Page 76 of Fired Up Love

“And it needs regular maintenance from representatives of all three bloodlines?”

“The magic flows through our lineages,” he confirmed, preparing his own tea with methodical precision. “Drawing power from our shared intent as well as our physical presence.”

“Severin never understood that part,” she mused, watching morning light dance across Xai’s features. “He thought simple blood and lineage would grant him control.”

“His ambition blinded him to the Pyre’s true nature—protection, not power.” Xai’s mouth tightened. “A common failing among those who seek authority.”

“Present company excluded?” she teased.

His eyes met hers over his steaming mug, unexpectedly vulnerable. “Power has never interested me. Responsibility does.”

Something in his tone touched a chord within her. For all his centuries of existence, Xai carried his duties with humility—a quality she’d grown to admire alongside his strength.

“We should discuss living arrangements,” he said, gracefully changing the subject. “My penthouse suits a solitary dragon, but a lioness needs room to prowl.”

“Are you suggesting we move in together?” Zina raised an eyebrow. “That’s surprisingly domestic for someone who’s lived half a millennium.”

“Dragons maintain territories,” he corrected, though amusement glinted in his eyes. “I’m merely proposing we find a shared domain that honors both our natures.”

“Romantic,” she deadpanned, though her heart quickened at the implication.

“Perhaps the riverfront property near the eastern forest,” he continued, undeterred by her sarcasm. “Room for your lioness to roam, open skies for dragon flights, and privacy for...” He paused, heat flaring in his golden gaze. “Other activities.”

Zina felt her cheeks warm, memories of those “other activities” flickering through her mind. Her lioness stirred beneath her skin, responding to the barely concealed desire in his expression.

“That sounds...” She cleared her throat. “Practical.”

“Indeed.” His knowing smile suggested he heard everything she wasn’t saying. “Practicality above all.”

Their charged moment dissolved when Zina’s phone buzzed on the counter, Rust’s name illuminating the screen. The lion elder rarely called directly—council business typically went through Xai.

She answered, keeping her voice professionally neutral despite the dragon watching her with undisguised interest.

“The council’s called a special session,” she reported after ending the call. “They want all three guardians present to determine Severin’s fate.”

Xai nodded, his relaxed demeanor shifting to the poised dignity that marked him as a council elder. “Then we shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

SEVENTY-TWO

The council chambers occupied the oldest building in Enchanted Falls—a stone structure with vaulted ceilings and ancient wooden beams that predated most of the town. Stained glass windows cast rainbow patterns across the circular table where nine elders sat in ornate chairs marked with their respective clan symbols.

Zina smoothed her burgundy dress, a nervous gesture she couldn’t suppress. Despite her own considerable authority as Pyre guardian, the combined centuries of supernatural power surrounding her triggered primal instincts of caution.

Xai took his place beneath the dragon emblem, his posture impeccable in a charcoal suit that highlighted his broad shoulders. Luciana Madrigal completed their triangle, positioned near but not in her brother’s former seat. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, but her spine remained straight, her chin lifted in quiet defiance of whispered comments from several elders.

The lioness in Zina approved of that strength. Whatever Luciana’s family flaws, she had stood her ground when it mattered most.

Elder Tygra, the tiger representative, rapped her knuckles against the table. “This special session will address recent events concerning the Founding Pyre and determine appropriate consequences for Severin Madrigal’s actions.”

Rust nodded toward Luciana. “Ms. Madrigal has prepared evidence of her brother’s activities spanning the past decade.”

Luciana stepped forward, placing a leather-bound portfolio on the table. Her hands trembled slightly, but her voice remained steady.

“My brother’s obsession with the Founding Pyre began twelve years ago when he discovered private family journals referencing our ancestor’s role in its creation.” She opened the portfolio, revealing meticulously organized documents. “His initial research appeared scholarly, but gradually evolved into something darker.”

As Luciana outlined Severin’s descent into obsession, Zina studied the council members’ reactions. Elder Fenris, the wolf representative, growled softly at mentions of hired mercenaries targeting the town’s ley lines. Elder Willow, the witch representative, shook her head sadly when Luciana described her brother’s manipulation of ancient spells.

“For years, I monitored his activities, gathering evidence while seeking a way to intervene without destroying our family.” Luciana’s voice finally cracked. “I failed to act decisively enough, and for that, I share responsibility for the harm caused.”

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