Page 73 of Fired Up Love

As the flames stabilized, words appeared briefly in the fire—ancient script that shifted and changed before resolving into modern language.

Guardians recognized. Covenant renewed.

A surge of energy spiraled upward from the Pyre, engulfing the three of them in gentle, warm light. Zina gasped as knowledge flooded her mind—centuries of history, traditions, and responsibilities tied to the Founding Pyre. Visions of past guardians flickered behind her eyelids, their experiences becoming part of her own.

She saw Xai and Luciana similarly affected, their expressions shifting from surprise to understanding. When the light faded, the chamber had transformed subtly. Cracks in the floor had healed, and the inscriptions on the walls glowed with renewed purpose. The Pyre burned strong and steady, its three-colored flame a perfect balance of the founding energies.

“Well,” Zina breathed, blinking as the magical download settled in her mind, “that wasn’t in Mom’s journal.”

Xai crossed to her side, taking her hand in his. His touch grounded her as the new information threatened to overwhelm her. “The Pyre has recognized us as its new guardians,” he explained softly. “This creates a permanent connection—to it and to each other.”

Luciana nodded, touching her temple as if sorting through newly acquired information. “The original guardians established this system to ensure no single bloodline could dominate Enchanted Falls. The triangular balance prevents corruption.”

“Severin wasn’t planning to share the power,” Zina concluded.

“A fool’s errand,” Xai said, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her wrist. “The Pyre was designed specifically to resist such manipulation.”

Zina studied the flame, watching the colors dance and intertwine. The sight filled her with a strange mix of emotions—determination, responsibility, and an unexpected sense of belonging. The spa had always been her mother’s dream—now she understood it had been so much more. The business sat atop the keystone of Enchanted Falls’s magical protection, and her family had been its guardians for generations.

“So,” she said, attempting to lighten the mood despite her bone-deep exhaustion, “alongside the hot stone therapy and aromatherapy massages, I’m now offering magical flame maintenance. We should add it to the brochure.”

Xai’s deep chuckle resonated in the chamber as he pulled her closer. “I believe that service is limited to a very exclusive clientele.”

His arm slipped around her waist, strong and steady. She leaned into him, no longer bothering to hide her fatigue. He could bear her weight for a while.

“Sharing guardian responsibilities will require coordination,” Luciana observed, a small smile softening her formal tone. “Regular meetings, perhaps.”

“I suggest the spa’s rooftop garden,” Zina replied. “Better ambiance than the council chambers.”

“And better coffee,” Xai added, pressing a kiss to her temple.

SEVENTY

The casual affection warmed Zina more than the Pyre’s flame. Their relationship had evolved with breathtaking speed, yet it felt entirely natural—as if her lioness had been waiting for his dragon all along.

As they ascended from the chamber, leaving the Pyre burning brightly behind them, Zina found herself thinking of how much had changed in such a short time. She’d opened a spa to honor her mother’s memory and found herself at the center of supernatural politics, ancient magic, and unexpected love.

Exhaustion hit her properly as they reached the main floor. The adrenaline that had carried her through the night’s events finally ebbed, leaving her muscles trembling with fatigue. Without comment, Xai swept her into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

“I can walk,” she protested weakly even as she nestled closer to his warmth.

“You can,” he agreed, golden eyes soft with affection. “But you don’t have to.”

The simple statement undermined years of self-reliance. Since losing her parents, Zina had shouldered every burden alone, convinced it was the only way to honor their legacy. Now, gazing up at Xai’s face—stern features gentled by concern for her—she realized sharing the load didn’t diminish her strength. It multiplied it.

“Fine,” she conceded, allowing her head to rest against his shoulder. “But only because you’re basically a walking space heater, and I’m cold.”

His rumbling laugh vibrated against her side. “Of course. Purely practical considerations.”

Bryn and Jamie waited in the main reception area, along with what appeared to be half the supernatural population of Enchanted Falls. Word of the night’s events had spread, drawing concerned friends and curious onlookers alike.

Artemis Blu fussed over fresh-baked pastries arranged on the check-in counter, while her mate Bartek maintained a protective perimeter with several members of his tiger pride. Kalyna Foxworthy and Rust Leonid had brought books from the library—ancient texts about the Founding Pyre and its significance. Even Elder Tygra from the council stood in conversation with Willow Waters, both women looking grave but satisfied at the news of Severin’s capture.

“Quite the welcoming committee,” Zina murmured against Xai’s neck.

“News travels fast in small towns,” he replied. “Especially when half the population has enhanced hearing.”

Bryn approached, her expression softening at the sight of Zina cradled in Xai’s arms. “Council security reports Severin is secured in the holding cells,” she informed them. “Luciana’s already given a preliminary statement and agreed to formal testimony tomorrow.”

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