Page 83 of A Dance of Water

The King’s jaw ticked. "What did we discuss? We are to share everything with each other, especially when it comes to her."

Bastian gave a short, terse nod, pausing when she sat up slightly, knees pressing into the vampire’s side as she braced a hand on his shoulder. His reddened eyes grew half-lidded. Vale wanted to fucking carve the smirk off his face.

As they communicated through their minds, Vale looked to Tharen, seeing the mage’s own features hard with envy at not being able to worm his way into her mind and hear every little thought she had.

Azgorath was quiet, content to simply hold her in his lovelorn ways, Vale assumed.

"What is she saying?" Tharen demanded.

Bastian gave a secretive smile. Luella’s hands curled into his chest, and the demon’s palms held her softly, keeping her steady. Was this what working together—sharing—looked like?

"She asks if she is included in this sharing."

Exasperated, her lower chin jutted out. Even tired, with dark purple bruising on her neck and hair crusted with saltwater, hanging limp around her pale face, she was resplendently captivating.

"She can and will share everything with us. But Luella"—Vale snapped a finger, calling her like the pet Bastian likened her to as he forced her to meet his gaze—"we are not equals."

Tharen ran his tongue along his lower lip. "Don’t go getting any ideas in that pretty head of yours, little lamb. We own you."

Her stare held a tinge of defiance.

Interesting, hummed the dragon.

Indeed. That spark was new, Vale wondered how large it could grow.

Bastian coughed sharply, a strangled half-laugh covered with a hand.

"What has she saidnow?" Vale asked.

Luella shook her head, looking to Azgorath as if the beast could help her, as if he held any power in this situation.

"She says she owns us, too." Bastian touched his chest absently.

Vale’s dragon roared, flames threatening to spill over as smoke filled the room.No oneowned him.

Mine, mine, the dragon chanted.

Magic crackled at Tharen’s fingertips, eyes growing bright with a glow. Vale had never seen the Prima so overcome that his magic acted out. She was too powerful; her power went beyond what was inside her body—expanding to her hold over them.

If she learned how to wield that power… They were doomed.

At the sudden intensity of masculine pride and possessiveness that filled the room, she hesitantly sat back on her haunches, delicate hands gripping Bastian before gathering up Azgorath’s large hand.

Slowly, as if to give them all the chance to see her movements, Luella took the hands in her grip and pressed them against their chests. Her pale fingers held Bastian’s hand right over his heart, while Azgorath willingly allowed her to press their joined hands over his own chest.

"She says—" Bastian broke off, thick emotion in his voice. "She says she ownsour hearts."

"Always." Azgorath lifted their joined hands and pressed a soft kiss to the back of hers. "From the moment the Fates wove our destinies, I was yours."

"You’re too soft, beast. What are you going to do if someone preys upon your weakness?" Tharen’s icy eyes dipped to stare pointedly at their joined hands.

The demon let out a low growl, the sound rivaling Vale’s dragon. "End them," he said simply.

Contemplative, Tharen took a moment before uttering, "Good."

Luella fell back against the pillows. She looked so safe between them.

The dragon scratched at the bars of his cage.Mine.

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