Page 125 of Consort of the Dragon King

“It seems to be of some concern to you,” Lenwat added.

“I used to travel there frequently and stay at a temple in Sybir for long lengths of time.” Two shifters with sensitive noses surrounded him, so Auslin kept a tight rein on his emotions. “I know some people who would be affected if things grow bad there, so I’m concerned.”

“For what it is worth, I hope I am wrong,” Lenwat said. “Perhaps it is only rumors spread by malcontent shifters trying to start trouble for some inexplicable reason.”

“I think it is in our best interests to investigate matters.” Kitsuki turned his attention to Auslin. “That way, you may confirm for yourself that your friends are well.”

As much as Auslin wanted to make sure things were okay, he feared what a visit might bring. Over his years of going to the temple in Sybir, Auslin had grown very close to a fellow mage who lived there. Eldin had been a source of great comfort to Auslin throughout the degeneration of his relationship with Kio.However, the closer they became, Eldin’s feelings for Auslin became increasingly romantic.

It had been so tempting to give in and be with someone who truly loved him, but Auslin’s loyalty to Kio had ultimately stopped him from going through with it. Nothing good could come out of Eldin finding out Auslin had mated Kio’s older half brother.

Auslin couldn’t avoid Eldin if they visited Sybir. Painful as it would be, Auslin owed his friend the truth. It didn’t make it any easier to face, though.

Mistaking Auslin’s sudden upset as being a reaction to the news, Lenwat attempted to reassure him. “Please do not be distressed, Auslin. I do not truly think it is such a dangerous situation. Rumors are usually overexaggerated, so it is probably nothing.”

It made Auslin realize the shifters had picked up on his emotions. He forced a smile. “Hopefully, everything will be fine.”

Auslin put his thoughts about Eldin and what had happened between them out of his mind. There would be time to worry about that later. Auslin focused on finishing his wonderful food as the two shifters moved on to other topics.

As enjoyable as breakfast had been, it was a relief to return to their room. However, that feeling was short-lived when Kitsuki asked him, “What is troubling you?”

“Nothing.” Auslin tried to wave away Kitsuki’s concerns.

Kitsuki’s eyebrows furrowed. “Something about Sybir distressed you.”

Sometimes it wasreallyinconvenient to have a shifter mate with such a sensitive sense of smell. Auslin struggled with howto explain himself. “I hurt one of my closest friends when I left Sybir last time. If we visit, I would have to deal with what happened last time. Thinking about that confrontation upset me.”

Kitsuki caressed his hair in comfort. “If it is so distressing, then you need not confront him.”

“No, I owe him an explanation for my long disappearance. He’s probably been blaming himself for the last two years, which isn’t fair to him.”

“If you feel it will help you, then do what you must. But you do not have to see him.”

“It’s the right thing to do.” It was true, but it didn’t make things any easier to handle.

“If you do not wish to go to Sybir, we do not have to,” Kitsuki said. “King Kehnon is not expecting us, so there is no harm if we continue our journey to other places. I am sure you have friends in other towns you would prefer to visit.”

Auslin couldn’t accept the offer to avoid the awkward situation. “No, this is something I have to do.”

“Only if you are sure.” Kitsuki pulled Auslin into a hug before he kissed his temple. “I have no interest in making you do anything you do not wish to do.”

Auslin surrendered to the strength of his mate’s embrace. He wanted to believe things would go fine with Eldin, but he couldn’t shake the sneaky suspicion something bad waited for him in Sybir.

Chapter 61

Kitsuki

After leaving Lenwat’s castle with a promise to return for a longer visit next time, Auslin and Kitsuki stopped to see Yaro and Tiah before they departed from Zinnia. Yaro appeared as they drew closer to the dog shifters’ home. He brightened at the sight of Auslin.

In the blink of an eye, Yaro had gathered Auslin up in a tight hug. “You’re really here! I was so afraid I imagined yesterday!”

Auslin’s delighted laughter was the only reason Kitsuki’s dragon didn’t remove his mate from the other man’s grasp. The mage teased, “Do you dream of me that often?”

The dog shifter’s voice turned sensuous. “All the time.”

Before Kitsuki could tell Yaro to release Auslin, a fearsome woman violently ripped the man back. She had sleek golden hair and brown eyes with dark amber markings on her skin. “I leave you alone foroneminute and you hug other people?” She released Yaro in disgust. “I can only imagine what would have happened if I had left you alone for two minutes.”

“Hi, Tiah,” Auslin warmly greeted her.

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