Page 87 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

She leaned forward to whisper in Willow’s ear, speaking in a magic tone so low that not even a dragon could hear.

Riley pulled Willow to her side as Morgana returned to her circle.

I hated the scent of her fear.

“If the theatrics don’t stop, we’re leaving,”I told Kieran.

Morgana cackled as the flames danced higher, rising to the sky.

I winced, forgetting she could somehow understand our silent communication with each other.

The other witches started to twirl slowly, stepping in a simple sort of dance.

Morgana stood still as she stared at me. “There are stories of a return of feminine energy.”

“Earth is feminine,” I said. “She’s never left.”

Morgana waved my confusion away. “You and I both know how ridiculous all these stories can be.”

She winked at Willow before turning to Kieran, “What I do know is that Mother Earth couldn’t have picked better vessels to tell her new version. An ancient magic whispers through these three and their souls have agreed to meet on this plane and time for a specific purpose.”

I gathered Riley to my side. As did Kieran with Ember. Both women reached for Willow’s hands and we stood conjoined like that on the hill under the full moon with the witch’s words lingering in the air.

That was not what I wanted to hear.

And I could sense Riley’s confusion, but I resisted offering her any more assurances through our link. I didn’t want the witch to hear what I was thinking. I needed time to process it myself.

“We’re magic?” Riley broke the tense silence. Skepticism laced her tone.

“A dusting.” Morgana danced her fingers. “But you should’ve known it’d take at least a little magic to be able to mate a dragon.”

“Yeah…” Riley looked at her friends and they all nodded. “That actually makes sense.”

“Earth always provides,” the witch said solemnly.

As if called upon, the ground trembled at our feet.

Always with the dramatics.

Morgana raised her hands to the sky. “The hour grows late.”

We all stood there, staring at her.

“That means you can go now,” Morgana groaned. “Unless you want to dance with us, Ward Weaver.”

“He’s good,” Riley growled.

I stifled a laugh as she pushed me a step back.

“What?”Riley said.“Doesn’t she seem obsessed with you?”

Morgana’s witchy laughter followed us as we turned away. “You can dance with us too, Warrior Mate.”

“Oh, no. We’re fine.” Riley picked up the pace, dragging me to the trail.

The witches’ laughter and catcalls followed us down the hill as the flames from the bonfire crackled higher into the night.

“Are they always that… riddled?” Riley regained her composure as we picked our way along the path.

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