Chapter Twenty-Four

“Practice on me today,” Keltyr said after we arrived at the training location. “I want the reward.”

I laughed. “Kel, you can have me anytime. You don't have to do this.”

He shrugged. “Won't it be best to alter your targets?”

“He's right,” Air said. “Rath was the best option to start with because he possesses all the Elements. But you should try the procedure with others. It will make you more flexible.”

“You said it would be rough on Keltyr if I took his Earth magic because he only possesses one.”

“But you've had some practice now. You know how to be more gentle.”

“No. I'm not sure if I want to use them as targets,” I said. “It didn't go so well with Rath.”

“Only because he was resisting your help at the end,” Fire said. “You're not going to resist, are you, horny boy?”

Kel snorted. “You think you're funnier than you are. But no, I'm not going to resist.” He grinned broadly at me and held out his arms. His tail even lifted into a cute curl. “Do what you will with me.”

“All right then.” I rushed him.

Keltyr grunted as he caught me, then wrapped his arms and tail around me. General Ranor hadn't joined us, so there was no one feeling awkward when I kissed Kel. We were able to take our time, really sinking into the kiss. And, more importantly, our love.

When I eased back, I smiled at Kel. But before I could tell him I loved him, Air spoke.

“That is what you must focus on with Aranren,” Air said. “You will need that bond to save him. Unfortunately, it's thin and frayed. The only reason it remains is that Death is unaware of it. So, sink into it slowly and subtly as you distract Death with your attack. This will be a complicated maneuver, Ember. And we have only just begun to train for it.”

“I understand.” I stepped back from Kel. “Are you ready?”

Keltyr didn't crack a joke this time. He just nodded.

Earth advised me this time, guiding me through the best way to cage his magic. It was a slower, tedious process. By the time I finished, both Kel and I were sweating and shaking. But I managed to capture Earth even as I used the element to form a clay cage around Kel. When I lifted the cage with Keltyr's Earth Magic in it, my lover collapsed to his knees. I instantly released the magic and destroyed the Keltyr-statue. It crumbled to dust this time.

Kel gasped and fell forward as his magic returned to him. Xae got to him before I did, catching the Dhon man and picking him up.

“I knew you were into me,” Keltyr said to Xae before he passed out.

Xae snorted and shook his head, but also stared affectionately and concernedly down at his cumbersome burden. Even with Xaedren's bulk, Kel looked awkward in his arms, his long limbs dangling along with his tail. But I was more concerned about his health.

I rushed over to stroke Keltyr's face, the bond between us already filling with power. There was no resistance this time, but Kel wasn't in a position to resist. The energy rushed into him, and he sat up in Xae's arms with a gasp.

“Are you all right?” Xaedren asked, his deep voice and the way he held Kel making it seem intimate.

Kel smirked. “No, I'm still feeling weak.” He stroked Xae's back with his tail. “I think you should keep carrying me.”

Xae snorted and dropped Keltyr onto the grass. “You're fine.”

Kel grunted, made a sound of painful complaint, then laughed. He bounced to his feet and declared, “I'm ready for my reward now!”

“Come here, you big buffoon,” I said adoringly. I held out my hand, and Keltyr took it. But before we left, I looked at the others. “Is this all right?”

“Of course,” Rath said. “Enjoy your night.”

“We will!” Kel pulled me into an embrace and faded us away.