Chapter 36

DIMITRI

~Bang!~

“This is the tamer’s mark!” Prince Cian announces, pointing at an image on a totem.

The news has left us all reeling. Especially me. I sit with Valkyrie in my lap, staring at the image Prince Cian is indicating.

The ancient totem displays a double cross, identical to the one Valkyrie has on her chest.

“This can’t be right,” Damian mutters, rubbing his temple. “Valkyrie, a tamer? Wasn’t she a slave?”

“Yes, and that’s why it’s entirely possible,” Prince Cian explains. “This mark only shows up on tamers who are hybrids… So this is all real.”

“What about her bleeding?” Mia asks, causing Valkyrie to blush a little.

“Regarding that, I’d like to speak with Valkyrie privately,” Michael says, standing up. “Would you come with me?”

Michael extends his hand to Valkyrie, who looks at me nervously. I nod, encouraging her to take it. They walk away quietly. Mia, Damian, and I stay with Prince Cian.

“So, what now?” I ask Cian. His gaze is still fixed on Michael and Valkyrie.

“I need your permission to delve into her mind,” Prince Cian says, not taking his eyes off them.

“You’re still on that?” I ask, irritated.

“Yes,” Prince Cian replies, shrugging. “You want answers? They’re there,” he says, pointing at Valkyrie. Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose.

~“I think he’s right, Brother,”~ Damian mind-links me.

I look at him.

~“I don’t trust him, Damian,”~ I respond through the mind-link.

“Neither do I,” Prince Cian says out loud, looking at me. How did he hear me? With his arms crossed, he shrugs.

Prince Cian walks away after closing the totem. Michael and Valkyrie return to us. My eyes shift to Valkyrie, who’s blushing.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, standing up. Valkyrie hides her face in my chest. I shoot a glare at Michael, who’s chuckling.

“Yes,” Michael says, patting my shoulder. “Mia should help with this.”

I raise an eyebrow at Michael. Smiling, he leans down and whispers something in Mia’s ear. Mia stands up, grinning and shaking her head, and calls Valkyrie over.

I frown at Valkyrie, who’s still looking down.

“Don’t worry, it was her first time,” Michael says, patting my shoulder again.

“I know that,” I retort, confused.

Michael laughs and sighs.

“I mean the first time she got her period. So just be sure next time you’re not that rough with her,” Michael says, waving goodbye.

Realization hits me, and I gasp. Valkyrie looks at me with wide eyes. Then, blushing, she looks away.

I slap my forehead as I realize we panicked over nothing. How was I supposed to know she was on her period?

VALKYRIE

After some minor healing, I start feeling better. The pain in my lower abdomen is subsiding. We still don’t know what happened, but suddenly, Michael calls me over.

I’m so stressed about everything that I have no idea what Michael is going to tell me.

Holding my hand, Michael leads me to a corner of the room. He gives my hand a light squeeze, and I look up at him. His smile helps me relax.

“I want to ask you something. Don’t be shy, it’s normal, okay?” Michael whispers. I nod quickly, biting my lip. “Valkyrie, have you ever had your period?”

“Sorry? My what?” I’m confused by his question.

“Your period, something every woman experiences. You’re what? Twenty-one?” Michael asks. I nod, trying to understand what he’s asking.

“By the looks of it, that’s what you’re having. You’ve never experienced it, right?” I blush at his question.

“Don’t worry, Mia will explain more. Just, now that you’ve had a bit of sex with Dimitri, be careful. Dimitri is rough, and I mean it because we are dragons.

That burning sensation you felt is his body temperature. Once you adjust to it, and to his size, you should be fine,” Michael explains, making me blush even more.

He laughs and squeezes my hand. “He’s a dragon king. They can be rough and hurt you if you’re not careful. But Dimitri won’t hurt you. I’m sure of that, okay?

So right now, you might feel some pain and maybe even feel sick. I’ll give you some tea and medicine to help. Mia will assist you with the rest,” Michael explains.

“Thank you,” I mumble shyly. Then, smiling, he leads me back to the others. This is so embarrassing. How did I not know about my period?

Noticing us, Dimitri takes me and holds me in his arms. I bury my face in his chest, embarrassed, and wait for Michael to tell Mia. Once Mia stands up and calls me, I excuse myself.

***

Sitting on a wooden chair next to the bath, I nervously fiddle with my hands. Mia asks me to wait for her because she needs to get some things.

I’m still confused: how did Michael know that this was my period? He was right though. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. But why now?

“Here,” Mia says, walking in and taking a seat next to me. “I’ll explain some things to you, but listen, Valkyrie. This is normal, so stop worrying.”

“But… How can he be so sure?” I mutter, looking at my hands.

“He specializes in all kinds of sickness, injury, and wounds. Michael is a healer; he knows best. But I’m surprised. You never had your period?” Mia asks, pulling out a small bag.

“No,” I mutter, watching her.

“Alright, here you go,” Mia says, passing me the bag. “You’ll need to use this down there,” she points, “to stop the blood from leaking.”

“These are some pills you can take. Since it’s your first time, it might hurt. You could even feel sick. It varies from person to person.”

“What exactly should I expect?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Well, you might feel pain in your lower belly, back, tender breasts, and nausea. Some women even get a fever or headaches. It really depends on the individual,” Mia explains.

She pulls out some herbs. “I bet you were scared, huh? Dimitri sure was.”

“How did you know we needed help?” I ask, taking the herbs from her.

“The king mind-linked Damian. I was with him when Dimitri called. Damian freaked out when he told me something happened to you,” Mia says, a smile playing on her lips. “Those two really care about you. I’m a tad jealous.”

“Why?” I ask, tilting my head to the side. Mia blushes at my question. I stay quiet, watching her as she gives a nervous smile.

“Never mind!” Mia says, standing up. “Come on. I’ll help you bathe and then show you how to use the cloth,” she says, quickly changing the subject.

I shrug and get up.

Mia helps me into a warm bath. She was right about the pain in my lower belly and breasts. I lean against the wall as cramps start to form.

Experiencing this for the first time is tough. As I wobble to bed like a toddler, Dimitri walks in with a small tray.

“How are you feeling?” Dimitri asks as Mia tucks me in.

“I…” I start, but stop to clutch the bedsheets.

“Don’t worry, she’ll get used to her periods. Now take this warmer for your belly, okay? I’ll give you some privacy and then come back.

“Try to get some sleep,” Mia says, giving me a warm smile and bowing to Dimitri.

“Michael said he’ll come by later. I brought you some food too. I don’t know if you’re up for something light?” Dimitri says, setting the tray down. I stare at the fruit.

I’m starving.

I reach for a grape and pop it into my mouth, but Dimitri grabs my wrist, stopping me.

“Let me,” Dimitri says as he sits next to me on the bed. His body is warm, and I reach for his chest.

“Valkyrie?” Dimitri murmurs as I rest my head on his chest. He’s so warm that I can feel my eyelids getting heavy. Then, without another word, Dimitri sighs and pulls me closer.

Finally, with the rhythm of his chest rising and falling, and his heartbeat against my cheek, I drift off to sleep.

Feeling a hand on my forehead, I groan and stretch.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” Michael’s voice fills my ears. I hum in response, staying curled up. “How are you feeling?”

“Better?” I say, realizing that the pain in my belly is gone.

“Good. I used some magic so you’d feel better,” Michael mumbles. “Valkyrie, can I ask you something?”

“Mm-hmm?” I mumble, half asleep.

“Would you let Cian look into your mind?” Michael asks, causing me to open my eyes and look at him, frowning.

“Why do you ask?” I say, sitting up carefully.

Clearing his throat, Michael looks at me.

“Because there are some things we need to know. And I’m sure you’re curious too, right?” Michael says, grinning.

“Your powers, your mark. Who you are… Cian can help.”

I knew Cian could help me. But I was scared to face the truth.

I was just a slave. What could someone like me possibly hide in her mind?

What I really want to know about are those voices. The voice that tells me to follow “it.” But follow what?

“Valkyrie? What are you thinking about?” Michael asks.

Biting my lip, I wonder if I should tell him or not. I could use a second opinion.

“I… If you had a dream where someone told you to follow something, what would you think?” I ask, not looking at him.

“What do you mean?” Michael asks, sounding confused.

“I… I mean, I’ve been having these dreams where a voice calls me, telling me to follow something. It’s confusing,” I explain. I get up and start pacing the room. Michael just watches me quietly.

“A voice?” Michael asks. “What kind of voice?”

“I don’t know. It’s like several voices at once. I don’t see anything. It’s just whispers,” I say, biting my nail and pacing back and forth. I was getting desperate for an answer.

“Valkyrie…,” Michael sighs. “You’re going to have to explain more.”

“There’s nothing more!” I snap, quickly covering my mouth. “It’s just that…” I turn away, sighing. Why was I getting so angry?

Hearing a chair scrape against the floor, I see Michael get up to leave. I watch the double doors as they close. Was I too harsh with him?

Michael leaves without saying a word. Clutching my head, I throw myself onto the bed.

“Dimitri…” I whisper.

“How long are you planning on staying there?” Mia calls from across the table in the library.

After my brief morning chat with Michael, I came to the library to distract myself with some reading. I tried to find Dimitri, but he was busy arguing with Damian.

Not wanting to interrupt, I came here instead. Mia showed up a while ago, asking how I was doing. She keeps insisting that I should be in bed, but I’m sick of being there.

My meeting with Prince Cian’s people has also been postponed by Dimitri’s orders.

Honestly, I’m grateful for the delay. I’m not ready to meet new people, especially if they’re connected to my past.

It’s kind of ridiculous because I know I’ll have to face it eventually, but I’d rather keep putting it off if I can.

“Valkyrie, you really should head back to your room,” Mia suggests. I just roll my eyes and keep my focus on the book in my hands.

With a dramatic sigh, Mia rises from her seat and moves to a nearby shelf. I can’t help but smile, knowing she won’t give up that easily. I’ve grown quite fond of Mia. She was my first friend here, after all.

Her companionship has been a comfort, and she’s been a guiding light in this new world. I’m grateful for her.

I glance out the window at the forest beyond. It’s a beautiful day, perfect for some training. As I’m taking in the view, the library doors swing open. I turn to see who’s entered.

“Give us some privacy,” Dimitri commands Mia as he strides toward me. His commanding presence makes me swallow hard. What have I done now?

He places his hands on either side of me, leaning in to kiss me. I welcome his rough, passionate kiss. As his tongue explores my mouth, I can’t help but moan.

I let my book fall from my hands, wrapping my arms around his neck to pull him closer. Dimitri growls in response, sliding his hand under my leg.

His touch is hot, but in the best way. It’s like a soothing balm on my skin.

“Valkyrie?” Dimitri murmurs between kisses.

“Hmm,” I respond, my fingers tangled in his hair.

“If you keep this up, I won’t be able to control myself,” Dimitri warns, pulling back from our kiss. Breathless, I gaze into his golden eyes. I tease his lower lip with my tongue, earning a groan from him.

He wraps his arms around my waist, lifting me up and carrying me to the plush pillows scattered on the floor. He gently lays me down, positioning himself between my legs.

“I don’t mind fucking you while you’re on your period,” Dimitri murmurs, his lips trailing down my neck. My eyes snap open. That’s a mood killer.

“Oh,” I manage, pushing him away.

“Oh, no, you don’t,” Dimitri grumbles against my chest. “I didn’t get to fuck you properly last night. You’re not stopping me now.”

“But you wouldn’t really, right? I mean, you wouldn’t fuck me like this… all bloody?” I ask, trying to sound innocent.

Dimitri raises an eyebrow, then laughs. He shakes his head, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

“I’m serious when I say I don’t mind having sex and making a bloody mess,” Dimitri says, still chuckling.

I blush, feeling a wave of embarrassment.

“Hey, you’re mine. There’s no need to be shy,” Dimitri reassures me.

“Easy for you to say. You’re the one who freaked out over my period last night,” I retort, pouting.

Dimitri hovers over me, looking taken aback.

“Did...I say something wrong?” I ask, suddenly worried. Did I cross a line? My heart starts to race and I look away. Dimitri doesn’t respond, and I worry that I’ve offended him.

Suddenly, Dimitri stands and walks away. Panicked, I jump up and grab his arm. He stops and looks back at me over his shoulder. I flinch and let go.

“I-I’m sorry…,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around myself. I stay rooted to the spot, too afraid to see his reaction.

I feel his hand on my wrist and look up, surprised. Dimitri pulls me into his chest and kisses me.

He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer until I can hardly breathe. He sucks on my lower lip and I moan.

My body trembles, leaving me breathless. Dimitri rests his forehead against mine.

“Next time, I’ll tie you up and fuck you hard,” Dimitri promises, panting. “But for now, I’ll let it slide.”

I smile, leaning in to kiss him again. As I caress his face, he suddenly lifts me up.

I yelp in surprise, gripping his shoulders.

“Come on, it’s time for lunch.”