Page 10 of Rhadan

“You never used your power on a dragon though?”

Rhadan sighed. “Later, when my wings formed, my power was stronger. Magnus was convinced we had a traitor in our clan. We did, but it was not the person he suspected.”

“What happened?”

“He asked me to interrogate a dragon he suspected of wrongdoing, and I did.” The pain in his voice hurt her soul. It was as if his pain were hers.

“What happened?” she whispered.

“His name was Warlon. He was a dark purple dragon, which is rare. Upon Magnus’ request, I asked Warlon questions and used my power to elicit a response. He had been attacked and left for dead, but he had not betrayed the clan.”

“So, you cleared his name.”

“Yes, but he was obsessed with me after that. He followed me everywhere despite Magnus’ repeated attempts to stop him. I would wake to him sleeping in my room with me.”

“What did you do?” she asked.

“Magnus told me the situation would be rectified, and it was. Warlon had a mate. And as much as he loved her, he couldn’t resist my power. I was an obsession. When the druid bomb went off, his mate fell and so did he. His body was in my room.”

“That’s awful.”

“It was. His last moments should have been with the woman he loved, but my interference robbed him of those last two months.”

“You were doing as Magnus asked.”

“Yes, but Magnus did not understand my power. I was just learning, but I had seen the effects it had on my friends. I should never have taken such a risk with one of my clan mates.”

“Why did you need to question him if you were all telepathic?” she asked.

“He was rendered unconscious for weeks by a mage. There was no memory to retrieve. But he was gone during a time when several artifacts and information were leaked to the enemy.”

“Did you find out who was helping the mages?”

Rhadan paused. “It was Devlin.”

She huffed. “Of course, it was. He was a prick even when he wasn’t dark.”

Rhadan chuckled. “He was obsessed with being the next gold, but I think deep down he knew what he was, and it wasn’t our leader.”

She turned toward the door when it chimed. “Good afternoon,” she said in welcome.

“Hi, my name is Samantha Burke. I have an interview with the assistant manager.” Her voice held a familiarity, though she was sure she had never met the woman before.

Tempest put her hand to her chest. “I’m Tempest, I work here. I placed the ad. The owner is on her way here because Natalie went home sick, but help yourself to a coffee and a muffin while you wait. If Mara doesn’t arrive in the next ten minutes, I will conduct the interview.”

“Thank you,” Samantha said. She stayed immobile for a few moments, then moved toward the cafe.

Tempest touched Rhadan’s thigh when she sensed he was watching the newcomer. “What is wrong?”

“Nothing. She is attracted to me, but she moved away on her own accord. That is unusual, but I am unable to access her mind, so I have to wonder if she has druid blood.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I can’t. She is too young, and no dragon will breach a suspected druid’s mental shields. Some humans have natural barriers, but those are rare.”

Tempest pursed her lips. “You can influence a dragon and a mage. Can you do the same to a druid?”

“Yes. You are the only exception.”

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