Page 54 of The Silent Mountain
Favian and I exchange a glance, and Favian puts his hand on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. He bows his head in my direction, making it look like we are talking and just wanting to get some fresh air. Without attracting anyone’s attention, we manage to sneak outside. Just as Shayan promised, Cù Sìth is waiting for us, the huge mythical dog-creature hiding in the shadows of the night.
“You came,” he growls. “Good.”
“What happened?” I ask.
“I have traced the mare’s steps,” he says. “And I think you need to know immediately.”
“You know where the traces lead to,” Favian concludes.
“No,” Cù Sìth says. “And that’s the problem. There are no traces.”
Favian and I exchange a gaze. “Does that mean-“
“Yes, it is as I feared,” Cù Sìth growls. “The mare did not escape, nor did it sneak onto these lands. Someone brought it here.”
“Who?” Favian asks. “Who is able to do that without leaving any traces?”
“It has to be a powerful enemy,” Cù Sìth mutters.
“Why is it targeting us?”
“It’s not targeting you alone,” Cù Sìth answers. “My messengers have mentioned to me that weird things are happening in the human realm also, and other shifters have mentioned unusual happenings. It’s only more obvious here in the dragon lands.”
“We need to stop it,” I say. “Before this unknown enemy does any more harm.”
“I agree,” Favian says. “I will have Stefan invite our most entrusted allies to a conference tomorrow. Alana, the new witch?”
“I sent two warriors to invite her,” I say. “I made sure to send someone Ludwig and Barbara trusted. Azadeh sent a messenger to her, as well.”
“We need to return to the festivities now,” Favian says. “After many years, the dragons are feeling a sense of unity again. I need to build on it for the dangers that might still be coming.”
“That’s a wise decision,” Cù Sìth says. “Play your cards well, Dragon King with the silver hair, and Favia, the mysterious deity. You haven’t been dealt the worst hand. It had been much grimmer once.”
“I will do anything to protect everyone,” Favian says with grim finality in his words. “Even if it’s the last thing I do.”
seventeen
The Dragon King’s Mate
*ALANA*
Despiteourshortmeetingwith Cù Sìth, and the worrying news he had for us, the remainder of the evening was beautiful. Both Favian and I decided to keep our new problem to ourselves, only alerting Stefan, and instead focus on our clan.
The atmosphere is loose and full of motivation. Elio, who is usually rather shy, and Cassie mingle with the clan, and to my surprise, I find some of them playfully teasing the young witch. It was a smart move from Stefan and Favian to invite a witch who is somewhat chaotic and helpless, but also funny and kind. They don’t view her as a danger.
When Favian and I go to bed tonight, it feels different, more intimate, like something changed between us. I put my dress away, smiling at it. It was a new experience for me to dress up and play another version of myself. Tomorrow, I will be back to being the old Alana, in her practical outdoor gear, but no one says I can’t occasionally pull out a fancy dress to make my mate’s head spin.
I pretend as though I don’t notice Favian’s searing gaze, and the way his eyes follow each of my steps. Goddess Aine, help me. What am I doing?
Just do it!Ros says.You cannot hide it from me. Why not do what you want?
She is right, just as Aza was right. In my nightgown, I step outside on the balcony, well aware that Favian will follow me, either because he is curious or because he wants me to stay warm in the ice-cold night. The cold doesn’t do anything to cool me down though. My cheeks are burning, and when I feel Favian stepping outside, there is no holding it back anymore.
“Alana, are you cold?” he asks, offering me a blanket.
There is no holding it back.
I approach him, stretching to take his face between my hands and stare him right in the eyes. A guttural sound can be heard in his throat, and his eyes turn into slits as his dragon comes forward. I love the dominance he emits. It’s all the invitation I need. With newfound resolve, I pull his head down, smashing our lips together.
