Page 72 of To Spark a Dragon's Love
The breeze drifted in again, lifting the gauzy curtains, and a bird or something started to sing. It drew my attention for a moment before Mandy’s loud voice filled the grand room.
“Um, Willow.” She stood in the doorway with her arms full of bags. “Malachy had something delivered for you ladies.”
26
Malachy
The Old Song and Dance
Unease ran through me as I fastened the buttons of my coat and adjusted the noose around my neck.
Don’t let your guard down. There are traitors in our midst.My dragon paced within.
But it wasn’t only the guests tonight that had me worried. My hands shook as I fumbled with the cufflink. In and out my vision swarmed unless I worked hard to focus.
Something had shifted.
I could blame our shortened time together last night, when Harper had woken up from a nightmare forcing Willow and I to rush to her side, but—and despite what my brother seemed to believe—I wasn’t a fool.
Earth had demanded more than She’d ever done yesterday and even Willow’s power hadn’t been enough to heal me as quickly.
On the eve of opening my home to guests coming to celebrate the return of the guardian to full strength, I was reminded of my shortcomings.
Earth sought to prove a point.
“I say we leave now before it gets worse again,”Lucan spoke through our link as we walked down the hall side by side.
All morning, their thoughts, worries, and plans for the future had plagued my mind.
Kieran nodded once, but I saw the torment in his eyes. He’d been flying back and forth to visit his hoard for the past few weeks. That had been hard enough. The thought of leaving them for good was tearing him apart.
“Are you that convinced of my failure already, brother?”I teased, though I felt anything but lighthearted.
We were supposed to be having a party. It might’ve said something about my family or dragons in general that we walked stoically as if heading to a funeral instead.
“I think it’s only a matter of time before She demands too much,” Lucan mumbled aloud. “You might remember there is a fate worse than being a widow again.”
My hand gripped my brother’s neck and I slammed him against the wall, baring my fangs. He was trying to rile me up so I’d make a rash decision. Well, he’d gotten his wish.
“Enough.” Kieran stood between us, eyes blazing with an exhausted fury. “We have enough fucking worries without the two of you bringing the roof down on our heads. Now fix your jackets and let’s get this over with.”
I glared at my brother before releasing him. He was the only one in my life who could make me lose my cool and it annoyed me to no end. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”
“You might not have a choice.” Lucan turned away, straightening his jacket.
Goddess help me, I wanted to strangle some sense into him. He was so much like our mother.
“Let’s just get through tonight.”Kieran sighed, giving me a knowing look.
I turned from them both, drawn by the bond in my chest toward the top of the staircase.
There she is.
And despite the drama, all was right in the world.
Willow was a vision in violet. The empire waist gown had lacy cap sleeves and the square neckline hit atop her milky white breasts, making my mouth water with each step she took on dainty slippered feet.
My beast rumbled his approval at how she’d styled her hair, piling it with curls up in soft pins and exposing my claiming mark. The pride at seeing it on display ran deep. My dragon rumbled louder as Willow took the hand I held out, helping her down the last few steps.
