Chapter 11

The day had been a whirlwind of emotions and exhaustion. As I sank into the bath, the warm water soothing my tired muscles, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events.

It was late, but I needed this moment of tranquility to process everything I’d witnessed. The meeting with Navine, myself, and the other Dragons had been surprisingly successful, despite the palpable tension between Navine and Lord Dominick.

I knew Navine wasn’t thrilled to see him, but I hadn’t anticipated the level of hostility that unfolded. Lord Dominick seemed to revel in the discomfort, pushing Navine’s buttons with a smirk on his face.

Lyric’s unexpected appearance was a blessing in disguise. I had a hunch that Lord Dominick’s sudden departure wasn’t due to a lack of time, as he claimed. He was avoiding Lyric, likely because of his status as a ruler.

He simply used a convenient excuse to make a hasty exit. Lyric’s arrival was a welcome surprise for all of us. He seemed to enjoy his time with us, despite the serious issues that needed addressing.

We all gathered around the large round table to discuss these matters.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Raelina,” Lyric said, taking a seat next to me. Navine was on my other side. “I had planned to visit later, but when I heard about this meeting, I couldn’t resist.”

“You were eavesdropping, weren’t you? Or did your mage do it for you?” Navine asked.

Soliel, the mage, bowed his head in acknowledgment. “I apologize if it seemed intrusive, but I felt it was important to inform Master Lyric about this meeting, especially considering the recent issues with the Prism Dragon,” he explained.

“That’s what we suspected,” Lord Niles agreed, nodding solemnly.

“I hope I’m not overstepping my boundaries,” Lyric said, flashing me a friendly smile. “While it’s great to see you all accepting Raelina, we know Dominick might be an exception. Navine and I are family, and now Raelina is part of it. I feel it’s my duty to ensure her well-being.”

Navine responded, “You’re not intruding, and I apologize for not inviting you earlier. We’ve managed to maintain a good familial relationship for a long time. As for Dominick, I invited him because excluding him would have caused more problems. Plus, Raelina wanted to meet all the Dragons.”

“I did,” I confirmed, nodding slightly. “I understand there’s tension between you two, but I think it’s only fair that I get to know Lord Dominick just like I’m getting to know the rest of you.”

Lord Niles chimed in. “That’s a fair point, but be cautious around him. Dominick isn’t all bad, but he’s caused enough trouble in the past to make us wary.”

“What kind of trouble? I keep hearing about it, but no one will give me details,” I said.

Mordecai turned to Navine. “Can we talk about this, or is it something you want to keep between you two?”

Navine sighed. “It’s fine. She has a right to know.” He looked slightly annoyed as he continued, “The main issues revolve around Dominick’s unpredictable and often erratic behavior. He enjoys causing chaos when he’s bored, which has led to some serious problems in the past that we’ve had to deal with and even take the blame for.”

“Sure, he’s been a problem, but I don’t think keeping Raelina away from him is the solution, Navine. If anything, it might just make him more determined to be around her,” Lyric chimed in.

“Lyric’s got a point, Navine. We’ve all seen how these things play out, and believe me, I’ve seen Dominick when he’s after something. Remember the Imari incident?” Lorelei reminded us.

“I’d rather not bring that up here, but yes, I remember,” Navine replied.

“But here’s the thing,” Lyric said, turning to me and Navine. “I don’t usually meddle in your business unless I think it’s absolutely necessary, Navine. The truth is, I came here not just to meet Raelina, but because I’m worried about the ongoing issues with Dominick and what she went through as a kid. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he’s trying to stir up trouble, and he might use her past to get to her. I’m pretty sure he’s behind some of the problems Jekia’s family is dealing with right now.”

“You mean the rumors about their son’s beta? The one who’s supposedly half Succubus?” Mordecai asked.

“Yes, he’s talking about Luna,” Lord Niles confirmed.

“I guess you’ve heard the whispers too,” Lorelei said, resting her cheek on her hand.

“It’s hard to ignore when Mana won’t stop talking about it. She’s been going on about how awful it is for the past two weeks,” Mordecai replied. His voice was casual, but his eyes betrayed his irritation.

“Is Mana part of your family?” I asked.

“Oh, right,” Mordecai seemed to remember something. “She’s my beta. She wanted to be here today, but she’s been feeling sick lately, so she asked me to apologize on her behalf and said she’ll come visit you soon.”

“You’re just telling her this now? How forgetful can you be?” Lorelei scolded him.

Mordecai shrugged. “I would’ve remembered eventually.”

“I hope she feels better soon. I’d like to meet her,” I told him, then steered the conversation back to the original topic. “Anyway, I’ve been curious about those rumors. I just heard about them, and Rayne is an old friend of mine, so I’ve been worried about him.”

“That’s understandable, and I’m guessing you haven’t had a chance to talk to him lately with everything that’s been going on in your life. I don’t know all the details, but I do know from my talks with Jekia that the beta his son Rayne recently chose has been the target of nasty rumors about her heritage. He did confirm to me that Luna is indeed half Fae, half Demon, but she’s not a threat. If she was, the Higher Ones would never have let them be together. Rayne is Jekia’s main heir,” Lyric explained.

“I think we’d all agree with that, but the people spreading these rumors don’t seem to care about any of that. Are we to assume that all this started because of her mixed blood, or is it just jealousy from those who didn’t win Luna’s heart?” Navine wondered.

His words stung a little, even if he didn’t mean to hurt me. I had been jealous at first for the same reason. Was that why I was so eager to know more about the rumors?

“It’s hard to say at this point, but it’s definitely worth looking into. No alpha, not even the young ones, chooses a beta lightly, and most people don’t have the right to question their choice,” Lyric said.

I opened my eyes and stared at the bathroom ceiling as I thought about his words. He was right. What was happening to Luna was cruel and had to stop.

It was one thing to be upset that Rayne had chosen someone else. It was another thing entirely to take it this far.

I had to admit, I felt sorry for her now. Luna probably hadn’t expected all this trouble when Rayne chose her, and he probably hadn’t either.

Hopefully, Lord Dominick would leave them alone and they could find a way to convince the gossipmongers to let them live in peace.

On the bright side, I mused, he’ll likely be more preoccupied with me now. After all, I’m the one Navine picked to be his wife, and those two have a notorious history of conflict.

“I can’t believe you chose her just for her looks. Or does she remind you of someone?” Lord Dominick’s cryptic words echoed in my head. What on earth was he implying?

Was there someone before me? But that didn’t add up. Everyone was buzzing about how it was a miracle Navine had finally chosen a bride.

Why would they fabricate such a thing? Could they be hinting at a previous beta? That would explain the items I found in that room.

I pushed the thoughts aside, not wanting to entertain them any longer, and stepped out of the bath. Screw all this drama and self-doubt.

The best way to silence these thoughts was to join Navine and savor our night together.

I toweled off and slipped into my sheer white nightgown, then made my way down the corridor toward the library. Navine had been engrossed in a book on one of the chaise lounges there when I’d left for my bath.

I didn’t think much time had passed since then, so he was likely still there.

The library was on the other side of the palace, and the hallway was eerily quiet as I traversed it. The lights were dimmed and the window curtains were tightly drawn, casting long shadows.

I quickened my pace, feeling a bit unsettled by the darkness and silence. Despite having been here for some time, I was still adjusting to the enormity of this place.

Eventually, I arrived at the library door, slightly ajar. A few dim lights were on inside, highlighting the towering bookshelves.

The curtains on the large windows across the room were drawn shut, mirroring the ones outside, and the library was hushed.

Navine was still sprawled on the dark blue chaise near the windows, his back supported by pillows and wings folded at his sides as he quietly read.

A single oil lamp was lit near him, providing just enough light for him to read by and casting deep shadows around him. He looked more relaxed than earlier, having changed into an unbuttoned cream-colored shirt that revealed his muscular chest.

I paused for a moment, taking in his appearance. He was undeniably attractive. His strength and majesty were evident, even in his relaxed state.

I couldn’t deny my attraction to him.

Navine looked up from his book as I lingered. “Is something the matter?” he inquired.

I shook my head, smiling as I approached him. “No. I just wanted to join you. You don’t mind, do you?”

Navine’s eyes softened as he returned my smile. “Not at all. You’re always welcome to be with me.”

I smiled back at him, clasping my hands behind me. “I’m glad to hear that. May I?”

“Absolutely.”

I slowly moved to him, nestling against him with my head on his shoulder. He kissed my forehead as he held me, returning to his book while I relaxed.

“It’s so quiet,” I remarked after a few minutes.

“It’s a peaceful night, much preferable to a stormy one,” Navine replied.

“No doubt.” I traced my fingers over his bare chest. “It seems like today went well, for the most part. That’s good.”

“I was pleased about that too. I must admit, I wasn’t expecting Lyric to drop by as he did, but I can’t complain. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and I always enjoy his company,” Navine confessed.

“It was kind of him to make time to visit us, even if he did it out of concern. I’ve never met any of the other rulers before, let alone someone related to you. He even looks a bit like you,” I continued.

Navine put his book aside, sensing my desire to chat.

“Temple and I were very similar in appearance, and Lyric inherited many of his traits. His softer features and the blue in his hair are from his mother.”

“Did you know her?”

“No. I never had the chance to meet her. She passed away when he was very young and hiding from the Ogre who ruled the Eastern Lands at the time.”

“Temple’s killer was him, wasn’t it?” I asked, trying to remember.

“Yes, and Lyric avenged Temple’s death. I won’t lie, I wished I could have been the one to do it, after what he did to my brother and so many others. But my duty to Jekia and this land held me back,” Navine admitted.

“You’re still deeply committed to this place, aren’t you?” I observed.

“Always have been. I was born with strength, and I’ve always believed it’s my duty to protect those who weren’t. Jekia feels the same, as do the other alphas. Strength—physical and mental—is a gift, meant to help, not harm,” Navine explained.

“I couldn’t agree more,” I said, changing the subject to our day. “Despite some tension, it was great meeting the other Dragons. Lorelei was stunning and so kind.”

Navine laughed. “She usually is, and I bet she’ll make it a point to see you more often. She took a liking to you right away.”

I giggled in response. “I’m glad. I hope the rest of them will like me too.”

“They already do,” Navine reassured me. “And even if they didn’t, it wouldn’t matter. You’re my Raelina, and that’s not going to change.”

“That’s comforting to hear.” I hesitated. “Please, don’t misunderstand my interest in all this. I want to be with you. I’m just concerned because Rayne is still my friend, and I feel bad for Luna. I was a bit jealous of her at first, but she doesn’t deserve what’s happening to her.”

Navine simply hugged me.

“I completely agree, but there’s not much more you can do. It’s something she and Jekia’s family have to handle,” he reminded me.

He was right. It was their problem to solve. But I still felt compelled to help if I could.

“I get that, but I want to help them. Rayne will always be my friend, and I hate seeing any girl go through what Luna probably is. Even if it’s just stopping people around us from gossiping, I want to try,” I told him.

“I understand, and I agree,” Navine said, brushing my hair back and looking into my eyes.

“But I’d rather you didn’t confront Dominick about this.”

“Are you really that worried about what he might do? I’m not weak, Navine,” I argued.

“I know you’re not, but you’ve probably never dealt with someone like him. Dominick knows how to exploit people’s weaknesses in the most manipulative ways, and I won’t let him hurt you,” Navine insisted.

“And I won’t let him,” I said, giving him a quick kiss. “Just trust me, Navine. I won’t let myself be used by him or anyone else.”

Navine chuckled as I nuzzled his neck.

“Are you trying to seduce me to get your way?”

“Maybe.”

I couldn’t deny my attraction to him. It was there from the moment we met and had only grown stronger.

Navine pulled me into a longer, more passionate kiss. I moaned as his hands roamed down my back and over my rear.

“Raelina, my love,” he murmured, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes.

“How about we put this on hold for the night and spend some time getting a little closer?”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I traced my fingers down his chest, stopping to tease the bulge in his pants.

“I think I’d like that,” I breathed out.

Navine shifted, pulling me up with him. Our kisses grew more passionate, more urgent.

I continued to stroke him through his pants, feeling him harden even more as he deftly untied the back of my nightgown.

“Let’s make the most of this moment right here,” he murmured into my neck.

“Sounds perfect to me,” I agreed, slipping out of my nightgown for him.

I couldn’t deny it any longer—I was falling for Navine. It was in every touch, every shared kiss.

But even as our bodies moved together in a dance as old as time, a nagging feeling persisted in the back of my mind.

Something else is coming, I thought. Something that will not only test our love, but also shape our destiny.