." He cupped her breast, sighed and turned away. "Wait in the wagon for me, witch. I have found a vessel for you to use for your herbal tea. I suggest you make use of it immediately. I am not a patient man."

Sick to the stomach, Thalia dried off and dressed in the thin, cotton nightgown Erik had provided. She glanced down at her torn slippers and kicked them into the river. She collected a bunch of water lilies and searched the riverbank for other common herbs she could use. Unfortunately, the complicated spell would deplete her small cache of magyck. Stuffing the fragrant leaves into her wet shift, she made her way back to the wagon. Catcalls and whistles from the men followed her. She climbed inside, sat on the pile of animal skins, and began to tremble. _I may well die this night._

The sound of Erik's voice brought her upright. She reached for the herbs, pressed the mixture into the small metal container and whispered the spell. "Cymbeline, cast your grace upon this brew to prevent a child born of pain and hate. As so I say, so mote it be."

Exhausted, she thrust the container at Erik the moment his head pushed through the canvas opening. "Here, cover the herbs with hot water and leave them to steep. I will require but a few sips each day."

"Very well." Erik put a plate of food on the floor and handed her a jar of goose grease. "Use this to make my way easy, witch."

Thalia sipped the herbal tea in trepidation. The second she put down the cup Erik would grasp her. _I will survive this... I must._ Closing her eyes, she drew up her last reserve of magyck and bound it around her heart, to protect her love of all things pure. _I am not here. I am in a rose garden and I will look up to see you, my beautiful Nightdragon, soaring high in the midnight sky._ The Dragonsong flowed into her mind and, seeking comfort, she poured her remaining magyck into oblivion. In a burst of bright light, the world around her vanished and in that moment, she embraced the sanctuary of darkness _. Goddess, I beg you... send your champion to help me._

* * * *

Drakka

In the palace library, Lumos staggered against the wave of panic emanating from the Nightdragon. The book in his hand dropped to the floor. He grasped the back of a chair for purchase. _Gods, what is it now?_

_"Our mate is in danger."_ The Nightdragon's emotions flooded over Lumos. " _This is your fault, Lumos --if you had allowed me flight, I would have located her."_

The intensity of the beast's grief pierced Lumos's heart. Guilt soured his belly. He had disregarded the precious gift bestowed by the goddess, ignored his dragon's advice, and now, in some gods-forsaken realm, his mate faced danger--alone. He had heard nothing--no song or plea for help had drifted into his consciousness.

_Calm yourself and tell me how you came by this information._

_"The song was less than a whisper, but her fear crushed my heart."_ The Nightdragon's voice speared into Lumos's mind in a rush of despair. " _Our mate is a mortal witch."_

A witch? Grief hammered Lumos. Unable to stand a moment longer he dropped into the chair. He fought to calm the dragon. The beast rippled beneath his skin in an effort to force the change. _Does she have a familiar --a cat, perhaps, or a beast close by you may contact?_

" _I am seeking her familiar. Hold your questions, Lumos. Yes, there is a cat close by in great distress. I will mindspeak with the creature."_

A familiar ache closed around Lumos's heart. The dragon had spoken the truth. His desire for other females had vanished. Over the past few days, the loneliness surrounding him had become unbearable. The voice of his mate lingered in his mind. The need to have her close had become excruciating after finding a silk scarf upon the palace steps. The scent infusing the yellow silk had bewitched him and yet carried no mark of the owner. The Nightdragon had roared in triumph, declaring the feminine allure as belonging to their mate. If Thalia had entered Drakka, the Nightdragon would have recognized her immediately. They had searched for many miles and had found no trace of her. Of late, nothing made sense.

Every waking hour he had listened intently for any trace of the Dragonsong, his world disintegrating by the hour. Taking the king's advice, he had concentrated his thoughts on the battle to come, and had spent most of his day training the young Dragonfae males in how to fight with sword or magyck. He had worked as if in a trance, the thought of finding his mate consuming him.

_Dragon?_

" _The cat goes by the name of Brew."_ A wave of terror swept through the Nightdragon. " _A mortal man --a Nomag--has misused Thalia. She is barely alive and surrounded by beasts of men. They are moving her to a place of banishment."_

Anger raging out of control, Lumos jumped to his feet and spread his wings. He tightened his sword belt.

_I will kill the Nomag scum for touching Thalia. I will show no mercy and make them suffer. We leave at once._

_"Brew is a cat, Lumos, just a cat. He has no knowledge of realms or distance."_ The Nightdragon gave a long, defeated sigh. " _I have no idea of Thalia's location other than she is in a Nomag realm. The cat will be our guide. He is following some distance behind the wagon, although, at this time, he has no idea of his direction."_

Magyck crackled in the air, sending blue streaks in all directions. With a howl of anguish, Lumos punched the wood paneling. The dark surface cracked, splintering into jagged shards of oak. An overwhelming fear curled in his belly.

_We must put the safety of our mate in the paws of an ignorant cat? Gods, dragon, have you lost your wits?_

_"It is more efficient to wait for a direction."_

_No, it is not."_ Lumos paced up and down the room. _Ask the cat if he knows the name of the king of the realm, or the name of the man who banished Thalia._ Long minutes passed. Lumos's skin burned, sweat trickled off his chin, and steam poured from his nostrils. He removed his jacket and flung it over a chair.

_Damn it, dragon --how much longer?_

_"The king is Garro. The man Thalia calls Father. This man is responsible for her banishment."_

Lumos turned toward the rows of bookcases. He raised a hand and a large leather-bound volume floated from a high shelf to land softly on the table. The pages turned swiftly then stopped. Lumos scanned the page running a finger down the list of Nomag realms. Kings with the name of Garro ruled three realms, Anast, Allerie, and Broclarre. Lumos rubbed the back of his neck.

_It is six months to the challenge and these realms are in opposite directions. Cast out your mind, dragon. See if you can find anyone with knowledge of these realms. We could travel through a circle of light with speed._

Minutes ticked by before the Nightdragon responded. " _There is no one to guide us into those realms. We must use the Gates."_

Lumos growled. Steam flowed from his nostrils. _Damn!_

"What ails you, Lumos?" Lucinda peered through the library door. "You have been beastly of late." She waved a hand toward the wall. "There, I have repaired the damage. Now, tell me why you have ignored every Faerie's offer to share your bed?"

Unable to contain his anger, he turned to Lucinda. The Faerie held as much allure to him now as a bronze statue. Since hearing the Dragonsong, no female had beguiled him with her charms. "What I do does not concern you. In fact, I have decided to leave Drakka for a while." Lumos met Lucinda's sullen pout. "I am going in search of my mate and her name is Thalia."

"A mate? Gods, Lumos, you have to be joking." Lucinda's mouth turned down in a sneer. She moved to Lumos's side and peered at the open page. "Will you return in time for the challenge?"

Lumos raised an eyebrow. "Aye, I will." He closed the book and sent it back to the shelf. "I must leave at once. I would ask you to give a message to the king when he returns from hunting. Inform him I am traveling to Anast and Allerie. The journey will take two months. If I have failed to find Thalia, I will return home and wait until the next full moon to replenish my magyck before continuing my search in Broclarre."

"Your dragon's brain must be addled." Lucinda laughed. "Must you put your trust in a beast who cannot determine the direction of a mate's scent? If he were not part of you, one would believe him in league with Kird."

With a grunt, Lumos brushed by Lucinda and headed for the door. "Will you deliver my message to the king or not?"

"Aye, you are searching for a mate named Thalia. You are traveling to Anast and Allerie, and will be back in two months." Lucinda pursed her lips. "Ah yes, and if you have not found this mysterious Faerie in either of those realms, you will wait here until the next full moon to go to Broclarre."

" _The female is angry with you. You must calm the waters before you leave."_ The Nightdragon purred in Lumos's mind. " _Lucinda believes she is a favorite of yours."_

_I have no favorites, dragon. Thalia is my only concern. Although, I will follow your advice as I do not intend to make Lucinda my enemy._ Lumos turned and casually leaned one shoulder against the doorframe.

"I will always treasure the time we had together, but you knew this day would come. You have a mate out there, too, and it is only a matter of time before he finds you." He smiled. "You have many lovers to satisfy you--let us part in friendship."

"But I wanted _you_ , Lumos," Lucinda whined. "I wanted to be queen one day and rule beside you. We were good together." She took Lumos's jacket from the back of the chair and pressed it to her nose.

"Aye, in bed perhaps, but we were not matched by the goddess." Lumos touched her cheek. "I am sorry. I have no intention of hurting you, but my heart is bound to another, as yours will be in time." He frowned. "Do not say you love me, for I know this is a lie. We can never be together as mates. If I remained with you, I could never make love to you again." He sighed. "My body, my mind, and soul belong to Thalia."

"You love a female you have never laid eyes on?" Luciana curled her lip. Her eyes flashed with contempt. "Then go--I have more than enough lovers to take your place."

"This I know. Goodbye, Lucinda." Lumos bowed. He turned down the hallway and stepped out onto the balcony. He gazed down over the city of Drakka and made a silent vow to return for the challenge. With so little time and so many miles to travel, he willed his mind to remain focused. Thalia had become his reason for living. He leaped onto the balcony handrail, spread his wings, and became one with the Nightdragon.

_"Come, dragon, there is no time to lose. We must away to Anast."_
Chapter Four

The Singing Forest

Thalia lay on her back on the edge of the meadow and admired the way the sunshine peeked through the spiked leaves of the tall ash tree. Each day over the last three months, she had returned to this tree to share its healing strength.

She had survived.

Time moved swiftly in the forest. Why, it seemed as if only a few days had passed since she had fallen from the wagon at the foot of this healing tree and lay for the entire day on the brown, leaf-strewn forest floor. The tree had showered her with twirling, winged seeds as if trying to keep her conscious. She stared at the pale gray bark and remembered the first time she had trailed her fingertips over the lattice of ridges and fissures.

The dark days with Erik still disturbed her sleep. The shadows in her small cottage often brought back memories of shame and degradation. She pushed the evil man to the back of her mind. _I survived and here in the sanctuary of the Singing Forest, I need never set eyes on men again._

Here in daylight, serenity surrounded her within the beauty of the Singing Forest. She watched as birds chattered and moved between the boughs, jumping from elm to prickly holly. From time to time, field mice would venture too close to Brew, twitch their large ears, and scuttle back to their homes.

Brew never left her side for very long. Thalia sighed and reached for the sleek black cat. "Brew?" She rolled into a sitting position and searched the meadow. "Brew, where are you?" Getting to her feet, she peered into the long shadows cloaking the forest. Perhaps he had left to hunt. She bent to pick up her basket, and rearranged the collection of herbs and mushrooms piled on top of a mass of nuts. Today she had visited the walnut tree and collected the splitting green fruit. In truth, the walnut tree had been her salvation from hunger. She patted the lattice gray bark of the ash tree. "I will return tomorrow."

Taking the normal path toward the little cottage, she broke into song. Today everything in the forest celebrated summer. The rich scent of flowers, damp leaves and the tang of raspberries surrounded her. Ferns, lush and green sprouted in huge clumps. Brightly colored fungi adorned moss covered trees and delicate white butterfly orchids bloomed in abundance. Magyck filled her, completed her, and, lately, burst forth in uncontrollable streams. She pushed a lock of hair behind one ear and sighed. The previous night, she had unsuccessfully tried a spell to produce a small light globe. Without warning, uncontrolled magyck had bounced out of the window and hit the apple tree, ripening the fruit in an instant. The few spells she practiced daily would not consume this abundance of power. She stopped to rest the heavy basket on a tree stump and gazed up through the green canopy of trees. _I wish I had someone to teach me, Cymbeline._

_What was that?_ Every muscle froze. The hair on the back of her neck bristled. She strained her ears to catch the elusive sound. The wind tousled her hair and with the rustling of leaves came the deep voice of--a man. Panic closed her throat, stifling a scream. She gripped a silver birch tree, fighting for breath. _A man --here in the Singing Forest. How could this be possible?_

Men feared this forest. The evil Erik, his expression belying the trepidation inside, had left her on the edge of the woods, too afraid to step beneath the shade of the trees in this sacred place. She had driven the wagon with her meager belongings away from the soldiers at a gallop, not caring for her own safety. No. This place of the goddess Cymbeline, and now her sanctuary, would not allow a man to enter.

The voice came again and she turned her head. The Singing Forest covered many miles, and she had yet to explore in that direction. Taking hesitant steps, she moved along the unfamiliar path and disturbed a mass of yellow butterflies. They rose up from a cluster of dog violets and danced on the breeze. The sound came again, a soft voice speaking in deep, melodic tones.

She turned to stare across a small, grassy clearing dotted with blue wing-faced orchids and waves of buttercups. On the perimeter of the woods stood a giant of a man not a pace away from Brew. _Oh, goddess._ She swallowed and pressed against the trunk of an ancient oak tree. Taking a deep breath, she peeked through the surrounding bracken. Heartbeat pounding in her ears, she drew her magyck around her, and slipped from tree to tree to get closer. _You will not hurt my cat._ Fear gripped her belly. _The king sent this man. No other knows I live in the Singing Forest._ Bile rushed up the back of her throat and she fought the desire to run. _I cannot leave Brew with this stranger._

The man bent at the waist and rested his large hands on his hips, his soft words carried on the breeze. _He is speaking to Brew._ She gawked at the stranger in awe, dear Lady, she had never seen one so large. Long, black hair with a raven's sheen hung down to conceal his face and fell like black water over broad shoulders. Thalia moved closer, straining her ears to catch the man's words. The summer wind carried the scent of him, of pine forests and fire. Although, shaking with fear, she could not fail to admire his strong, sculpted body encased in leather so fine the garment fitted like a second skin. His open jerkin exposed an expanse of golden skin stretched over hard muscle. Silver bands surrounded both of the stranger's wrists.

Thalia turned to run her feet leaden then hesitated. How could she leave Brew to the mercy of this man? Fear strangled her, but she turned back. _I need a spell to defend us against this stranger._ Grinding her teeth, she glanced around the tree and met the stranger's troubled gaze. Mesmerized by the man's almond-shaped, green, luminescent eyes, and striking features, she gaped at him dumbstruck.

"I know you are there. I can see you. Come out, I will not harm you." The man opened his arms wide. "I am trapped within this magyck circle. I cannot leave." He pushed the long, glossy hair away from his face to reveal tall, pointed ears. "See? I am of the forest. Blessed by the gods as you are, and I bring you no harm, on my oath."

Surprised to see Brew move in a figure of eight between his legs, she bit her bottom lip and contemplated the situation. Her loyal cat always warned her of danger and he seemed to like this stranger. Trembling, she stepped from the safety of the tree. "Who are you and why are you in my forest?"

"My name is Lumos and I am imprisoned here by the hand of the dark Magus. He is an evil man known by all as The Magus of Fullmount." He lifted his chin. "I speak the truth, Thalia, the gods as my witness."

Gathering her wits, she cleared her throat. "How do you know my name?"

The man stared at her as if she were a half-wit.

"I had a long conversation with Brew." Lumos raised an eyebrow. "I understand your reluctance to speak with me and I would not have intruded on your privacy had not my plight been most urgent. Will you cast a spell to set me free?"

Thalia wrung her hands. Indecision tore at her mind. Should she try to help this man? If so--how? She had no knowledge of a dark Magus or what spells were required to break a magyck circle. What if Lumos was like Erik and only wanted to use her for his pleasure? She shuddered. The memories of Erik replayed in her mind. "No... I c-cannot." She turned and ran, blindly crashing through the undergrowth, running, running with nowhere to hide.

Shaking his head, Lumos stared after the witch. Little less than a child, the female moved with grace and speed. Gold streaked her waist-length, chestnut hair and with every stride, the glossy strands danced like flames in the dappled sunlight. The female's scent enticed him to a point of madness. One whiff and his cock had become rock hard. His balls had drawn up so tightly they ached. He recognized the tantalizing, female allure like an echo in his subconscious. There could be no doubt, this timid, gentle creature was the mate he yearned for, gods help him. If only he had listened to the Nightdragon and found the witch earlier, he could have saved her from Erik. He swallowed hard. The pain radiating from Thalia stabbed at his heart. Her face held an innocent beauty, but her eyes--gods--held a sadness that burned deep into his soul. He rubbed the back of his neck and waved a hand at Brew. "Go with her, friend, she needs your comfort."

" _She needs a friend like you, Lumos, to let her know a male can offer gentleness. I cannot give her what she needs. She does not hear my mind as you do."_

"We need each other, the dragon and the butterfly." Lumos rubbed his chin. "Gods, it will take a miracle for her to trust me enough to set me free, let alone the journey we must make together. I must be in Drakka in three months."

_"My mistress is stronger than you think."_ Brew blinked. " _She has great compassion. I am sure she will overcome her fear and help you. It is in her nature to do so."_

Lumos crouched down and rubbed the cat's ears. "Then we must convince her to trust me. Go now and find her. I fear she believes me a threat." He stood and watched the cat bound into the undergrowth.

_Damn these silver bands. How must I convince the sweet butterfly of my true self without magyck?_ He growled. Nomags--those non-magic species that called themselves human--had committed these unforgivable atrocities upon this female. Yet where was the humanity in such treatment of one so innocent? What man could call himself Father then cast out his child? Enraged by the tale the cat had told of the young witch's treatment by the King's men, he slammed a fist into the palm of his hand. Steam flowed from his nose, surrounding him in a white cloud. Birds screeched and took from the trees in noisy flight. All here knew him and sensed the power that rumbled deep within. He wanted to roar and let the dragon free to seek vengeance on the men who had trampled his innocent butterfly.

Unable to control his anger, he paced the clearing to test the boundaries of his prison. His skin grew hot. A sheen of sweat glistened on his forearms. He cursed the silver bands preventing his escape, his magyck, his revenge. The Magus of Fullmount would pay for capturing the protector of gods--the Dragonfae.

* * * *

Running wildly, Thalia searched for a place to hide. Disregarding the brambles tearing at her hair, she crawled under a blackberry bush, and into a small cavern occupied by a sleeping hedgehog. She blinked into the shadows, gazing around her hiding place and gasping in the musty air. All around her, dark brown stems knitted together, blocking out the sunlight. Safely hidden in the comforting twilight, she lay down, hugging her knees, and watched spiders weave webs in the tangled branches. The hedgehog stirred, opened one little, beady, brown eye, licked his long snout, and rolled into a prickly ball.

_Lumos_. A mysterious name like no other, to be sure, and he did have delightfully pointed ears. The stranger stood head and shoulders taller than the king's champion and such muscles. _Gods, could he be an Elf?_ Nell had mentioned such creatures existed in the forest, but her description had been of a small-boned male. A Fae? Yes, she recalled the stories of the rare, beautiful creatures that lived in a different realm, and only visited the humans in time of great trouble. However, the man had no wings. Lumos had mentioned that the Magus of Fullmount had trapped him there. The Magus? Why would a dark wizard trap Lumos there in the Singing Forest, a place of sanctuary, and forbidden to men? Forbidden for a man--not a Fae or other creatures of magyck. _Then it is true_ -- _Lumos is a creature of magyck._

The memory of Lumos's strong, muscular body sent a quiver deep inside her core. Her nipples had ached at the sight of him. Not like other men, who carried the stink of sweat, and grime, Lumos's unique scent of pine forests with a hint of smoke had confused her senses. Gods, he had drawn her to him with those amazing eyes, that soft as molasses voice. Confusion curled in her mind. She clenched her fists in anger. _I am a fool. No matter how friendly he appears, this Fae is a man and men only want to use me to satisfy their unholy lust._

With a sigh, she watched a large spider bind a moth in a silken shroud and carefully deposit the neat bundle inside a large web. Thalia shuddered. Gods, she hated spiders. She gazed out of the small gap to see Brew pushing his way through the grass toward her. The cat let out a long purr and rubbed his burr-covered head against her chin. She tugged at the prickles in the cat's fur and met his eyes.

"Brew... I am so glad to see you. I thought that stranger would hurt you." She stroked the cat's sleek coat. "I should never have left you alone. I am so sorry. I find myself befuddled with one part of me wanting to run away and the other part insisting I help Lumos." She stroked the cat's ears. "What am I to do about the stranger?"

With a string of short mews and tail held in a question mark, Brew turned and walked out into the sunlight. The cat stopped, turned, and pinned her with its orange orbs, one paw raised mid-step. "Okay, I will come with you." Thalia crawled after the cat and stared around at the unfamiliar pathway. She stumbled to her feet, brushing at cobwebs stuck in her hair. Her face grew hot. Embarrassed by her childish reaction to Lumos she tossed her head. "Do you know the way back to the cottage?"

_Obviously you do._ Thalia followed the retreating cat through the forest. "I know I acted a little impulsively but that man... Lumos. Oh, I know he is trapped in a magyck circle but--" She stopped and hit her palm to her forehead. "Gods, I am such a fool. How long had the man been trapped in the circle? For a day or perhaps, he has been there as long as a week. Is that why you went to him, Brew? Is he starving to death or perhaps dying from thirst?"

_I have never refused to help anyone before. What have I become?_ She had willingly treated the beggars or the pox-ridden prostitutes with her herbal potions and magycks along with everyone else in the kingdom. The goddess had bestowed her with the gift of healing and she had not turned anyone away--until now. Lumos's words filled her mind. _I need your help and I will not harm you. I am like you, a child of the forest._

Heart pounding, she turned over his soft words in her mind. She recalled his expression of desperation and chewed her bottom lip. Could she dare return? If he spoke the truth and an evil Magus had trapped him inside a magyck circle, the man would hold no threat. She swallowed and pressed her hand against a silver birch for support. _If I refuse to help him, his death will be on my hands. Lumos did not hurt me and I cannot blame him for the actions of those despicable men. I must at least try to help him._ Thalia turned back to Brew. "I will help your friend. Show me the way home so I may collect some food and then we will go back to Lumos.
Chapter Five

Lumos rested his back against a tree and chewed on a blade of grass. He had spent the last few hours searching for food without luck. The Magus had left him water in the form of a spring-fed rock pool, but the walnut trees and a fine pear tree sat just out of reach. He grimaced. Perhaps the butterfly would return to help him before he died of starvation.

A glint of gold broke between the trees and he pushed slowly to his feet. _Thalia._ Should he go to meet her or wait some distance away? The girl was as flighty as an unbroken stallion. He moved toward her then stopped in the meadow, standing in full sunlight. He smiled and waved.

"It is good to see you again, little butterfly. Have no fear. I will stand some distance away."

To his surprise, the witch walked into the circle and placed a basket on the ground. The cat gave a chirruping sound and bounded toward him. "It is good to see you, too, my friend."

_"She understands that we speak together and asks that you remain here. She has food for you and will bring a basket each day until she finds a solution to your problem."_ The cat purred and rubbed against Lumos's legs. " _She is very afraid. I beg you to act wisely."_

_I will, you have my word._ Lumos smiled at Thalia. "Thank you, sweet butterfly, as you can hear my stomach growls for the lack of food." Lumos rubbed his stomach. "I know you are concerned, but, if you wish to help me break this circle, we will have to talk together." He noticed Thalia's look of fear and cursed his impatience. "Not today--another time when you are feeling a little more secure."

"I am s-sorry I ran away. Indeed, I acted like a child." Thalia wrung her hands and cast him a worried look. "I will step outside the circle so you may eat."

Compassion for the trembling girl, standing so bravely, overwhelmed him. Lumos opened his arms. _One, step at a time, I will conquer your fear, little butterfly._ "Will you keep me company? Perhaps, if you sit on the fallen log, we may chat a while?" He met her gaze. "If you allow me, I will gladly instruct you in ways to develop your magyck. Brew mentioned you have a desire to develop your talent."

The girl's eyes narrowed in suspicion and her lips formed a thin line.

"I do not know you, nor do I trust you and why should I?"

Lumos sighed. _She does not believe me... and why should she? I am a stranger and she knows nothing of the ways of the Fae._

"Thalia, I _am_ sorry, I should not have presumed you would trust me to teach you, but I know you possess great power. I can feel magyck all around you."

"Aye, I h-have magyck and the king would have me put to d-death because of it." Thalia lifted her chin. "Since being abandoned here, I have prayed for someone to teach me, good sir, but I am afraid of you. Although my heart tells me to t-trust you, I find I cannot." Thalia straightened. "I will sit with you as I trust Brew's intuition more than my own of late."

With a sigh of relief, Lumos waited for Thalia to move toward the fallen log and sit down. _Yes, breathe in my scent, little one, and know I am yours._ He moved slowly toward the basket and peered inside. Berries, nuts, biscuits and a bowl of honey sat beside a slab of flat bread. Water glistened in a terracotta flagon. Although hunger gnawed at his belly, two days without food had not weakened him--in his Fae form, he could survive for a week if necessary. He sat in the warmth of the late afternoon sun and broke the bread in half.

"This is wonderful, thank you." He smiled and held the bread out to Thalia. "Will you share this with me?"

"I think not." Thalia screwed her skirt into bunches. "How do you know about magyck?"

After pouring honey over the piece of bread, Lumos pushed the delicious morsel into his mouth and chewed slowly. His heightened senses caught the allure of feminine arousal drifting across the meadow. _A favorable reaction, this is good._

The dragon in him roared, making his attraction to the witch evident.

" _Mine."_

One kiss and she would be bound to him forever, but the witch must come to him willingly. After the horrendous treatment she had endured, he doubted she would allow him to seduce her. The girl had lost her trust in men--all men. He inhaled the scent of her, memorizing the sweetness of the female. The dragon's heartache radiated through him and he sighed. _We can never hope to have her now, dragon, she fears our presence. She is lost, damaged beyond repair._

" _Never lost. Her heart is strong, protected, and pure."_ The Nightdragon stirred restlessly. " _She belongs to us, Lumos --you must find a way."_

He sighed. Gods, the second their eyes met, he could smell a wave of fear coming from her. He cleared his throat and reached for the water. He took a sip and studied her over the rim of the bottle. "I am Fae, although it will be hard to prove my claim. You see, the silver that blocks my magyck also prevents my wings emerging."

"Where do you c-come from and why did the Magus do this to you?" Thalia leaned forward. "Who is this man that dares to use magyck to cause harm?"

_She is beginning to relax. I must remain unthreatening._ "My realm is Drakka." Lumos reached for a strawberry. "This name will be foreign to you because Otherworld realms are hidden to Nomags." He noticed Thalia's blank expression. "Ah, let me explain, Nomags are non-magyck folk." He popped the strawberry into his mouth. "The Magus plans to gain control of Drakka by putting a rogue on the throne. I stand in his way."

"What does the Magus have to gain?"

Lumos inclined his head. This sweet butterfly had intelligence. "Do you know of the Dragonfae?"

"No, I am afraid the name has no meaning for me." Thalia pushed a strand of hair behind one ear. "I have heard stories of dragons. They are myths told to frighten children."

Lumos smiled. "Dragons protect children and they are no myth. Nomags have trouble seeing what is in front of their eyes." He lifted his chin. "The Dragonfae protect the Gate to the gods and do the gods' bidding, but our numbers grow thin due to the constant attacks of late. Drakka is a realm of incredible beauty and wealth, a jewel many have sought to own." He rubbed his chin and considered how much information he should reveal. "The Magus of Fullmount wants this wealth and the power of the dragons. He is a Darksider and looks to Lucifer for guidance. The man cares little for our gods and practices the art of dark magyck and has beguiled many a young Dragonfae."

"Some of your own kind have joined him?" Thalia got to her feet and began to pace. "What do the gods think of this betrayal?"

_Anger overcomes her fear. She is truly a child of Cymbeline._ "The gods gave us free will. We are not slaves." He shrugged. He dipped bread into the honey and ate it slowly. "To believe is to enjoy all the benefits the gods bestow upon us. Those who do not are not cast aside, merely ignored until their path becomes clear." He sucked honey from his fingers. "Like all races, the Fae have both good and evil."

"What would make a good Fae turn evil?" Thalia shrugged. "I have always believed men were born that way, good or evil, although the evil ones can hide their true self, it seems."

_Should I tell her?_ Lumos observed her from below his lashes. Glossy, auburn hair fell down her back in streaks of gold and complemented her semi-translucent complexion. He could see Dragonfae flames dancing within the depths of her soft, brown eyes as if lit by the brightness of her soul. _She already exhibits the fiery eyes of a chosen one_. Her full mouth was set in a constant pout as if begging for his kiss. _What am I thinking?_ He dropped his gaze, unable to block out the voluptuous body barely concealed beneath a thin, linen dress and cleared his throat.

"I do not believe any being is born evil. Some wizards have the power to plant wicked suggestions in Nomags but, with us, it is more difficult." Lumos shrugged. "The Magus of Fullmount convinced us he had denounced Lucifer and we offered him sanctuary in Drakka. For our understanding, the Magus brewed an elixir, a potent, addictive drug then concealed the substance in a barrel of wine. He sent the rich, aromatic drink as a gift to the Dragonfae.

We receive many such offerings from those seeking our protection. Most of us who experienced the seductive effects of the potion discarded the wine. By the time we discovered the Magus's plot, many of the young dragons had succumbed and now these Dragonfae are dependent on the Magus's generosity."

He pushed his hair back from his eyes and watched for Thalia's reaction. "Kird is the Magus's puppet and I have been chosen to fight him for the throne. This is why the Magus trapped me here. If I fail to meet Kird on the battleground in three months, Drakka will be forfeited."

Thalia stared at Lumos in disbelief. _A fine tale to be sure._ She crossed her arms over her chest and stared down at him. The man had not moved or threatened her in any way. Her heart no longer raced with fear at the sight of him. In fact, Lumos attracted her as if he had awakened her senses. She had the urge to step forward, touch his silken hair, and run a hand over his broad shoulders. _I am losing my wits._

"I find it hard to believe you would allow yourself to be caught so easily, if what you say is true."

"The Magus used you to trap me." Lumos gave her a wry smile. "You sang to me and I began to search for you. The last time I left Drakka, I made a stupid mistake. I told Lucinda I would go to search Broclarre at the first full moon. She was one of my lovers and is already resentful of you." He reached for another strawberry. "Lucinda is the only one who could have betrayed me to the Magus. I told no other except the king."

"Me?" Thalia drew a deep breath. _What in the gods' names, did he mean?_ "I did not sing to you. You are mistaken."

"You called to me, little butterfly." Lumos met her gaze.

Thalia listened to his rich baritone singing the song, _her_ song. The prayer of deliverance from the horror in her mind. To be sure, she asked for the dragon to love her nightly, because no man ever would. How could he know these words? Perhaps, he had heard her singing them last night and, if so, why did he believe they referred to him?

"I-I do not understand. What you say is madness. By the goddess, if this is true, I fear the Magus has used us both for his own means."

"Thalia, _little butterfly_." Lumos pushed slowly to his feet and spread his arms palms up. "I am Lumos, the Nightdragon. Your song brought me here. Look at me. Do you _know_ of any Fae that have fangs? I am both Fae and dragon--a shape-shifter. The gods mixed Fae and dragon blood to create the Dragonfae. We protect the innocent and never to do harm. Although, it seems of late, the Magus has found a way to corrupt us." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I believe jealousy made Lucinda betray me to the Magus and gave the evil being time to plot for my imprisonment." He dropped his arms. "The Magus waited here for my arrival with an army of Shadow Walkers and then hit me with a blast of dark magyck so powerful it knocked me senseless. I awoke trapped and bound in silver." He smiled. "When you peeked at me around the oak tree, I was so glad to see you actually existed. I thought the Magus may have conjured your song in my mind."

Sitting down hard on the fallen log, she fought to gather her senses. _My Nightdragon? He is my Nightdragon? He really exists? Goddess, could this be true?_ One second, this man had informed her he was a Faerie, the next a dragon. Shadow Walkers, an evil Magus--she had seen none of these creatures in her forest. Did he think her time there alone had turned her into a blithering idiot? She pressed the palms of her hands against her eyes. _Cymbeline, tell me what I must do._

Drawing a deep breath to calm her nerves, she let it out slowly, dropped her hands, and met Lumos's intent green gaze. "I think you have lost your wits, good sir." She stood and brushed the grass seeds from her skirts. "One other thing. Nightdragon, why do you constantly refer to me as 'butterfly'? Have I not told you my name is Thalia?"

"It is the Fae meaning of your name." Lumos frowned. "I see you doubt me, but I speak the truth."

"No... you do not. You are no b-better than the men who brought me here." She lifted her chin and glowered at him. "You will not fool me with your silver tongue. I will have you know, my name is the reason my father banished me. He said my name means 'Soul Catcher'--that I am so evil my parents left me for the wolves to devour. In turn, he left me to the brutality of one of his men." Thalia turned. "I cannot bring myself to trust you, not yet, but I will not allow you to starve because I am _not_ a Soul Catcher. Neither will I help set you free. It seems we are both trapped in this forest, Dragonfae." She called to Brew and took the path back to the cottage, walking swiftly until the building came into view.

A feral roar, followed by a terrifying whoosh as thousands of birds took flight, echoed through the forest. Small animals rushed by, their eyes bulging with fear. She turned and gasped at the plume of white smoke pouring into the sky inhaling the stench of fire tainting the pristine air. _Gods, the forest, is on fire._ The top of a silver ash shuddered, toppled, and then crashed to the ground. _Lumos._

She sprinted back toward the meadow, dodging the terrified wildlife. On the perimeter of the circle, she stopped and fear shook her to the bone. Her jaw dropped open at the sight of Lumos punching his blood-soaked fists into a tree. Smoke poured from the Fae's nose with every sickening thud and the meadow hung heavy with the smell of fire. The tree toppled and with a tragic pirouette slowly crashed to the ground. Thalia ran blindly toward him. "Lumos. Stop! _Please_."
Chapter Six

Fullmount Palace

Drog, the Magus of Fullmount, gazed into the scrying dish and chuckled with glee at the destruction Lumos was inflicting on the Singing Forest. He absorbed the Dragonfae's anger, relishing in his pain. The man's agony filled him like the sweetest wine. Lucifer, the Fae's heartache made him drunk with euphoria. Although Lumos had refused the tainted wine and not succumbed to Drog's potion, the Dragonfae had been easy to manipulate once the beast had found the mate he had sought for more than a century. His dragon had become intoxicated with desire, the beast's senses trained on one objective-- _Thalia_.

The instant the dragon had landed in the clearing and morphed into Lumos, his capture had been simple. He would have killed the Dragonfae then, if not for the chance, his brother, Axim, would step up to take the challenge at Drakka. No, a far better plan was to make Lumos miss the deadline, and forfeit the realm.

Inhaling to draw in more of Lumos's frustration, Drog puffed out his chest at his ingenuity. He had set his brother, Boris, the task of finding the Dragonfae's mate. A simple spell had found the few females with dragon flames dancing in their eyes. By secreting each of the females scent via articles of clothing around the Dragonfae lair, Boris only had had to note which of the concealed garments attracted Lumos. Drog had found to his great satisfaction the girl Thalia was the daughter of King Garro--a Nomag. The girl chosen by the gods for the Dragonfae heir, an innocent, had proved an easy target for Boris. The young Magus had cast a simple spell to turn Thalia's people against her, blaming the girl for the death of their queen. The king had banished the female from the herd--or whatever these people called a group of Nomags.

The Magus rubbed his hands together and chuckled. A shiver of pure bliss ran down his spine. After all, his ingenious spell had transformed the king's man accompanying Thalia into a lusty fiend worthy of his place in the Underworld. How he had enjoyed immersing himself in the innocent's terror.

He grinned into the gloom. His plan had worked beautifully. Six months had passed since his gift of fifty casks of the finest wine--tainted with a mind-controlling potion--had arrived at Drakka. Now with twenty dragons under his enchantment he had an army to rival the gods' militia. He needed to gain control of Drakka and destroy the Gate of the gods.

The girl's mind had proved easy to infiltrate. Nomags had no idea true magyck existed. The creatures had no barriers against dark telepathy and he could bend Thalia to his will with a snap of his fingers. Now, he would use Lumos's desire for the Nomag female to control him.

He snorted with glee. He would dangle the girl in front of the Fae like a carrot for a donkey. He would control Thalia's mind, with a suggestion here, a little push there, and he would have the girl manipulating the Dragonfae for him with consummate ease. Lucifer, imagine the satisfaction of having the Nightdragon under his control?

With a laugh, the Magus observed Lumos destroy tree after tree. Damn, he could taste the blood streaming from the Fae's knuckles, and feel the crack of his bones. _Delicious._ How easily he had drawn the Dragonfae heir to the Singing Forest. The girl's Dragonsong had been an unexpected bonus, then, to witness Lumos's response to Thalia's silk scarf, the Dragonfae's desperation had been an unexpected delight. The lovers would have crossed paths eventually but perhaps a few years later. In truth, Thalia would probably die if Lumos mated her at this young age. The Faerie females matured at one hundred summers for a reason. The Magus shrugged--he did not care a fig about a Nomag of eighteen summers. He preferred to set his sights on complex matters.

He licked his lips and chuckled as Lumos slammed his blood-soaked hands into the trunk of another tree with steam billowing around him. _How I wish I could lick the blood from your knuckles, Dragonfae._ The love struck dragon had proved easy prey. _Ah, Lumos, I have you imprisoned in a magyck circle, stripped of your powers, and at my mercy. In three months, Drakka will be mine._
Chapter Seven

The Singing Forest

Lumos shook his bleeding knuckles and turned slowly to face the witch. Her tear-stained cheeks surprised him. Why would she cry for a man she thought to be a liar? Nevertheless, there she stood, trembling with one hand outstretched, and begging him to stop hurting himself as if she cared. Did she understand what had angered him? He stared at the ground to gain composure, the need to draw her into his arms more painful than his injuries.

"This is my fault. May the gods forgive me for not believing you?" Thalia stepped closer and lifted his bloody hand. "I am so consumed with my own problems I failed to see the importance of yours. Will you forgive me, mighty dragon?"

Words caught in his throat. He lifted his head, meeting the witch's flaming dark orbs. He noticed a small scar on her cheek and traced it with his finger. One touch and the connection between them sizzled up his arm. Gods, Thalia had felt the bond between them too and flinched at his touch. Her jaw tightened as if fighting the need to run. He studied her, breathing in her scent.

"You are a brave little butterfly." He examined her beautiful face and smiled to reassure her. "A seasoned warrior would not dare approach a dragon in a rage. I am not angry with you, little one. It is the man--men--who made you so afraid of me that fuel my wrath. I want to hunt them down and tear them limb from limb."

"You would do that for me?"

He gazed into her beautiful eyes, brown orbs flaming for him and him alone. "Aye, in a heartbeat."

"Then you are truly sent by Cymbeline." Thalia pointed to the center of her chest. "My heart tells me to believe you. Gods, Lumos, I am _so_ sorry." She sniffed and batted at the tears spilling down her cheeks. "Allow me to tend your injuries. At least my healing spell will help." She led him to the rock pool. "Soak your hands and I will search the water for the weed I need to make a poultice. With a little magyck, you will be as good as new by the morning."

Although the witch trembled, she lifted her chin and did not look away. Her courage amazed him. Thalia must be stronger than she appeared to have survived alone after her banishment. Gods willing, he had broken through the wall Thalia had wrapped so closely around her misery. He sat on a rock to strip off his jerkin and boots. "There is no need for you to get wet. I will go. I know what weed to collect." He stood, walked to the edge of the pool, and dived into the clear, blue water.

Swimming into the pool's depths, he ignored the sting of his injuries, and floated, allowing the water to cool his boiling skin. Thalia's fears and doubt in him had brought on the rage of his dragon. The beast wanted revenge against the men who had made her this way. How could he tell her he had traveled through realms seeking the singer of the dragon song to claim her as his mate? Her initial denial of him, the turning away, had cut deep into his heart. His inner beast had fought to get free. Without magyck to liberate him, the raging black Nightdragon simmered just under his skin.

He rested on the bottom of the deep pool, enjoying the freezing water against his burning flesh. The weed she required grew in abundance close by. He grabbed a few handfuls, kicked his feet on the sandy bottom, and broke the surface of the pool.

Thalia swallowed hard at the sight of Lumos striding from the rock pool. Water ran in rivulets from his hair and trickled down his hard, muscular chest. His green gaze met hers with a frightening intensity. He moved closer and she noticed a haze of steam hovered over his bare flesh. The handsome man tossed his dark head, and threw her a smile. _Gods,_ her heart pounded with every step the man made toward her. _I must stay calm. Lumos needs my help. It is only a few paces to the edge of the circle._

"This boulder has a small depression, a good place to crush the weed." Lumos placed the plants on the rock. "I am afraid I do not have any linen to use to bind my hands--do you?" He bent to pick up a round stone, and with slow, efficient motions started to grind the weed.

Thalia winced at the deep cuts in Lumos's knuckles. "Let me do that. You should sit in the sun to dry." She took the stone from his hands and kneeled beside the boulder. Calmness enveloped her with a safety she thought no longer existed. _Can I trust you, Dragonfae?_

"My body heat will dry me rapidly." He lounged back on the rock and watched her work the weed into a paste.

"You are soaked through. The leather of your pants will be ruined." She examined the glossy leather, so like the skin of a snake with half-moon scales. The Dragonfae's clothes and boots shimmered in the same unusual leather.

"They will be fine. The fabric is a part of me and it will dry in a few minutes." Lumos smiled. "Thank you for caring."

This close, the warm male scent of him befuddled her senses. Her face grew hot and she busied herself grinding the weed. Finding her attention constantly returning to watch a drip of water travel over the rippling muscles of his broad chest, she turned away. _I must stop looking at him._ She tossed her hair over one shoulder.

"There, the poultice is ready."

Without a second thought, she raised the hem of her cotton dress, and ripped off a wide band. She glanced up to see Lumos staring at her bare knees. She cleared her throat and coughed. This action brought his head up swiftly and she frowned at him. Doubt, that nagging voice in her head, came again to haunt her, warning her not to trust him.

"This will do for a bandage." She sighed, wanting the calm, safe assurance she had experienced before to return. "Lumos, I find it uncomfortable when you stare at me like that... It reminds me of Erik."

"Erik?" Lumos held out his hand for Thalia to tend. "Is he one of the king's men who mistreated you?"

"Yes."

"Do you know, little butterfly, that you look at me the same way? I enjoy the way you admire my body." Lumos met her gaze. "There is no sin in taking pleasure from the sight of another's body, little one." He touched her cheek and lowered his voice to a whisper. "The gods gave us bodies to be admired. The sin is in taking what is not freely given, without love or respect for one another." He lifted her chin. "I am not like Erik. I would rather die than hurt you."

_I wish I could believe that, but you are still a man and men are not to be trusted._ She applied the green sludge to Lumos's wounds. She ran the tips of her fingers over each injury and called to her magyck. The familiar tingle ran through her hands and white light bathed Lumos's raw knuckles. She lifted his other hand and his warm flesh pressed against her palm. Fear curled in her belly followed by an exhilaration that astounded her. Gods, her mind had made two opposite decisions about Lumos. _I must be losing my wits._ She concentrated her spell on the deep cuts. _He deserves my honesty._

"Yes, I admit, I do admire you. In truth, I have never seen anyone like you. I must say, you are most handsome." She wrapped the linen around Lumos's hands and tied both bandages in a neat bow. She lifted her head. "I want to trust you, but it is difficult to push back the memories of Erik. My mind will not let me forget what he did to me." Forcing a smile, she patted his knee. The rock-hard thigh rippled under her palm. The soft fabric, warm, alive at her touch, sent a ripple of desire surging through her folds. Her breasts swelled and her aching nipples pressed against the rough linen of her dress. _Gods, what is happening to me?_

"Your reaction to me is normal. We are attracted to each other, butterfly." Lumos sighed. "If not for Erik's cruelty, what you are feeling for me would be natural."

"Natural?"

"Come now, before Erik laid hands on you, had you never looked upon a male with admiration?" Lumos raised an eyebrow. "For most girls of your age, it is all they speak about. My sisters are forever giggling over one Fae male or another." He frowned. "I would hope that this joy is not lost to you forever."

With effort, Thalia fought the need to run. Sitting this close, the heat of Lumos's near-naked body radiated in a blissful caress through her thin shift. She bit her bottom lip. To have a normal conversation with someone would be wonderful and she wanted to know everything about Lumos and his sisters.

"I am almost nineteen summers and hardly a girl. Tell me about your sisters."

"Whimsy is the baby, a blue Faerie--she resembles my mother, Yashna. Then there is Tani--she has black wings like me and only last moon was mated to Rnaja." Lumos grinned. "Are you avoiding my question? Have you ever admired a male?"

She swallowed hard. "Yes, I once gazed on a man with admiration but then I had no idea how cruel they could be. I now know why men want a virgin for a wife. No woman in their right mind would willingly marry if they knew what was to come on their wedding night."

Lumos gave a snort, his green eyes blazing. "The Fae have a different approach. We love freely until we meet our chosen mate. A Fae male offers a female only pleasure. If we failed in our duty, I believe you would see many statues of Fae males." Lumos chuckled. "Because, sweet butterfly, a Faerie has the magyck to turn her lover to stone."

For the first time since she had left Broclarre, she tipped back her head and laughed. In less than a day, Lumos had made her relax. She took in the sight of him, grinning like a monkey, and the fear locked inside slowly fell away. His story unfolded in her mind. She believed he had come here because of her song and for whatever other reason she could not care less. She pushed to her feet. "I will go and get the wagon. It will give you a place to sleep while we plan your escape."

"Are you really going to help me?" Lumos stood and gave her a regal bow. "I am in your debt."

The gods help her. She could not dismiss the overwhelming need to believe him. Should she, against her better instincts, trust him? _He needs me._ She inclined her head and frowned. "No, Lumos, you are not in my debt." She patted his arm. "I will help you as a friend, for I am sorely in need of a companion."

"As am I, sweet butterfly... as am I."

* * * *

"It has been three days and we are getting nowhere. I am such an idiot." Thalia buried her face in her hands.

Lumos laughed. He ached to hold her, or simply brush the hair from her face. His attempts to take Thalia's hand had resulted in her swift withdrawal and a look of mistrust had clouded her eyes. _My touch frightens you. I will be patient, little butterfly._ He would be content to brush her fingers on occasion and try not to react to her hesitant touch, although the frequent squeeze of her small hand on his thigh sent an aching flood of warmth to his steel hard cock. He forced his mind to concentrate on anything but sex. "Think of the spells you have cast before and tell me how you make a spell work."

"This is different. I do not need inner sight to cast a spell." Thalia pulled a face. "I cannot see what you see, Lumos. This will never work."

"Your magyck worked its charm overnight on my injuries. You have strong powers and must start to trust in your own abilities. How did you cast the spell to heal my hands?" Lumos held out his hands. "Describe each step to me."

The breeze caught a strand of her hair, lifting it across her eyes. He caught the silken strand and wound it around his finger. His attention drifted to the witch's hard nipples pressing proudly against her thin cotton gown. She always reacted this way to a simple touch. He inhaled her scent, sweet, and so intoxicating. _Concentrate._

"First, I must _want_ to heal. It is the same with anyone or thing. I have treated Brew on occasion." Thalia wrinkled her brow. "In your case, I looked at your injuries and imagined your hands as they are now, without the cuts, then I cast the healing spell."

_She has only to realize this is the way of all magyck._ "And fire... How do you make wood burst into flames?"

"I see the flames dancing over the logs, feel the heat, and smell the smoke. Then, I point at the wood and it ignites." Thalia lifted her chin. "Oh, this is getting us nowhere! I am useless to you." She ran a hand absently over Brew's head.

"And how did Nell make you see the result of a spell before you cast it?"

"Nell said I should use my--Gods, Lumos--I must use my imagination." She jumped to her feet and stared at the invisible magyck circle. "I can see the circle, Lumos--I can see it!"

He stood slowly and grinned at her excitement. Taking a deep breath, he moved closer to the witch and with infinite care, slipped a hand around her waist. "Gather your magyck. See the circle shatter and fall away into a cloud of silver dust." Heart pounding, he concentrated on the barrier. "Point, Thalia, and make it so."

With a tinkle of bells, the magyck circle dissolved and blew away, swirling into oblivion on the wind. He noticed an instant change in Thalia and stepped away. The realization she had removed not only his prison wall but also her protection from him showed plainly on her face. She shot him a glance of pure terror and acting as nonchalant as possible stepped further away and smiled. "Well done! You are truly amazing." He rubbed his stomach and moved his attention to the basket of food. "All that work has made me hungry. Shall we eat now?"

"I thought you would sprout wings and fly away." Thalia waved a hand toward the sky. "There is nothing keeping you here now."

_Oh, little butterfly, your fear is not of me but the worry I will leave you alone in this place._ "Why would I go when I _wan_ t to stay here with you, Thalia? Unless you tell me to go, I will never leave you alone. You have my word. We are friends and friends help each other." He led the way to the wagon and reached inside for the basket of food. "If I could morph into the dragon, I would have asked you to come with me, far from this place to the safety of my home. Unfortunately, I remain earthbound as long as the silver remains and I would so love to show you my wings. In truth, I am very proud of them and my dragon... Well, he is spectacular." He carried the basket to the shade of a tree and sat down. "Without my magyck, it will be a long journey to Drakka through many realms. I will have to find someone with great powers to remove these silver bands." He ran a hand through his hair. "The journey will be dangerous, because a Fae without powers is only as good as the strength within. Although as needs be, I can call on my dragon's life force for help." With a grimace, he stared into the distance. "Once the dark Magus discovers I have escaped, he will send the Shadow Walkers to hunt me. Fighting these creatures of darkness will be difficult--they are cunning and lethal."

"How long do you think you have before he discovers you have escaped?" Thalia sat beside Lumos and reached for the basket.

"As soon as I use magyck, he will know I am free." He tossed his hair over one shoulder then turned to see her worried expression. She would need explanations every step of the way. "Magyck holds a trace of each user and he will know instantly where I am."

"How will you manage to return to Drakka without magyck?"

He sighed. How could he explain exactly what he needed from her without causing her more stress?

The Nightdragon drifted into his thoughts.

" _Tread carefully, Lumos. To reveal she is our mate will frighten her away. I advise you seek her help. I do believe she needs us and the trust will grow."_

Lumos shrugged in a non-committal way. "I had hoped you would come with me, far from this place and away from the Magus but if traveling with me frightens you, and you prefer to remain here alone, I will understand. I must return to Drakka because my people depend on me." He dragged a hand through his hair. How could he explain so she would understand? "I gave you my word I would not leave you alone, but _you_ must make the choice, to remain here or come with me. If you decide to come, we must leave first light. I do not want to leave you, butterfly." He touched her face. "If you choose to stay, I will come back for you, the moment the challenge is over, I promise."

"No, you cannot leave. I mean... What do I mean?" Thalia gripped Lumos's arm. "I _will_ come with you and on the way to Drakka, you must teach me how to use my magyck against these Shadow Walkers." She reached into the basket for an apple. "Bring the basket. We will eat on the way to my cottage. If we are to leave in the morning, I must pack my belongings. Will you bring the horse back here to collect the wagon?"

The heat from Thalia's small hand seeped into his arm. He covered her fingers and gazed into her excited face, relieved she did not balk at his touch. "Take only what is necessary. We may have to leave the wagon and ride the horse. Is he a big beast capable of carrying us?"

"Aye, he pulled the king's ale wagon." Thalia dropped her hand. "I call him Albert."

He picked up the basket. Her touch tingled on his skin in a reminder of their bond. He moved toward the pathway, turned, and held out his hand seeking more of her touch. When Thalia coyly rested her small digits on his palm, his dragon sung with joy. He gazed down into her flushed face. "Come then, we have much to do before we leave." He chuckled and led her forward. "I have yet to meet a horse named Albert."
Chapter Eight

Lumos gaped at the pile of silk dresses on the chair and frowned. "Leave those gowns behind, you will not need them. Take only your undergarments and we will buy boy's clothes for you at the first village."

"I am to dress as a boy?" Thalia stared at Lumos. Her mouth dropped open. "That is... is... most unbecoming. Everyone will see the shape of my legs."

He shrugged. How could he tell her of the dangers of traveling as a woman? They would transverse many realms, filled with creatures unknown to her, many of which would desire her in much the same way as Erik had. In truth, many warriors, as an addition to their tribe, would highly value the witch's chestnut hair and her powers.

"The way will be rough, sometimes cold. Wearing pants and a cloak will be more comfortable and we may have to fight or run for our lives." He fingered a delicate, yellow silk dress. "You cannot ride in a garment like this without exposing a good part of your legs. At least a pair of pants will cover them and you will be much warmer traveling through the mountains."

"I understand." Thalia picked up her woolen cloak and sighed. "Then I will need only one bag for my clothes and another for medicines."

He allowed the tension in his jaw to relax and smiled at her. "I will pack some food." He glanced around at the ample provisions stacked in the small cottage. "The dried fruit and nuts will remain fresh for some weeks."

"How will you buy clothes for me without money?" Thalia pushed a pile of neatly folded garments into a canvas bag.

He sniffed a jug of elderberry wine. "In every village there is a shrine or sacred spring where Nomags give offerings to the gods. I will take what we need."

"Steal from the gods?" Thalia covered her mouth. "No! There must be another way. Perhaps I can sell my dresses?"

"As a Dragonfae, I am permitted to use offerings to the gods to aid me in times of need." He carried an armful of jugs through the front door. "You did not mention you had wine. Did you make this?" He stowed the wine in the wagon.

"Aye, it is sometimes necessary to mix wine with herbs to make healing potions."

Grinning, he walked back inside the cottage. "Ten flagons?" He filled a basket with nuts. "Do you think perhaps you could spare a little for a good friend?" He collected jars of honey from the shelf and packed them neatly in a wooden crate. "Thalia?"

"Wine does strange things to men." Thalia shot him a look of disgust. "I think not."

Tipping his head on one side, he studied the girl before him. The need to protect this delightful female throbbed through him. Her small hands trembled under his scrutiny. Indeed, he would have to earn her trust. He opened his arms wide. "Am I truly a man who regards you merely as female?" He picked up the box of honey. "Look at me, Thalia. Do I resemble a Nomag?"

"No, I agree you are not human. I do understand you are the Nightdragon but, to me, you are male in every way."

"Maybe so, but my dragon will protect you, no matter how much wine I consume." He sighed. "You have my word, little one, I will never harm you and I promise to protect you with my body and sword." He rubbed his chin. "Well, I will, the moment I acquire one." Hoisting the box on his shoulder, he strode out of the cottage.

Thalia stared after Lumos. The Fae moved like a cat, every muscle defined beneath his glossy, tight clothes. The small cottage had filled with the unique scent of him. The moment she had taken his hand, his heat had consumed her, wrapping around her like a warm hug. She considered her feelings. One minute the man mesmerized her, the next she wanted to run away from him. Could she trust him? Would he pounce on her the second she fell asleep? _Oh goddess, he is so big, so strong._

Brew rubbed around her legs, his silky caress brushed over her bare flesh. Thalia recollected the day Nell had brought the kitten to her, a very small, black bundle. His eyes had been blue then, and the poor creature had cried all night until she had taken him into her bed. Nell's words came back to her in a flash. " _This cat will be with you always, you must trust his instincts."_

"You do seem to like Lumos"--she bent down to rub the cat's velvet ears--"so I will trust your judgment for I have lost my way, Brew. To me, every male is a threat."

As if to consolidate her remarks, Brew greeted Lumos with a string of chirrups. The Fae looked down at Thalia with a wide grin. She looked from one to the other in amazement.

"Brew told you, did he not? Brew, you are... Gods... I thought you were on my side!"

"It would make our journey together easier if you trusted me, little one." Lumos pushed his hands into the back pockets of his pants. "We will eventually have to ride the horse together and when the snow comes we must sleep under the same blanket for warmth or you will surely die of cold." He threw logs on the smoldering fire. "If I am not allowed to drink wine, perhaps you will indulge me with a cup of tea?" He opened a jar and sniffed the contents. "Ah, let me see. Do I smell rosehips, chamomile and mint?"

He had acted so nonchalant then casually inferred they would sleep together. Her stomach turned over and fear clenched her in a wave of terror. Drawing a deep breath, she spun around and glared at him. "Do you really expect me to sleep under the same blanket with you?"

"Aye, we should sleep together for warmth. The rest of the time, I will sleep under the stars and you may have the wagon. If this arrangement causes you to fear me, then I will not ask you again." Lumos filled the kettle from a barrel of water and placed it on the fire. "You should know Fae males hold all females in high regard. They are very precious to us and if any Fae willingly causes harm to befall an innocent female, the elders banish them from the magyck worlds. To be cast out into Nomag realms means we are no longer able to sustain our lives and we eventually die."

She snorted in disagreement, took down two mugs, and spooned dried herbs into a large teapot. "We all die, Lumos."

"No... _we_ do not." Lumos touched her arm. "Fae do not die. Beheading kills us but our life force comes from our world and if we are unable to return, we grow old and die like a Nomag."

Heart thundering, she spun around to face him. _Immortal? No one said anything about being immortal._ She considered Lumos's attractive features, his high cheekbones, and slanted eyes. Her focus went to his mouth. His lips were soft and damp. So much male beauty and it would live forever. One question burned in her mind. "How _old_ are you?"

"In actual summers, or how old am I in comparison to the lifespan of a Nomag?" Lumos picked up a potholder and moved forward to lift the kettle from the fire. He filled the teapot. "They are quite different."

"I think both would be nice to know."

"I am about twenty to twenty-five summers in Nomag maturity." Lumos cleared his throat. "In actual _time_ , I am two hundred and fifty summers." He gave Thalia a sideways glance. "Dragonfae are very slow to mature."

_Gods!_ With a gasp, she sat down on a nearby chair. Her pulse pounded in her ears. The room swayed and rolled. Cold water splashed her face and she fought against the gushing torrent to breathe. Goddess, Lumos had thrown water over her. His large, hot hands patted her cheeks and she opened her eyes to meet his troubled expression

"By Cymbeline, do not ever do that to me again! I thought you had suffered an apoplexy." He pushed the wet hair from her face with gentle care.

"It is not every day a person hears such a revelation." Her face grew hot. Gods, her nipples were visible through the wet cloth. Hugging her chest and avoiding his gaze, she indicated to a large white sheet hanging over the back of a chair. "Would you hand me that strip of linen."

"Yes... yes, of course." He grabbed the sheet and wrapped her tightly. "There, is that better? Are you okay now?"

With her arms bound tightly across her chest, she bit her bottom lip and giggled. "Not unless you plan to mummify me."

He turned a bright shade of pink and swiftly unwrapped her. With muscles bulging, he dragged her chair toward the fire. She rested her hand on his strong arm and caressed the hairless golden skin. This side of Lumos she needed to see--the flustered, caring side. "I am well. Thank you for your consideration."

His lips tilted up on one side in a crooked smile.

"You look as if I tried to drown you." He turned and walked toward the front door. "I will wait outside while you change into something dry. I do believe I will teach you the fresh and clean spell first." He threw her a smile and closed the door behind him.

* * * *

Before dawn the following morning, Thalia had baked a good quantity of bread. While she prepared breakfast, she sang a song about the coming of spring. She had enjoyed the meal with Lumos last evening. They had retired at dusk, planning to leave at daybreak. The early morning chill spilled through the door to cool the hot kitchen and through the opening, she watched the sun sending ribbons of light into the morning sky to bathe the awakening forest in a lemon glow. She moved to the cottage door and gazed into the empty wagon. The canvas on the wagon gaped open. _Where is he?_ She went to the wagon and peered inside. The blankets sat neatly folded and Lumos had secured a large barrel of water to one side. Hearing a rustling in the undergrowth, she turned and caught sight of him strolling toward her through the swirl of early morning mist.

The Fae, magnificently bare to the waist, wrung the water from his raven hair. Muted sunlight glistened on the water droplets cascading down his golden skin. Her stomach gave that strange little twist and her heart quickened at the sight of him. The urge to run to him surged through her. How wonderful life would be to allow herself the comfort of those strong arms. To be sure, she craved the heat of his hard body, the scent of him. How would he taste?

Ashamed by her wanton desires, she turned back into the cottage, and cut bread for breakfast. _Why am I feeling this way? Did Erik curse me to want what I can never have?_ Lumos, so noble, had come to her not knowing her situation. He had offered friendship, nothing more. How could he? Who would want her now? How could any male care for a female used in such a way? What would Lumos think if he knew the truth?

_I am less than a prostitute. I sold myself to save my life. I welcomed Erik into my body, in exchange for food and a place to sleep._

"Thalia, you are troubled." Lumos touched her elbow. "Are you having second thoughts about traveling with me?"

She sighed and heaped fresh berries on a plate beside the wedge of bread. She pushed the plate, and a flagon of wine toward him. "No, but perhaps you may not want to have me along after all."

"Wine? Is this a peace offering, little butterfly?" He smiled and poured wine into a cup. "I had not realized we were at war." He sat in the chair beside the fireplace and frowned. "What is it that troubles you so?"

" _Please_ , listen to me. I have not been honest with you. I know Brew told you about Erik and the treatment I received on the way here, but the cat does not know the truth of my story." She wrung her hands. "Before we continue, I must tell you the facts of what happened. You should be aware of my true character before we begin our journey together." She sat down in a chair opposite him. She could not meet his eyes and hung her head in shame.

Forcing the words between her teeth, she recounted the bargain with Erik. She told Lumos every detail of her days of terror. "I had not realized it would be so terrible. I have heard scullery maids whisper how much they enjoyed being with a man and thought it would be easy to endure Erik's advances. I could not walk another step without food or water and I needed to survive in order to prove my innocence." She drew a deep breath to steady her nerves. "It was not what I expected. He would come at night or stop during the day... He was so strong, Lumos. If I screamed, he hit me. If I begged, he laughed." She lifted her head slowly, afraid to see the expression on his face. The man had masked his emotions. _I have lost your friendship, and I do not blame you._ She shuddered "I am not worthy of your pity, your revenge or your friendship. I am... I am..." She buried her face in her hands. "I am a whore."

_Let it all out, sweet butterfly._ Placing his plate on the floor, Lumos kneeled in front of her. He bit back a curse, fighting the grief threatening to explode his heart. He drew her against him, resting his chin on her head.

"You offered your greatest gift and Erik abused the trust you put in him. He could have taken you gently as a lover." He rubbed her trembling back--her sobs radiated through him like daggers. "Only an evil man would abuse such an innocent." Rage welled inside him and his dragon bellowed so loud his ears rang. _Be still, dragon, your anger will frighten Thalia._ In time, the Nightdragon would rise up and seek vengeance for his sweet butterfly but not now. Thalia needed his strength, his love. If only she would take what he offered, his love would heal her. "The blame is not yours. The gods tell us life is precious and you made a sacrifice to protect your life. I see your goodness, little one. You are still so innocent. What happened to you can never be disregarded but, if you will allow me, I will show you that true love is beautiful, my sweet Thalia." Tears burned the backs of his eyes. "I beg you not to allow these memories to destroy you. Trust in me and I will guide you out of the darkness."

He held her close, glad she would allow him to comfort her. How he wished he had his glamour to help her through this time of adjustment, but he had nothing other than his love to give. Thalia buried her tear-stained face into his neck and he hummed to her as if she were an injured animal. Gods, he desired so much to caress her and show her the gentle, glorious side of love. Her body racked with sobs and her pain percolated through him, tearing at his heart. He must be patient and earn her trust. One day, she would turn to him with love in her eyes. He could wait. After all, he had forever.

* * * *

As the wagon left the perimeter of the Singing Forest, it disturbed the early morning mist hanging across the rutted track sending it into dancing swirls. They bumped along the narrow road, heading north and came upon a signpost pointing to a village called Knowing Way twenty miles ahead. Thalia glanced furtively at Lumos. The memory of his warm body and gentle words filled her with hope. She wrapped her cloak tightly around her against the cold wind and glanced in trepidation at the dark clouds overhead. They moved along a tree-lined road until Albert gave a snort and slowed to a halt. A red fox scurried across the path, stopped, and wrinkled its nose before disappearing into the undergrowth. Beside her, Brew growled a warning and she moved closer to Lumos, the heat from his body flowing over her. He glanced down at her and smiled warmly before turning his attention back to the road.

"All is well, it is only a fox."

The small gesture filled her with confidence and blew away the doubts she had for leaving the safety of the Singing Forest. The sun had risen high in the sky by the time Lumos, muscles bulging, drew the wagon to a halt beside a babbling brook.

"This is a shrine." Lumos grinned at her and jumped from the seat. "See, farther down, the water deepens to a pool? I will see what Coventina has to offer." He pulled off his boots. "Wait here, I will not be long."

She allowed Albert to wander to the edge of the brook then climbed down to find a spot to empty her bladder. How did she tell a man she needed to relieve herself? Deciding to stretch her legs, she walked toward a group of weeping willows, their graceful green limbs brushing the fast-flowing water. A yellow-billed duck caught her attention, bobbing countless times for fish and in the distance the buzz of dragonflies hovered over the water. Leaning against the rough bark of a willow, she watched Lumos break the surface and throw objects onto the bank, then dive again. The Fae dived many times, and finally, after throwing a rusty sword onto the bank, swam for shore.

With a surge of water, his tanned body emerged from the pool. She held her breath. Goddess, she had never seen a naked man before. Unable to look away, she took in the width of his shoulders, and the delicious way the rippling muscles of his back narrowed to a slim waist. She marveled at the roundness of his buttocks, the defined muscles in his strong thighs.

As if Lumos felt her hot glare on him, he turned around slowly, looked her straight in the eye, and raised one perfect, black eyebrow. Her face grew hot, but she could not drag her eyes off the perfectly formed man. He stood tall and proud like a bronzed warrior. His long, wet hair fell over one shoulder and stuck to his massive chest. She took in all of him, lingering far too long on his remarkable sex. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her parched mouth and she dragged the tip over dry lips. He had skin like a peach and she could see every generous part of him.

Lumos turned his impressive back on her, shook the water from his hair like a dog, and strode from the pool. Face burning, she ran back to the wagon and sought comfort in the memory of his words. _"It is not a sin to look at another's body."_

She reached for the water bottle, and, lifted it to her lips, and sipped slowly. The memory of his golden skin made that strange sensation coil in her belly again. She clenched her thighs together. Her breasts ached. Dampness slicked her folds. Why did he do this to her?

"I have found many things of use." Lumos pushed his way through the willow branches and grinned at Thalia. "Look." He dropped a sword from under one arm and spilled the contents bundled in his shirt onto the grass.

Legs weak, she climbed down from the wagon. _Thank the gods he has put his pants back on._ She noticed the sudden flare of Lumos's nostrils, the setting of his jaw. Had he noticed her reaction to him? She sank to her knees to view the mound of treasure. "This is wonderful... but that sword is useless."

"I can sharpen it with a whetstone and the river sand will remove the rust. I will work on removing the corrosion a little each night. It is a fine sword, well balanced." Lumos sorted through the coins and jewels. "There is enough here to buy clothes and perhaps another horse. We will reach the foot of the mountains soon. The way will soon be too steep for Albert to pull the wagon."

She ran her fingers over a gold, jewel-encrusted dagger untouched by the water. "I cannot ride Albert. I do not know how to ride a horse. I am sorry."

"Then we will buy a donkey to carry our supplies and you will ride with me on Albert." Lumos lifted her chin. "I will buy a scabbard for that dagger. Keep it with you always." He ran his thumb over her bottom lip. "Why do you refuse to look me in the eye? Do not be ashamed. I like it when you look at me, little one, but it was not because of this I removed my garments." He sighed. "I am not permitted to enter sacred water wearing clothes as it is an insult to the gods. I hope I did not frighten you with my nakedness."

Swallowing hard, she touched his thumb with her tongue. The taste of him thrilled her. Shivery sensations racked her folds in delicious waves. She observed the instant change in his eyes. His pupils had dilated and their green rims flared with intensity. She cleared her throat, unable to break his gaze. "No, you did not frighten me, but the sight of you--oh, never mind, it is foolish."

"Not foolish. Did your heart race? Did warmth pool in your secret parts?" Lumos rested his head against her forehead. "I feel this every time I look at you, little one." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Do not fight your attraction to me, for it is given by the goddess."

"Do you _want_ me to be attracted to you? My past does not repel you?" She pulled away and shook her head slowly. "This feeling I have for you is lust, is it not? I think this is a bad thing, Lumos."

"Let me see." Lumos held up his fingers. "One, yes, I like you being attracted to me. Two, I have _never_ been repelled by you. And, three, in a relationship a little lust is a good thing. Although what you feel for me at the moment is attraction, lust comes much later." He grinned. "Happy? Come now, the village is in the next valley and we must keep moving if we are to miss the storm."

* * * *

After buying supplies and a fine bay gelding in the quiet village, Thalia changed into boy's clothes in the back of the wagon. The buckskin breeches fitted well, as did the soft, leather boots. The shirts were a little big, but Lumos explained she had to conceal her breasts. She wore the dagger in a sheath on her belt and with her hair tied back in a ribbon and a hat pulled down over her eyes she would pass as a boy. She climbed onto the seat and handed Lumos a handful of fruit and nuts. "I know we are traveling to Drakka, but how do we travel to another realm? And how do you plan to remove the silver bands?"

"So many questions, little one." Lumos chuckled. "Without magyck, we will travel by the Gates, a device hidden from the Nomags. As soon as I am able, I will teach you how to form a circle of light then we will be able to move through realms a little easier. A circle of light uses a great deal of power and you cannot travel into the unknown with this magyck."

"Tell me about this circle of light. How does it work?"

"First, you form a circle of light, big enough to move through." Lumos drew an imaginary circle in the air. "Same as always--see it and it appears--and then comes the difficult part. You must project the image of where you want to go. If you are successful, the scene will form on a shimmering mirror, the same as a Gate. I will explain Gates later." He smiled. "You must keep the image in your mind and step through."

She pushed a stray lock of hair behind one ear. "So you must know your destination? I understand. And Gates, how do they work?"

"They look much the same, a shimmery mirror-like surface, but in a Gate the images change frequently in a sequence. You must wait for your destination to appear and then walk through--no magyck required." Lumos drew a sequence of circles in the air then joined them with a horizontal line. "Circles of light and Gates form a bridge between the realms. This magyck is the normal way to travel. The Gates were created by the ancients many thousands of years ago."

Enthralled she grinned at him. "How wonderful. Do you have a plan for us to follow? Is there someone in this realm to help you?"

"Our first stop is to find the Lutwych Hag and she lives in a cave at the top of that mountain." Lumos pointed to the black granite range rising to snow-capped peaks in the distance. "She may be able to point us to a Magus, who practices white magyck, or a dragon capable of undoing the spell that holds me prisoner in these silver bands." He chewed a handful of dried fruit. "I will need your help indeed, your protection. The Hag will require payment in blood."

Her stomach squeezed. "I am to give her my blood?"

"No, she is a vampire and Fae blood gives her youth." Lumos cast a serious look at her. "Without my magyck, she will have control over me and I will need you to prevent her from making me her slave." He sighed. "You see, some creatures of dark magyck are able to use telepathy. They can make suggestions to you as if they are your own thoughts. She will try to influence you, too. You must learn to shield your mind from her and others who may try to influence you."

Mind reeling she gaped at him. "Do you mean as if I have conflicting thoughts?"

"Aye, has that happened of late?"

With a long groan, she pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes. Of late, her mind had been indecisive and foggy. "Gods, yes, since I met you. One moment I like you, the next I am afraid or the complete opposite. Am I losing my wits?"

"No, not at all. I would have noticed."

She swallowed hard, the thought of someone reading her thoughts, controlling her made her sick to the stomach. "Tell me, please how to prevent this happening."

"Hmm... well, it takes practice, but tell me when this happens again, because if this is the Magus' meddling, you must try to build a wall around your thoughts. Concentrate and build the wall brick by brick. Soon, you will be able to shield your thoughts and prevent anyone from mindscaping, or dark telepathy." Lumos smiled and gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Start at once, slowly, and build one brick at a time."

She moved closer to him, seeking his protection. "I will, but first tell me how I may help you defeat the Hag."

"This evening, I will instruct you how to conjure and throw black fire. If she takes more than her due, the fire will stop her. She cannot kill me but if she drains me, I will take a long time to recover--weeks--and you will be left to her... appetite." Lumos's mouth turned down and he shuddered. "And I may never be free of her."

With an effort, she threw off the sudden desire to refuse to learn the spell. "I do believe the Magus is interfering again, but I refuse to do his bidding. Teach me now so he will know I am not his puppet. Do tell, what is black fire?"

"It is a fire that burns like the pits in the Underworld but has no smoke or light." Lumos regarded her with an intense expression. "It comes from anger, but fear will feed it."

She contemplated his words and stared into the distance. The sun had dropped behind the mountain range and now the countryside bathed in the glow of twilight. Overhead, birds returned to the trees to nest as owls took flight, searching for food. All around, the countryside heralded the end of summer with an abundance of ripe fruits and the trees slow turning of green to gold.

_I wish we could stay here and enjoy this beauty together._ She grimaced at her own selfishness. If this plan failed and Lumos remained with her, even with all of nature's wonder to power her magyck, the Fae would die and it would be her fault. _Oh, Cymbeline, why did Lumos listen to my song? I can only be bad luck for him._

She screwed up her nose in concentration. If she could use her anger toward Erik to create black fire and keep Lumos safe, her suffering would have not been in vain. With a sigh, she turned to Lumos. "I have anger, more than I need, I am sure." She squeezed his strong forearm. "Tell me what I must do."

"The fire we conjure cannot harm the creator, so form a fireball in your hand." Lumos pulled Albert to a halt. "Let the fireball spin and then throw it. When you have mastered a fireball, allow it to spin in your hand and pour hate into it until it turns black." He smiled. "Be careful where you throw black fire, little one. It is better to think it out."

"Think it out? You will have to explain."

"How do you put out a fire or stop any magyck spell?" Lumos chuckled. "See the spell, form the spell, see it gone and it is no more. Imagination is a powerful weapon, is it not?" He turned toward her. "Always remember you must never perform magyck in front of a Nomag."

With a snort, she pulled her cloak tightly around her. "I do believe I have learned that lesson well, Lumos. Now you have shown me how easy it is to control my magyck, I find I am imagining a slow and painful death for Erik and his men."

"Ah, little butterfly, I know you will not use your magyck to cause death. You must believe me when I tell you your name is not Soul Catcher but, rather, a new beginning. Your future is fresh and new as when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly." Lumos shook the reins.

"I am not a caterpillar." She snorted and held out her arms, waving madly. "Look at me! I have arms and legs and I am not nibbling on leaves." She turned and gave him her best, wicked grin. "How do you know that I am not going to turn into an old hag and suck out your soul?"

"Because, my little butterfly, you _belong_ to me."
Chapter Nine

After sleeping under the stars for three nights, they rose at daybreak, and Lumos turned the wagon onto a well-worn track to travel north. As they climbed higher along the rutted path, the late summer sun did little to heat the cool wind blowing down from the ice-capped mountains. He had noticed a subtle difference in Thalia this morning. The witch often leaned against him, but today she allowed her hand to linger on his thigh. After a gentle mind probe, he found she had managed to build a fragile barrier around her conscious. In consequence, the horrific nightmares she suffered without mention had lessened. He never spoke of the heart-rending cries she uttered in her sleep. He hoped one day she would confide her night terrors to him, or, perhaps, come to him for comfort.

Over breakfast, she had laughed at his silly jokes and the sound had come like music to his ears. Perhaps Thalia had at last decided to trust him or had thrown off the Magus' influence. The change in her had convinced him the Magus had used dark telepathy to induce insecurities in an effort to keep her under his control. This knowledge left him with another score to settle.

Although she had trembled at the thought of meeting the Hag, she no longer flinched away from his touch. In fact, Thalia often touched him, pushing the hair from his eyes, or brushing crumbs from his shirt. He glanced down at her delicate fingers. The heat from her palm seeped through the thin material of his pants. He smiled. The thought of holding her close and kissing those full, soft lips sent heat pooling in his groin. His cock filled, pressing hard against the front of his pants. Gods, he would scare her off if she noticed his desire. Clearing his throat, he turned to her. "Would you hand me the flask?"

"I see smoke ahead. Is that another village?" Thalia turned to get the water from behind the seat and handed it to him.

He inhaled deeply and grinned. "Aye, I can smell bread baking. We will spend the night there to rest the horses. Mayhap we will find a nice, comfortable tavern to sleep in." He took the flask and sipped the water. "I think we should sell the wagon and buy another strong horse. This journey has taken longer than I envisaged. We cannot expect Albert to carry us constantly. If we have another horse, we could move more swiftly."

"I would say buy two more horses and spread the gelding's load. We will need all the supplies we can carry. I will buy a basket big enough to carry Brew. He will not be able to keep up with us in the snow." Thalia formed a ball of black fire in her hand. "I am ready to meet the Hag. Are you sure this will not kill her?" She let the spinning ball evaporate and grinned at him. "Or are vampires immortal, too?"

"Yes, they are to a degree. Well, I should say they are the living dead. They can be destroyed by decapitation but not by dark fire." He smiled. "Only the gods are truly immortal and those beasts of the Underworld."

He turned to Thalia. Her gaze reflected every emotion, and, with deep regret, he recognized the pain she held within rising again to the surface. He pulled her close. "I am proud of how many magyck spells you have mastered in such a short time. Do not worry, you will easily control the Hag with black fire. She will give up the information we need for a taste of my blood. Vampires are always hungry."

"It is not her I am worried about. In truth, I fear what will happen next in my life. I have no idea what the future will bring for me. I am alone in this world with no means of survival. Where will I go after you are free to return to Drakka?"

He stared at her incredulous. "I would hope you would decide to stay in Drakka with me."

"That would be nice." Thalia let out a long sigh. "I know so little about myself, who my parents are or what being a witch really means. Having magyck is as thrilling as it is disturbing. If I stay with you in Drakka, will you watch me grow old and die or is there a way I can become immortal, too?"

He stroked her cheek wanting to shout "yes" and tell her she was his mate, but how could he? In her fragile state, she would still fear him. He needed desperately to share his joy with her. The moment she tasted his seed, she would change slowly, to become a Dragonfae female. He knew this to be true, because he had seen the fire dancing in her eyes--fire for _him_. He shrugged, biting down guilt. "I am not sure... I do not know, not yet."

"Why did you come to my song?"

_Gods, not now, Thalia. If I tell you the truth, you will run from me. I cannot lie to you, either._ He sucked in a steadying breath. "You called to my dragon. When he is free, everything will become clear."

"You said the other day that I belonged to you. Do you remember? I have thought about your words for three days now, and it troubles me. Lumos, I do not belong to anyone--I am an orphan." Thalia gripped his thigh. "Why would you say such a thing?"

_A slip of the tongue, sweet butterfly._ "You belong to me to _protec_ t... You know that, do you not?" Lumos took up the reins and shook Albert into a trot.

"Aye, it is true. You say that often." Thalia chewed her bottom lip.

"Well then, it must be true... Look, this village has a tavern." He turned the wagon into the main street. Glad of the chance to change the subject, he smiled. "This place is much larger than I expected. Are you hungry?"

"Aye, I am as hungry as a wolf and I would love to sleep in a real bed for the night. Do we have enough money for a room?" Thalia pulled Brew onto her lap and rubbed his velvet ears.

With effort, he pushed away the image of Thalia lying naked on clean sheets, and cleared his throat. "Perhaps enough coin for one room, although we have need of a horse more than comfort for one night. I will sleep in the barn."

"If we are to sleep under the same blanket in the mountains, it makes no difference if you share a room with me now, does it? I have no reputation to spoil, after all."

Pulling his cloak across his legs to cover his rampant desire, he gritted his teeth. He had to keep her warm in the mountains so he might just as well practice his self-control between clean sheets. The dragon roared, insisting the time to mate drew near.

_By the gods, dragon, do not push me. I will not rush her, she is still human and will not survive mating. You must know my control is very near the end. Your insistence to claim her before she is ready will lose her to us forever. Do you want that?_

_"Mine... Thalia is mine, Lumos. She will not refuse because Cymbeline has given her to us. Just one kiss and she will be our mate."_ The seductive voice of the Nightdragon purred in Lumos's head.

_End your cajoling, Dragon, for it will get you nowhere. I will not mate her until she is Fae._

"Lumos?"

Pushing the dragon from his mind, he turned to Thalia. He forced a smile. "That is very kind of you. The ground has become very hard of late."

"I will be glad to sell the wagon as it holds bad memories for me." Thalia smiled wistfully. "Although I would never have met _you_ if my fa--the king had not banished me." She curled a strand of his hair around her finger. "Do you believe in fate?"

A bolt of erotic lightning hit him from the simple touch of Thalia's gentle touch on his hair. She could not know a Fae's hair, unlike Nomags, held sensation, and to cut one strand would bring great pain, to caress was an intimacy of lovers. He closed his eyes against wave after wave of intense desire throbbing through him. Her feminine allure filled his nostrils. How could he fight his overpowering need? His skin burned. The dragon hovered beneath the surface, egging him on to take the witch to mate. He forced open his eyes to answer. "I believe the goddess sent me to you. I burn for you, little butterfly, and my arms ache to hold you close." He sighed. "I understand this is something abhorrent to you, so we will speak no more about it."

"My dearest Lumos, you are not at all horrid to me... Gods, you are the most beautiful male I have ever seen." Thalia dropped her gaze. "I would be honored if you would hold me tonight. I know I will be safe in your arms."

_No, you will not, sweet butterfly. One kiss and you will be mine. I cannot allow that to happen. Not until you change into Fae. First, my sweet, I must teach you how to love._

"Then promise me one thing. I must have your word you will not kiss my mouth. I beg you not to kiss me, not until you want all of me, little butterfly, for I am still a male and driven by passion."

"But a kiss is a beautiful thing... I do not understand." Thalia frowned.

He chuckled. "A Faerie's kiss holds a potent aphrodisiac, little one. My kiss will make you _want_ me and I need your decision not to be one driven by lust. I want you to come to me freely, when you are ready to take that step, or not at all."

"Then I promise to do as you say. Gods, you are an honorable man, Lumos." Thalia patted his thigh.

_Gods, I am trying to be._

*** * * ***

In the stables beside the tavern, Thalia rested one finger on her chin in thought then walked around the two horses. The black warhorse tossed his head and eyed her suspiciously. She turned to the trader.

"A warhorse holds allegiance to his owner. How did you come by this beast?"

"I found him on a battlefield standing guard over a knight. Both were injured. I tended the knight, but he died. I have had this beast ever since. He is sound but needs a firm hand... A man's hand." The horse trader glanced at Lumos. "This is not a safe horse for a woman, good sir."

"He will suit. We will take the pair of them." Lumos reached for his purse. "Then we have a deal?"

"Aye, good sir, we do. I will have them and your other mounts ready to travel by first light."

Thalia pointed to Brew. "This is my cat. He will remain with the draft horse. He will empty your stable of rats this eve."

"Well then, he will be most welcome."

She gazed at the leathery-skinned man, his old disfigured hands swollen with arthritis. If she had planned to stay in this town, she would have been able to help him. She turned away and grinned at Lumos. The Fae wore his hat pulled down over his pointed ears, his long hair tied neatly back in a braid. An ankle-length black cloak covered his unusual leather clothes. With a crooked smile, he took her hand, and led her toward the tavern. She drew in the rich woodsy scent of him and reveled in the heat pouring into her from his hot flesh.

The town bustled with people. Cattle and sheep moved up and down the street, going to and from a noisy livestock market. Women carried chickens by their feet or herded geese into the auction ring. They had arrived at an opportune time--the monthly market provided them with a good variety of necessities, from water flasks to saddlebags, and blankets. The noise of men arguing over the price of wool rose and fell in the packed tavern. Inside, hot air spilled from the kitchen, bringing the delicious aromas of fresh bread and roast meats to mingle with the heavy smell of ale and men.

Thalia followed Lumos through the crowded room to the polished wooden bar. Secure under Lumos's arm, she marveled at the way he instantly gained the landlord's attention. The ruddy-faced proprietor wiped his hands on a filthy cloth hanging at his waist and came forward.

"I need two meals and a room for the night." Lumos placed a silver coin on the bar.

"We do not have anything available. All my rooms are booked. You see, with the markets like they are, the merchants come here regularly every month." The proprietor smiled. "The meals I can supply and you can sleep in the stable with yer horses. No charge."

"I must insist." Lumos offered a gold coin. "My wife cannot sleep in a stable. It is not safe with so many men around. Would you have the loss of her good name on your hands?" He rested his hand in the small of her back.

She lifted her chin and gave the landlord her best innocent expression. "I would be most grateful, good sir."

"A woman yer say?" The proprietor blinked at her and rubbed the whiskers on his chin. "Well, far be it for me to allow danger to befall such a young one." He took the gold coin. "Top of the stairs, turn left, room number six... One night only, mind." He looked at her intently and ran a hand through his hair. "I will send up the meals. You are correct, sir. If these men drink any more, this will not be a safe place for her, either." He swallowed. "I will get the maids to fill a bath, too."

"I would be much obliged." Lumos smiled. He gazed down at her and winked. "Pull the hood of your cloak over your face, my dear, and I will take you up to our room."

They climbed the creaky wooden steps and walked along the narrow, dark passageway. She could not fail to notice stains on the wooden floor and dark red splashes on the walls. _Gods, someone has been murdered here._

"Here, number six." Lumos threw open the door. "Hmm... it is small but clean."

A glowing fire heated the small room. The pinecones crackling in the hearth barely covered the stink of the previous occupant. The accommodation was spartan, furnished with only a narrow bed, two upright wooden chairs, and a scarred oak table. The room had one small window overlooking the stables. She strolled to the casement and using the hem of her cloak, wiped a small hole in the condensation. Her stomach fluttered. Goddess, she would sleep beside Lumos tonight. How would she react if he touched her? Would she run screaming from the room or give in to the desire throbbing through her? He would not kiss her, he had said as much. Did he feel the same tingling sensations at her touch as she did every time his hand accidentally brushed her skin? Or had he left his love in Drakka? He had only mentioned Lucinda once. How many lovers did the Fae have? _I bet you kissed all of them._

Turning at a knock on the door, she gathered her wits and smiled at Lumos. He had unpacked her nightgown and laid it on the bed. He threw her a boyish grin and opened the door. The smell of hot food wafted inside. Thalia's stomach rumbled. A maid placed a large tray on the table and two young women followed carrying a tin bath, which they placed in front of the fire. She sat on the edge of the bed and watched the servants trek back and forth with pails of hot water. Finally, she was alone with him. She stood and joined Lumos at the table.

"Ah, this looks good." Lumos took the plates of meat pie and potatoes off the tray. "And we have a jug of ale too." He turned to her with a mischievous grin. "I do hope you drink ale, little one?"

She licked her lips and picked up a fork. "Aye, I do but it makes me a little muddle- headed." Slipping a portion of meat pie into her mouth, she sighed. "A bath would be wonderful. It has been a long time since I had the pleasure of a hot bath."

"Then I will let you go first, as long as you use a little magyck to reheat the water for me. The water is so cold against my hot skin."

_You intend to bathe here in front of me, and I must be naked in front of you? Oh my._ Mind reeling with the implications of seeing him naked again, she chewed slowly, and reached for the ale. She had seen him undressed before--why must she make an issue of this now? The image of Lumos rising from the pool flashed into her mind. She swallowed hard and examined the man before her. Gods, he looked so wonderful. She loved the way his silky, black hair framed his deliciously handsome face, and those stunning eyes could trap a woman forever. He would be sleeping with her.

Holding her.

Touching her.

_Stop acting like a fool. If he had meant to hurt me, he would have when we were alone, not here in a crowded tavern._

"I think perhaps I should sleep in the stable." Lumos regarded her over the rim of his tankard. "You have that look again, sweetness, as if you think I will force myself upon you."

_How do you know these things?_

She shook her head. "No, of course not! Do not be silly. I _do_ trust you, really I do." She glanced at him. "Tell me about Lucinda... your lover. Does she pine for you in Drakka? How long have you been lovers? Have you kissed her?"

"Uh-huh... Oh, little one, do I feel a spark of jealousy?" Lumos grinned. "You have so many questions about Lucinda. Must I supply you with the names of all my lovers to placate you? I have lived a long time--gods, it will take all night to remember a quarter of them. Very well, my sweet butterfly, yes, Lucinda and I were lovers for about a year, and aye, I kissed her. In truth, I have kissed many Faeries, made love to hundreds. Do not look so shocked, my love, it is what we do. I cannot compel Fae with my kiss. Lucinda and other Faeries visited my bed often, but I refused all of them after I heard your song. Does she pine for me? I doubt it. She will have other lovers by now."

"This does not concern you?" Heat filled her cheeks. Lumos's obvious pride in his conquests made her squirm. "Do you feel a little used?"

"Not at all. She is free to bed whomever she pleases. It is not as if I loved her. I cared for her as I do for all of them but love... no." Lumos covered her trembling fingers. "Fae only fall in love once and that love lasts forever." He squeezed her hand. "I told you, the Fae have intimate relationships before they take their life mate. We enjoy what the gods have given us, an insatiable desire, and the freedom to love, to give and receive pleasure."

She pushed the food around her plate. Gods, she did not intend to become one of Lumos's many lovers. _I wonder, how many children has he sired?_

"This freedom, does it produce many by-blows? Do you have many children, Lumos?"

"No." He chuckled. "Fae can control their child seed--we only give a child to a true mate and, before you ask, I have never had a Nomag or a witch for a lover. I want you to know, you are very special to me, Thalia."

"Is that what you want from me... to be your new lover until someone else comes along?" She straightened her back. _If we were lovers, the pain of losing you would be too much to tolerate._ "I would be hurt if you cast me aside for another. I am not a Fae, Lumos. I have different feelings about love and commitment. In my world, a lady only gives herself to her husband _after_ marriage."

"If you became truly mine, little one, I would never cast you aside. Fae mate for eternity." Lumos sighed. "Although, you must understand, I do not want to have you just as my lover, but, at the moment, you are not yet ready to give yourself to me completely. Your experiences with men have ruined your trust and you know nothing of the delights of lovemaking... _Lovemaking_ , not simply a male satisfying himself by using your body for his own lust." He brushed her cheek. "I could give you delight without entering your body or kissing your lips, although the idea of loving you haunts my dreams." He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. "In truth, even if you begged me to plunge into your soft, wet heat, I would refuse."

A sharp pain stabbed her heart. She ached for his love, his friendship, or just to feel his strong arms around her. His silken tongue had done little to calm her nerves. Doubts swirled in her mind. He had made it perfectly clear he did not intend to consummate their relationship. Her heart twisted. It would seem, after trusting him with the intimate details of her ordeal, Lumos thought her too soiled to love, just as she had suspected.

"Why? Do not you want me?"

"Of course I desire you, but you know me as Lumos, a simple male. Tell me, Thalia, will my true self appall you? Will my wings frighten you? Can you, in truth, stand before the Nightdragon and not tremble in fear? I am Lumos, a Dragonfae. I am _not_ a man." He met her gaze and held it. "You must accept _all_ of me, man, Faerie and dragon, for us to be joined in body and soul. There can be no turning back once I kiss you, little one." He sighed. "For now, let me hold you and perhaps show you the delights of love. Then, when the dragon is free, you can decide."

With a shrug, she resumed eating. _The delights of love --really?_ Nothing in the grunting, slobbering, and rutting she had experienced had given her any delight whatsoever. She had no idea how a man might give her delight, although she knew exactly how a man used a woman's body for his own selfish pleasure. Oh, yes, that particular disgusting _delight_ had engraved itself in her memory. Lumos had made his position very clear. In truth, the thought of him morphing into a massive black dragon made her heart race. Could this really be possible? The Faerie wings would mesmerize her. If what he had said was true, did she have enough love inside her to care for a dragon, too? She must, for as the goddess was her witness, she had fallen deeply in love with Lumos--the man.
Chapter Ten

Lumos pushed the key in the lock and turned to gaze at Thalia. His little witch sat in the small copper bath in front of the fire, her long hair hanging down limp over the back of the bath. He placed the jug of ale on the table and flung off his cloak. "I think it is going to snow. Apparently this is quite normal for this altitude." He spread his cloak over the bed. "Do not worry, I will keep you warm."

"I know you will." Thalia reached for a thick linen sheet, stood and wrapped it around her. "The water is hot and, although the soap smells like horse dung, it does the job." She wrinkled her nose and stepped from the tub. "Why are you always so hot?"

Pulling his tunic over his head, he chuckled. "The dragon supplies the heat and, when he gets angry, steam rises from my skin and pours from my nose." He removed his boots and peeled off his pants. "Although I am biased, I have to say the Nightdragon is a beautiful creature. His skin is as a sky at midnight and we have the same eyes. I hope you will like him, little one, because he cares deeply for you."

"I hope so, too." Thalia cleared her throat. "Although seeing you naked is... Well, I have to say, my heart is pounding so hard I think it will break through my ribs and bounce across the floor." She tightened the linen around her chest. "If you affect me so, I have no idea how I may react to the Nightdragon."

He blew out the candle. "There. Now you cannot see me." He stepped into the water. "Use the spell I taught you to dry your hair and get into bed."

"I will dry your hair, too. Where is my nightgown?"

"You do not need it. I will keep you warm. Now do get into bed before you catch a chill." He washed swiftly and stepped from the bath. "My hair is dry, little one." He picked up a linen sheet and dried off.

In the glow of the fire, he noticed the fear in Thalia's eyes, the set of her jaw. He walked around the narrow bed, lifted the covers and slipped in behind her. Her back remained rigid and he heard a ragged intake of breath. With a gentle touch, he ran a hand down her arm. Thalia's soft skin shimmered under his palm. "Turn over and rest your head on my shoulder. The same as you do when we are in the wagon. I want to hold you close."

To his delight, she rolled onto her back and snuggled against him. This was not a delicate Faerie in his bed. The gods had designed Thalia's voluptuous body for male devotion. He cradled her in his arms with as much tenderness as he possessed. Her heart fluttered against his flesh. _So afraid. I will not hurt you._ He held her for some time without speaking waiting for her heartbeat to slow. Thalia's hand rested hesitantly on his chest, and she absently caressed his with her delicate fingers. The innocent touch sent blood straight to his shaft. He bit back a groan and pressed a kiss on her temple. Slowly, he stroked her ribs, and moved to cup her breast. The warm globe swelled under his palm. Hesitantly, he toyed with the hard point. "Do your breasts ache when I am near?"

"Aye, they ache now. Although this is a fascinating hurt, not true pain."

With gentle care, he skimmed his thumb in circles over the erect nipple. A tremble went through her. She gasped and arched her back, pressing her swollen breast into his hand. Gods, his mouth watered with the desire to taste the perfect twin globes tipped with cherry-red buds.

"Do you want me to kiss your beautiful nipples? I promise my touch will be most pleasurable." He nuzzled her neck. "You only have to say the word and I will stop. I will never hurt you."

"You will not bite? Erik..."

_I will kill him slowly for hurting you._ "Hush... No, only pleasure."

He lowered his head and kissed the full, heavy breasts, cupping one then the other. He suckled the hard peaks with gentle care and flicked each delicious nub with his tongue. Her unique flavor of strawberries and sunshine spilled over his taste buds. Thalia's small hands fisted his hair. The act sent shooting pleasure-pain straight to his balls. Blood rushed to his throbbing shaft. He raised his head and met her smoldering gaze. Gods, he could smell her arousal. Her sweet feminine scent sent his dragon into a frenzy.

_"No, dragon. Tonight, I will take the pain and she will have only pleasure."_

Slowly, he trailed his fingers down her belly. Her muscles moved in liquid waves against his touch. With gentle caresses, he circled her navel then down to sink his fingertips into the fire of curls at her apex. He stroked her silk and bent his head again to torment her rosy nipples.

"Is this pain or pleasure, sweet butterfly?"

"I cannot breathe. Pleasure... gods." Thalia tipped back her head and moaned.

With a smile, he slid deeper into her slick folds. He touched her reverently, sensing her emotion.

_Your sweet folds weep. I know you want me. Thank the gods._ She was so wet, so deliciously slick, he could almost taste her ravishing fragrance. _That delight must wait._ He teased her hard clit. Her body trembled at his touch and her sweet mews filled the room.

"You are so beautiful. Relax. Let yourself go, little one."

His dick filled to bursting, he could not hide his desire from her any longer and ground his throbbing shaft against her hip. He swirled her nub increasing the intensity until she shook and sobbed out his name. With relish, he used his mouth to torment her breasts. She began to pant, her body undulating. She arched her spine, rearing up, pushing against his fingers. Then, to his delight, she palmed him, and circled the tip of his aching cock with her small thumb.

"Oh, sweetness... Yes, that is so good." He rocked his hips, taking the gift she had offered so selflessly. Thalia uttered a long sigh and her sweat-soaked body shuddered. She thrashed her head back and forth, and called out his name on a long, throaty groan. "You are so sweet. Oh darling, yes little one, come for me." He closed his eyes and fell into the darkness to ride the waves of an incredible climax.

Thalia slipped her arms around Lumos. What had happened? Something wonderful, _glorious_. Her core still clenched with delight. How did he know such things? His touch had been magyck and his scent--goddess--had surrounded her like a potent aphrodisiac. If his scent did this to her, what incredible delight would come from his kiss? She smiled into the darkness with pride at her achievement. _Gods._ She had held his heavy cock without fear. The stories from the milkmaids about pleasuring a man with hand or mouth had been true, after all. To have Lumos in her mouth--her face grew hot at the thought.

With her face pressed against his heaving chest, she licked at the tiny, flat nipples. So hot, the heat radiated from his slick flesh, intensifying her desire for him. The taste of him engulfed her and she suckled. At once, his long fingers combed her hair.

"Do you want more, little one?" Lumos rested his knee across her thigh. "Soon, I promise. You should rest a while. Let me get a rag to clean up." He slipped from the bed.

Boldness and a new surge of confidence whipped through her. She watched unashamed as he took a rag, dipped it in the tub to wash his hands, and wiped the silvery seed from his belly.

"You look at me without fear. This is good." He met her frank appraisal with a smile. "I am delighted you touched me... and surprised." He sat on the bed and wiped the seed from her hip. "How did you know what to do?"

She dropped her lashes, embarrassed. "I heard the milkmaids talking and I admit I dallied in the garden to hear their conversations." She swallowed hard and lifted her chin. _Gods, you are so deliciously handsome._ "They spoke of preventing pregnancy by using their hand to please a man." Her face grew hot. "Or they told of relieving a man's passion by using their mouth. They said to hold a man in thrall, to control his pleasure in one's mouth or hand, was a remarkable delight. Until tonight, I thought they had lied."

"A male receives great pleasure from such acts. To be loved by a female's mouth is true bliss." Lumos pressed a kiss to her cheek. "To suckle on a female's pussy is also most delightful, much more intense than using a finger." He pushed the damp hair from her face. "Is this something you would enjoy, do you think?" He lay down beside her and opened his arms.

Snuggling into his embrace, she giggled. "To say those things, gods, my face is on fire. What you made me feel tonight is indescribable. I enjoyed everything you did to me." She yawned. "But I am so tired now."

"Then sleep. We have many days and nights ahead of us, little one, and each time we are together like this, you will trust me a little more." He rubbed her back in comforting circles. "You have started your journey back to life and love, sweet butterfly."

She inhaled the musky scent of him and ran her hands over the peach fuzz of his hard, muscular back. She ached to taste him, to give in to the overpowering desire to hold his heavy, velvet shaft in her mouth, and feel him shudder to climax.

_I love him._ She closed her eyes and began the wonderful descent into dreamscape. One day, she would tell him of her love. _I hope I will love the Nightdragon, too._

* * * *

Later that night, Thalia opened her eyes, gazed at Lumos's glorious nakedness, and glowed with sensual memories. The snow clouds had drifted away from the night sky, allowing the moon to spill through the window. She slipped from the bed to use the chamber pot and washed in the freezing tub water. Returning to bed, she bent to kiss his neck. She curled a lock of his long hair around her finger, and stared at the silken strand with amazement. Without a second thought, she lifted the hair to her lips and pressed a kiss to the forest-scented lock. A shiver went through his muscular body, and he sighed sleepily, and whispered her name.

Bending over him, she licked his flat nipples, teasing the dark brown buds until they stood up in tiny peaks. She loved the taste of his skin, the unique scent of him. Kissing a path down his chest, she smiled at his heavy dick jutting out from his hairless groin.

_So, you enjoy my touch._ The sight of his balls tightening drew her to him. Without considering the outcome, she hesitantly ran the pad of her finger over the tight skin. Her gentle touch brought an instant reaction--his straining cock bounced and a drop of moisture appeared on the tip. She gave in to the savage desire to taste him and, closing her palm around his hard shaft, licked the dewy slit. The taste of him exploded across her tongue. She groaned. Her pussy clenched, and wept with intense longing. Without a second thought, she opened her lips and took him in. His velvet rod slid a hot path across her tongue and she suckled, wanting more of his delicious flavor. Without warning, Lumos cupped her thigh with his hot hand and she glanced up at him. To her surprise, the Fae's eyes glowed in the dark.

"Kneel over me, little one, and let me pleasure you, too." Lumos lifted her, and draped her over his face. "Yes, my sweet, like that. Gods, you are so beautiful."

Her heart pounded. Goddess, to be positioned this way, with her knees spread wide apart, and her pussy splayed wide to his gaze, sent waves of pleasure sizzling up her spine. Lumos rocked his hips, pushing more of his delectable shaft deep into her mouth. She sighed, wanting so much more. His hot fingers parted her folds and he hummed against her sensitive nub. An explosion of erotic awareness shot straight to her womb--her thighs trembled. Gods, he played his warm fingers over her as if she were a precious instrument.

At the first glide of his rough tongue across her clit, surge after surge of delicious torment buckled her knees. She trembled and suckled hard. Nothing could be as incredible as this sensation. Lumos swirled a sizzling path around her sensitive bud and slid one long finger deep into her core. She gasped, waiting for the agony to come, but Lumos offered no pain with the intrusion, only mind-destroying bliss. She moaned around his rock-hard shaft.

Gods, she would die from such pleasure. Running her teeth up the length of his shaft and tormenting the engorged helmet with her tongue brought moans of appreciation. Lost in him, she fell then rose again in erotic euphoria. His huge cock shimmied in her mouth and when he closed his wonderful mouth around her and sucked, shivery sensations curled deep in her belly. Lightning shot down her thighs. The next instant, her mouth filled with the unique flavor of Lumos, and she sucked harder, wanting more, needing more until every bone in her body melted. She fell into sublime bliss, collapsing in a shudder of fulfillment.

Unable to move, she lay across the solid strength of him. The heat from his sun-kissed flesh radiated through her. The sweet man lifted her gently, turned her and drew her against him. She buried her face in his neck. _Gods, what have I done?_

"How I wish I could bury myself deep inside you, sweet butterfly, to kiss your lips. If only I could find someone to remove this silver." Lumos tenderly cupped her breast. "I want you to see me as I truly am for being together like this before you meet my dragon... Gods, I fear you will reject me, little one." His mouth compressed into a thin line.

She pressed a kiss to his neck. "I think, at first, the Nightdragon will frighten me, I will not lie to you, but I am excited at the thought of meeting him, gods, to actually see a dragon will be overwhelming." She touched his face. "I ask for your patience a little longer. Give me time to adjust to the greatness of him."

She met his gaze and his amazing eyes became deep enough to drown in. How easy it would be to fall into his blatant desire and press her lips to his soft mouth. He mesmerized her.

Intrigued her.

Satisfied her.

Did she truly know her heart, or had she just experienced her first taste of pure, hot sin? Forcing her mind back into their conversation, she cleared her throat. "Once the silver is removed from your wrists, how long will it take for the dragon to appear?"

"He burns to be free, so as soon as the silver is removed, he will be able to appear. Although I have control of him, he can only morph with my consent or if I'm in mortal danger." Lumos sighed. "The Nightdragon is hungry and wants revenge on those that hurt you. I must persuade him to save Drakka from the Magus first." He squeezed her. "This will not be easy, as he will insist your needs must come before anything else but without my protection of Drakka, many lives will be lost."

"Do you speak to him the same way as you do with Brew?"

"Aye, I do understand the cat's language, although, of late, Brew prefers to mindspeak with me." Lumos rested his chin on her head and his warm breath brushed her face. "Later, if you choose to join with me, my seed will enhance your body, extend your lifespan, and you will hear the dragon, too." He rubbed the back of his neck. "To be honest, tasting my seed tonight will make you stronger. A Dragonfae's seed enhances a Nomag's body and will do the same to yours as well."

"And then will I be able to mindspeak with Brew?"

"I should think so, but let's not discuss this now. The sun rises--we need to bathe and eat before we leave." Lumos kissed her hair. "Can you heat the water in the tub?"

She shivered. The fire had died long ago. Forming a fireball, she threw it at the black logs. The wood ignited with a whoosh. Teeth chattering, she slipped from the bed and crossed the room. She tossed a few logs on the fire, then turned to cast a spell to heat the water in the bath.

"Oh my, it is freezing in this room." She stepped into the tub, sank into the steaming water and turned to see him grinning like a monkey. "What do you find so funny, Dragonfae?"

"Well... I cannot decide." Lumos rested his head on his hand. "The delicious blue hue to your skin or the mouth-watering way your breasts bounce."

She growled and threw a wet rag at his head. The infuriating man struck out with the speed of a snake and caught the dripping mass. She bathed quickly and stepped from the water "How long will it take us to find the Hag?"

"A few days. The mountain range is in this realm." Lumos left the bed and made his way toward her to take his turn in the bath "My dragon will guide me. The Hag's cave is high above an alpine village. Unfortunately, after she drinks my blood, one of the inhabitants of the village will become her next meal."

"Will she kill them?"

"Not likely. The Hag will seek a lover and keep him as a pet until the youth from my blood wears off in a year or two." Lumos shuddered. "I would not like to be her blood slave."

She laughed and gave him a curtsy. "Do not worry, mighty dragon, you have Thalia, the broken witch of Broclarre, to protect you."

"Then, little witch, I am in safe hands." Lumos threw the wet rag and it caught her on the side of the head. He chuckled. "Or perhaps not."

* * * *

After breakfast, Thalia picked up her bags and made her way downstairs to the stable. She wrapped her cloak tightly around her, glad of the gloves Lumos had insisted on buying the previous day. A light coating of snow dusted the rooftops and lay in a gray trampled sludge on the road. The heat from the packed building met the early morning chill in swirls of white mist. Inside, the smell of fresh hay, horse and leather greeted her. She found the horses packed and ready to leave, and Lumos standing beside the warhorse, rubbing the massive beast's neck.

"Is he going to behave himself?"

"Aye, it took me a while to convince him that I had not brought him along for food for the Nightdragon. All animals recognize the dragon inside me." Lumos grinned. "He likes you--it is only me he fears."

With a smile, she handed Lumos her bags. "Do you have a name for him?"

"He said his name is Argos." Lumos attached the bags to Albert's saddle. "The gelding is Drummer and the chestnut is called Conker."

"Have you seen Brew?"

"Aye, I have. It seems he found the cook to his liking and spent the night in the kitchen." Lumos raised an eyebrow. "He is filling his belly with meat scraps as we speak." He pulled his hat down tighter over his ears. "Wait here, I will fetch him."

Thalia rubbed Argos's silky black nose. "You do not have to worry about Lumos, he will never hurt you."

Footsteps echoed on the cobblestones in the laneway. The door to the stable opened to admit four men. They paused in the doorway and whispered urgently to each other. Thalia froze, gripping the bridle of the warhorse until her knuckles ached. She had the ability to conjure dark fire now, but to throw such a weapon in a stable would mean a fiery death for the horses within. Her heart thundered. She wanted to cry out for Lumos but if these men were no threat, she would appear foolish.

One of the men turned his attention to her, undressing her with his eyes. He licked his thin lips and blatantly stared at her breeches. Damn, she should have tied her hair back or at least pulled up the hood of her cloak. In truth, she had forgotten she must try to resemble a boy. This morning she had wanted, for once in her life, to be proud to be a woman. To lie in a man's arms and enjoy a lover's embrace had been a wonderful revelation.

"Well, look what we 'ave 'ere." The man moved closer. "It is been a long time since I seen such a beautiful pair o' legs." He glanced over one shoulder and grinned. "Just look how the buckskin molds to her bum."

A tall man with dirty, blond hair stepped closer and unbuttoned his flies. "You hold 'er down for me, boys, there's plenty to go 'round."

With a gasp, she stepped back between Albert and Argos. The warhorse snorted and stamped his feet. The great beast turned, pressing her protectively against Albert's warm body.

"Someone grab that bloody 'orse." The blond man leered at her. "Do not think that nag will protect yer."

"But I will." Lumos moved into the stable in a flash of black swirling cloak.

The early morning sun glistened on the sword in Lumos's hand. The mist curled around his legs making him appear as a phantom. The men turned as one to stare upon the manifestation of a ghostly being straight from hell. Lumos stepped inside the stable, his huge bulk filling the entrance. His cloak swished around him, giving the Fae the appearance of a huge bat.

Her heart twisted at the anger in his deep green eyes. She offered him a small smile and it dissipated the second their eyes met. When she gave him a slight nod, his expression returned to stone. Steam flowed from his nostrils and his long, black hair crackled around him, throwing blue sparks into the gloom. Without warning, he crashed his massive fist into the side of the blond man's head, felling him like a sapling. He spun the sword, muscles bulging, and moved toward the other men. They moved backward toward Thalia. She pulled out the gold dagger and raised her arm, ready to fight. The next second, Argos rose majestically on his hind legs and struck out at the men with his hooves. Screams of fear and pain filled the stables. Horses panicked, whinnied to each other and crashed against the stall doors, fighting to be free.

With one graceful movement, Lumos touched the remaining man's neck with the point of the sword. He glared down menacingly at the trembling man. His lip curled.

"You had a lot to say to my woman--you have the mouth of a sewer rat. Apologize to the lady."

"I am sorry, milady."

"Do you want me to castrate them all, milady?" Lumos met her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Or will a fine do?" He glared at the man. "Do you have money to pay a fine?" He glanced up at her. "Although I would much prefer to castrate them and save any poor, innocent females from these men in the future... Hand me your dagger, milady."

Heavy purses dropped in the sawdust-strewn floor at Thalia's feet. She gathered them up and forced her face into a neutral expression. "I will accept a fine... this time."

"Get out of here." Lumos waved his sword, slapping the blond man's backside on the way through the open stable door.

She dropped the heavy purses to the floor and slumped against Argos. The stable moved out of focus. She retched and turned away to vomit. Within the space of a second, Lumos had gathered her into his arms and wiped her mouth with tenderness. He whispered silly things close to her ear and sang a song much like a lullaby. She lifted her chin. "Thank you. Those men were going to..."

"I know their intentions toward you. Gods, Thalia, I should not have left you alone." He turned and glared at Brew. "This would not have happened if you had been ready to leave, cat."

Brew weaved in and out of his legs as if apologizing.

"Sorry is not good enough, cat, it is your duty to protect her. You are her familiar." Lumos cradled her in his arms. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Take deep breaths, my sweet butterfly. Try to push this fear away. You are safe now and we must leave this place. Can you ride?"

"Yes." She nodded and pushed away from the safety of his warmth. "Argos protected me. I think he knows he belongs to us now."

"He belongs to you, sweet butterfly. You can command him to give his life for you and he will be happy to oblige."

"I could never ask such a thing." She ran a hand down the stallion's sleek, black coat. "Thank you, Argos." She turned to gaze at Brew. "Come on now, into your basket. We have to meet a Hag."
Chapter Eleven

The watery sun had crossed the mountain range, plunging the deep ravines into indigo twilight. On the snow-covered slopes, fir trees stood out like sentries with white flowing cloaks. Far below, a green valley gave way to rolling hills, untouched by the snow, and around small clusters of houses, checkered fields of corn and oats were dressed in the colors of autumn.

The sleet filled mountain wind bit into Lumos's face and froze his fingers around the lead rope. He pulled Thalia closer against him and she nestled into him. Without missing a step, the horses pressed on through the deep drifts following Argos's fearless leadership. He tucked his cloak around her. To be sure, he had underestimated the witch's stamina. A wave of pride went through him at the recollection of her standing in the stable, dagger in hand. She had not used her magyck but her eyes had darkened to almost black--fire had flamed within those orbs--like a Dragonfae's mate-- _his mate_.

How would she react on seeing her image now? By swallowing his seed, she had already begun a subtle change. The scar on her cheek had vanished, her skin had a golden glow, and those small streaks of flame in her eyes had increased tenfold. He smiled and kissed the top of her head, breathing in her scent. The witch had given him a glimpse of her true self last eve. Her sweet mouth had delighted him. Her taste had consumed him, like the finest ambrosia. His heart soared, for inside this frightened girl burned the needs and desires of a beautiful woman.

The track broke free of the canyon and wound up to a plateau overlooking a deep, snow-filled valley on the other side of the range. Here, amongst a forest of pine trees, sat a small village. "We must bypass the village. There are caves higher up the next range. We can stop there for the night. The Hag's cave is about one hour's ride from there. We need only take Argos. We will return for the others. If the Hag cannot help us, I have no idea where to go from here."

"Do not you know your way home?" Thalia turned to look at him. "I would have thought that would be the first place to go if you needed help."

"If I tried to return to Drakka bound in silver with you at my side, we will most likely be killed before we reach the city." He drew a deep breath. "The Magus would pay highly for my death and those who are now slaves to his potion would be desperate enough to do the job for him." He turned Argos up a winding path that bypassed the village. "Without my dragon, I am defenseless in Drakka. We have a different society than most Fae. We are warriors, not wood nymphs, and only the strong survive." He blew out a long puff of steam. "I am the next to take the throne as my father has served one hundred years. To rule, the king must be the strongest dragon, so the heir apparent must fight all challengers."

"You mentioned you would have to fight to the death on your return to Drakka." Thalia gripped Lumos's arm. "I fear for you."

He chuckled. "Have no fear, little butterfly, for the Nightdragon is strong. No other has beaten him before. Although we do not usually fight to the death, submission is acceptable. This was the Magus's stipulation and one I welcomed. The Dragonfae I am fighting is a traitor to our kind and deserves no mercy."

* * * *

Lumos guided the horses into the maw of a massive cave. Icicles hung from the entrance in rows like sharks' teeth. Inside, the cave was warm and dry, sheltered from the freezing wind. He untied Albert's lead rein from his saddle and rode deeper into the cave. His dragon sight speared through the darkness. At the back of the cave, he could see light filtering through a fissure in the roof.

"We will make camp here--there is a vent above that will act as a chimney for our fire."

"How can you see that?"

"I have dragon sight." He turned the horse around. "I will unload the horses. I am not sure how long we will be here."

"When do we meet the Hag?"

He dismounted and lifted Thalia down. He pressed a kiss to both of her rosy cheeks. The desire he had for his witch held no boundaries. The uncontrollable surges of lust running through him unnerved him. Nothing came close to the rampant desire he had for his little butterfly. In truth, since he had tasted her delights, he cared less about the silver bands, Drakka, or anything other than the female he held in his arms. His cock strained to be free and he ached to bury his heavy shaft deep inside her hot, wet folds. _And she would not stop me. I know deep inside that she wants me as much as I do her._ He must control the situation before it consumed him completely. He dragged himself out of her embrace. "We will start off at first light to find the Hag."

* * * *

Thalia sat cross-legged in front of the fire. She had heated the meat pies Lumos had purchased from the tavern and with each bite, she moaned with pleasure. In truth, she could not remember being so hungry or food tasting so delicious. She reached for the wineskin and sipped the rich aromatic brew.

"Oh, this is so good."

"These changes you feel--the increased stamina, the enjoyment of food--come from me." Lumos regarded her over the water flask. "It is because we enjoyed each other last night."

With a grin, Thalia took in the man lying casually on the bedroll. Firelight reflected in his eyes and turned his face into a chiseled work of art. She took another sip of wine and put aside the wineskin. Emotions tumbled through her with a savagery she had not, could not have dreamed about. No explanations about "wifely duty" had foretold of the passion curling though her, or of the tingling sensation left by his touch. Lumos's kisses still burned her cheeks. Her breasts had swelled, nipples reaching for another tantalizing scrape against his hard chest. Riding with his hands wrapped around her all day had been a tormenting bliss.

These unfamiliar emotions, this passion, both frightened and enthralled her. How should she act now? This lovemaking seemed so casual to Lumos, as if taking his cock into her mouth, her drinking his seed--no, feasting on his delicious seed--had been a natural thing to do. She examined the massive length of him, a shiver of awareness curled in her folds.

_I want more of you. I want you every minute._ Heat crawled up her neck and she lowered her gaze.

"Being with you last night, you must realize loving you like that and being loved in return was very special to me, little one." Lumos stretched, rolled onto his back, and opened his arms. "Will you allow me to hold you again tonight? Did you enjoy my hands on you, my mouth on your hard little nipples?"

She tossed the remains of her pie to Brew, then crawled over to Lumos and rubbed against him like a cat. "Oh... yes. I would like to enjoy you now. I need to taste you, to hold your strength in my mouth, trembling like a little bird waiting to explode into flight." Pushing her hands under his tunic, she ran her palms over his hot flesh. The simple delight of touching him sent waves of sizzling lust deep inside her folds. She bent her head and kissed a path to the waistband of his pants. "I want you... all of you."

"I can only give you what I did before, my sweet butterfly." Lumos grabbed her hand curling his long fingers around it. "Remember your promise to me, Thalia. We must wait until you see my dragon."

She fought down the lust and slowly removed her clothes. Naked and shivering, she lay down beside him. "Take off your clothes, Lumos. Let me touch you--skin on skin."

Lumos growled. Did she know how the scent of her arousal had almost undone him? He tore at his clothes and drew her naked flesh against him. Heart thundering against his ribs, he lay back and allowed his woman to explore his body. So sweet, she lapped at his nipples and sucked hard on his neck, her hot, wet mouth teasing him unmercifully. How he wanted to kiss her. Saliva filled his mouth. His dragon roared in his head.

" _Mine... Take her, Lumos."_

Smoke flowed from his nostrils. "You drive me to madness! Gods, if I lose control... Thalia, you are not ready for me yet. To have you completely is dangerous right now. Gods, I do not want to hurt you, little one, but I ache for you, sweet angel."

"Could you love me without kissing me?" Thalia pouted. "I am not a virgin and you will not hurt me. I trust you, Lumos."

_I want you so much._ He stroked her fiery red pussy and dipped one finger inside the wet heat. _She is not strong enough to experience mating. Gods, I could kill her. I must make an excuse and give her body time to change in preparation for moonfire._

"If I take you, enter you here, fill you, my dragon will make his claim, my child seed will be released, and you will never be able to leave me." He touched her face. "This will be a problem if you refuse my dragon. He will never let you go... Never."

"You know I am a little afraid of your dragon. Tell me, is he very big?" Thalia pressed a kiss to his chest.

With a sigh, he stroked her silken flesh. "The Nightdragon blocks out the moon and casts a shadow over an entire village... Aye, my love, he is a massive beast, but he is part of me, with my heart, my emotions. When you look on him, butterfly, look into his eyes and see Lumos within."

"My heart will know it is you, although I fear my knees will tremble." Thalia touched his face. "I will see your eyes, Lumos, and I will trust you not to hurt me." She licked her bottom lip leaving a glossy sheen. "I am so confused about love. Before last eve, I truly believed men brought only pain, and now I want so much to taste your lips and feel you deep inside me. You have made me too bold and this side of me shocks you, I can see it in your face."

Running a hand through his hair, he stared into her smoldering eyes. Flames caressed his balls. Gods, he wanted her, too. He shook his head. "You see wonder in my eyes because I believed you were lost to me, too damaged to feel passion or to trust a male again." He drew blankets over them. "I welcome your boldness and look forward to our joining, but we must be patient for a little longer." He pulled her against him and nuzzled her neck. "Soon, little one... Soon."

* * * *

Thalia awoke safe in Lumos's strong arms. A shroud of steam covered them from the constant stream from his nostrils. "You are awake. Good, the sun has been up for at least an hour." Lumos cupped her breast, running his thumb over the nipple. "Get dressed. I will get you something to eat."

She scrambled to her feet and dressed. Taking the bread and cheese Lumos offered, she strode to the entrance. Blinding sunlight streamed in through the mouth of the cave. On the snow-covered plateau, she could make out the horses scraping the snow to eat the frozen grass. A patch of gray dust had replaced the sack of oats Lumos had emptied on the floor for the horses. She turned and stared at him. "The horses are packed and ready to leave." She raised an eyebrow. "Have you had time to eat?"

"Aye, now finish your bread and we will be on our way."

* * * *

After breakfast, Thalia leaned into Lumos's embrace and they rode up the narrow path toward the Hag's cave. So cold, she wondered how anyone could survive in these ranges. She gazed up at the towering snow-covered peaks, rising so high above in white, gleaming brilliance. The entire mountain range dominated the landscape for as far as the eye could see. Many caves dotted the sheer rock face. "How do we know which of these caves belongs to the Hag?"

"Look up there." Lumos pointed to a small green patch surrounded by trees. "See the smoke?"

She searched the rocks. A whisper of smoke curled through the fir trees. "Aye, I see it. Tell me, Lumos, how do I know when the Hag has taken enough blood?"

"I will hold a pebble. The second I drop it, conjure the black fire, and order her to stop drinking." Lumos dashed a hand through his hair. "If she refuses, throw the fire and try not to hit me."

"Why cannot you order her to stop? I do not understand." Seconds ticked by. She squeezed his arm. "Lumos... did you not hear me? I asked you, why could not you tell her to stop drinking?"

"Because, my love, a vampire's saliva is intoxicating... erotic... and I will be held in thrall to her and unable to think straight. The Hag will want all of my blood or will try to enslave me. You must understand. I will be her means to stay young forever."

A shiver ran down her back. Dread gripped her. "Like opium, you will become addicted to the Hag's saliva?"

"Aye, like a spider drawn into the black widow's web, it is certain death." He pulled her tighter against him. "Now I must trust _you_ , little one, and I do."

Without warning, Argos sidestepped, rolled his eyes, and danced away from the path. The black stallion snorted, dug his hooves in and refused to budge.

"He refuses to move any closer to the Hag." Lumos dismounted and held his arms open for her. "Come, we must go on foot from here."

Holding tightly to his hand, she slipped and slid her way up the winding path. The Hag's cave had a strong, wooden door across the front and not one flake of snow had fallen near the entrance. She shivered. A hum of magyck had spun around her as if examining her powers. The door creaked open and a wrinkled old woman with long, gnarled fingers poked her head outside.

"I am Fae." Lumos stepped forward. "I have come to make a bargain with you. I offer my blood for information."

"What information do you seek?" The Hag's voice croaked like a frog.

"I seek one with the power to remove these silver bands placed on me by the Magus of Fullmount." Lumos drew back his sleeves exposing the silver on both wrists.

"Then come inside. Do you offer the witch, as well?" The Hag eyed Thalia speculatively. "She has the bloom of spring."

"No, I am Dragonfae. One small taste of my blood will keep you young for years. The witch is here to witness our bargain." He bent down to pick up a small pebble. He glared at the Hag. "She has the power to guard against treachery." He pulled Thalia against his side.

"On your part or mine?" The Hag stepped to one side to allow them to enter. "Sit, Dragonfae, and give me your blood." She waved him to a chair beside a roaring fire.

Inside the cave, spinning light globes floated in the air, illuminating a neat home that was similar to her cottage in the Singing Forest. A basket of nuts sat on an old wooden table, and above the fire, bunches of herbs tied with string hung to dry. A caldron bubbled on the hearth, filling the air with the aroma of beef stew. In the corner sat a very old man with a long chin and pointed ears.

"This is Mino, my blood slave, although the sweet boy refuses to return home. He is such a devoted little Elf and so tasty." The Hag followed Thalia's gaze. "See how he looks at me with love in his eyes? I have that effect on all my lovers." She grinned, exposing long, yellow fangs. "Now sit, Fae, and let us finish this."

With a pang of fear, Thalia took Lumos's cloak and watched him bare his neck for the Hag.

"Before you touch him, tell us what we need to know. Where can we find someone to remove the silver bands and what is the swiftest way to get there?"

"Very well." The Hag licked her lips and moved closer to Lumos. "You must seek the help of the ancient one known as the Firedragon, the one you all believed lost centuries ago. The Dragonfae, Pyro, is the only one with powers strong enough for this task. I will ask Mino to open a circle of light and send you to him, but know this, witch... Pyro is guarded by Nehebkau, the two-headed snake demigoddess of the Underworld and she protects her pet."

"Pyro is alive?" Lumos's eyes widened in astonishment. "She speaks the truth. No one has heard of him for centuries. I thought him dead."

"He is the love slave of Nehebkau. You must kill her and set him free."

"But how could a Dragonfae survive so many years away from the magyck realms?" Lumos shook his head, disbelief etched in his face. "This is not possible."

"Nehebkau commands the ancient realm of Rantazmac. This was the first realm of the Dragonfae. If you know your history, Nehebkau won this realm in the battle of Zancor a thousand centuries ago." The Hag ran a finger down Lumos's neck. "Pyro lost the battle and became Nehebkau"s slave."

"Then drink, Hag, so we may be on our way." Lumos shot a warning glance at Thalia. "Form your black fire, butterfly, and trust no one."

The sight of the Hag feasting on Lumos sent icy shivers down her spine. Hate for the repulsive creature came easily and fed the spinning ball in her hand, changing the orange twirling orb into a crackling black mass. A trickle of crimson blood ran down his chest. She stared at the hand gripping the pebble. Gods, how much more did the bitch need? _Drop the pebble, Lumos... Drop the damn pebble._ Lifting her attention to the Hag, Thalia watched her grow younger. Her white hair became dark and a youthful flush stained her cheek. To her horror, Lumos's face had become a mask of bliss.

"Stop! Stop now." She ran forward and grasped the Hag's hair in an attempt to drag the vampire's fangs away from his neck. With an unholy chuckle, the Hag shrugged her off, and continued to drain Lumos. "Let go of him right now. This was not our bargain. Let--him--go."

The vampire growled deep in her chest and bit deeper into Lumos's willing flesh. _Why will he not resist?_ Fear gripped her belly. She stared at Lumos's glazed expression. _Gods, he said to trust no one._ Taking a step closer, she ground the ball of black fire into the old woman's back.

An ear-piercing scream filled the small cave. The sound of the Hag's pain sent Thalia into a frenzy. She pounced on her, tearing her nails into the vampire's face, wrenching the undead's fangs from his neck. Strength surged through her, the need to protect him raged through every muscle with the intensity of a bolt of lightning. She struck out at the vampire knocking her away.

Drawing on the hate for the ugly crone, she formed fireball after fireball and attacked without mercy. The vampire hissed, the youthful blush slowly draining from her face. Thalia shuddered and used hate for the repugnant creature into yet another ball of black fire. On impact, the Hag shriveled from a ripe plum to a wrinkled prune and collapsed in a heap on the floor.

The old Elf staggered from the chair and walked unsteadily toward her. Thalia spun around to face the old man. She must protect Lumos. Blinded by rage, she stood in front of the Dragonfae, balls of black fire spinning on both palms. "Do not come any closer, Elf--I _will_ kill you."

"Let me come with you, I beg you." Mino drew a circle of light. "Your magyck has freed me from the Hag's spell."

Thalia threw both fireballs at the Hag. She held no pity for the vampire's screams. Goddess, her rage had become uncontrollable. Drawing a steadying breath, she tried desperately to focus. She turned to Lumos. "Lumos, for the gods' sakes, get up!" She pulled on his arm. "We have to go. Get up, now."

She dragged Lumos to his feet then pushed him through the circle of light and they fell onto a snow-covered plateau. She searched around and found Argos standing not ten paces away. To her relief, Lumos rolled into a sitting position, shook his dark head, and stared around, disorientated. She cupped his pale face. "Are you well? Lady's blood, Lumos, speak to me."

"Aye, my sweet butterfly, I am well. Gods, you are remarkable. I was lost... The Hag bewitched me with vampire glamour." Lumos scrubbed at his face. "I had not realized how vulnerable I am without magyck." He lifted his gaze to her. "You fight like a Dragonfae's mate. I am sure I saw sparks flying from your hair." He gave her a weak smile. "Gods... I hate being useless."

"You will need this." Mino handed Lumos his cloak. "I owe you my life and will send you to Rantazmac if that is your wish, then I must return home." He sighed. "I will seek guidance from the King of the Fae in the hope he may be able to restore me."

"I am sure he will help you." Lumos got to his feet. "Our horses are farther down the mountain. We will need them to carry our supplies."

"Do you know the realm of the three moons? The one they call Treluna?" Mino inclined his head.

"Aye, I know Treluna." Lumos regarded the Elf with narrowed eyes. "Why?"

"Treluna is my home. Come with me and I will care for your horses." The Elf sighed. "Rantazmac is a barren landscape and the horses will not survive there. I will send you into the caves and set you down only a short distance from the entrance to Pyro's prison." He straightened his spine. "I fought with the Dragonfae and saw the capture of the Firedragon. This is how the Hag knew of the ancient one."

"How am I supposed to kill Nehebkau?" Lumos rubbed the two puncture marks on his neck. "If the Firedragon could not beat her with his magyck, what chance do I have? I might just as well be a Nomag."

"You will not be able to fight her with magyck. She is good, very good, but if you take her unawares, you at least have a chance." Mino smiled. "If you do not use magyck, she will not sense your presence. Elf magyck is no threat to her, so my circle of light will pass by unnoticed."

Thalia crossed her arms and glared at the Elf. "Do you really expect us to creep up on Nehebkau and cut off her head?" She snorted and kicked at the snow. "What an imaginative mind you have, Elf. No doubt to gain possession of our horses."

"Take her while she sleeps and do not forget you must cut off both her heads." Mino chuckled. "Now, can we leave this frozen Nomag hell? My old bones ache from the cold."

"Aye, Mino, we will come with you." Lumos turned and held out his hand to Thalia. "Come, little one, the way ahead is perilous but will take us one step further to Drakka."

Thalia took his hand and cold fingers of fear danced down her spine. _Or, we are one step closer to our death?_

The End of Part One

To be continued...
Author Biography

H.C. Brown is a multi-published, bestselling, award-winning author of Historical, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, BDSM, Time Travel, Action Adventure, and Contemporary Romance.

In 2015, she was delighted to be named Luminosity Publishing's Bestselling Author of 2014.

In 2015, _Highlander in the Mist_ was placed 3rd in Historical and _Rock 'n' Leather_ was placed 3rd GLBT in the Easychair Bookshop Competition.

In 2011, she was delighted to receive nominations in three categories in the 2011 CAPA Awards: Favorite Author, Best GLBT Romance, and Best Science Fiction Romance.

She was nominated for Best Historical M/M in the 2013, Goodreads Book of Year Awards.

H.C writes about strong alpha male heroes and girl next door heroines in complex settings, and all her stories have happy endings.

H.C. welcomes feedback from her readers.

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