Page 17 of Fire's Storm
A woman emanating great power enters, her copper-red scales shimmering along her arms and neck in a partial shift.
Raak's expression softens at her approach, though frustration remains evident in his rigid posture. "This isn't your concern, Spark."
"A human female with awakening dragon abilities brought to Emberhold?" Spark raises an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her golden eyes. "I'd say that's precisely my concern, considering my unique perspective."
She approaches Phoenix directly, ignoring protocol that would demand Raak's permission first—a liberty only his mate could take without consequence.
"I'm Spark," she introduces herself, extending a partially scaled hand. "Former human, current pain in dragon society's collective ass."
Phoenix accepts the handshake without hesitation, visible electrical current passing between them at the contact. Both women start slightly at the exchange, Spark's eyes widening in recognition.
"She's right, Raak," Spark confirms, turning to her mate. "Storm energy signature. Just like the ancient texts described. I can feel it—like recognizing like."
I watch the big dragon’s internal struggle play across his features. As Guardian leader, Raak's first priority must be protecting our kind from exposure. Yet, he, more than any dragon alive, understands the reality of human-dragon bonds, apparently having formed one himself against all probability.
"One night," Raak finally concedes, the words clearly painful. "She stays one night while I consult the ancient records. Then I make my ruling."
Relief floods my system, though I keep my expression neutral. One night is better than immediate expulsion. One night gives Phoenix's changing biology more time to present irrefutable evidence. One night allows the bond to strengthen beyond severing.
"Thank you, Guardian," I acknowledge with formal inclination of my head.
"Don't thank me yet," Raak warns, silver eyes hard as he turns to leave. "I haven't decided whether this ends with her acceptance or both your executions."
The tension in the room dissolves slightly as Raak and Spark depart, though the threat lingers in the air like the scent of ozone before a storm.
Phoenix exhales slowly, her shoulders dropping from their defensive posture. "The leader seems charming," she comments dryly.
"He's actually being unusually reasonable," I respond, surprising myself with the defense of the position. "Humans in the sanctuary typically face immediate execution. No trial. No discussion."
"And yet his mate was human," Phoenix observes with characteristic perception. "Spark, right? She was like me?"
"I assume," I say as we are guided from the council chamber toward more private areas of the sanctuary. "Spark smells like she carries fire dragon genetics."
We are escorted through crystal-illuminated passageways toward guest chambers, hyperaware of curious eyes tracking our progress, whispers following in our wake. News of the human's presence has spread quickly through Emberhold's telepathic community channels.
I keep Phoenix close, one hand at the small of her back, partly to guide her through the unfamiliar terrain and partly from the dragon's need to maintain contact. I find myself repeatedly scanning our surroundings, nostrils flaring to detect any approaching threats, my body continuously angling to keep her partially shielded.
We reach an intricately carved door set into the stone wall. The door slides open silently, revealing a private domain.
I watch Phoenix carefully as she enters the space—a large, open cavern with modern amenities integrated seamlessly with natural stone and crystal formations. Her scent changes subtly as she takes in the space—curiosity mingling with something deeper, more primal.
My body reacts instantly, dragon instincts roaring to claim her fully now that she's relatively safe. I find myself circling the room, touching items she might interact with—adjusting a chair's position to better suit her height, moving a water glass within easier reach, straightening bedding with unnecessary precision.
"You'll be protected here," I explain, maintaining distance between us despite my body's demand for contact. "These quarters are warded against intrusion. No one enters without permission."
She turns to face me, copper hair illuminated by crystal light, amber eyes now visibly sparking with blue electricity that marks her awakening storm nature.
"Including the guardian leader?"
"Perhaps," I said.
She nods, then winces suddenly, one hand pressing against her temple as pain flashes across her features.
"Shit," she mutters, swaying slightly. "Another headache."
I cross to her side instantly, concern overriding my attempt at distance. My body moves before conscious thought, hands reaching for her, positioning myself to catch her if she falls.
"The transition accelerates," I explain, guiding her to a seating area. "Your body restructures at the cellular level, adapting to contain electrical energy humans weren't designed to channel."
