Chapter One

Selig

Present day

S elig paced what was left of the great room, careful not to slip on the water that still streaked the floor. Though the wall of windows was nothing more than shattered glass ground into the carpets, the ceiling hadn't caved thanks to that blasted tree. The glass dome concaved inward, buckling against the limbs like a cloth draped over an outstretched hand. Most soldiers had been too afraid to follow Selig into the great room, though the mage trusted the strength of the white witch's magic and knew the tree would hold for centuries more. Chewing his nails to the quick, anxiety ratcheted up his spine while he continued to pace. His demon had gone suspiciously silent, offering him no comfort while hiding in the recesses of his mind. Though perhaps it was for the best that his demon remained hidden when so many of the remaining soldiers already eyed him with distrust.

He spun around, glaring at the tall entryway doors when footsteps echoed outside.

One of the doors creaked open then completely fell off the hinges, scattering debris everywhere when it hit the ground with a heavy thud.

Selig gritted his teeth, glaring at the Windhaven half-human, half-Fae courier with the disheveled hair the color of sand, his tattered beret sitting askew on his head, the one feather poking out of it bent at an odd angle. His puffy lavender satin pantaloons had a wide piss stain on the crotch that still hadn't dried. Not that Selig cared about the courier's appearance. Everyone here was looking a little rough after Arabella Viggo's cyclone had brought down half the castle, and then the flood from the blast had nearly destroyed the entire city. Only a handful of the Windhaven servants still remained in Caldaria, the rest having scattered. Those who remained were loyal out of fear, for he could read it in their minds easily enough. He knew they'd scatter, too, after they found their courage. Just as all the Peloponese servants had done, following the dragon army to the Western Coast.

The color drained from the courier's face as he approached, his slippers making squishy sounds on the grass that partially carpeted the floor.

"Well?" Selig asked with impatience while rubbing his bearded chin. "What news?" Fear jumped off the courier's skin in electrified currents, his thoughts nothing but a swirling ball of terror.

"My Lord," he said as he bowed low, "we have confirmation that Queen Malvolia captured the prince."

Selig let out a snarl. "Damn."

"There's more, My Lord," the courier said as he pressed trembling hands to his sides. "The prince's dragon has already freed him."

Selig's breath caught, and he had to work hard to find his voice. "Freed him?"

The courier nodded. "Knocked off the top of Malvolia's prison tower and pulled the prince from a cell."

Selig inwardly smiled. This was excellent news. He jutted a foot toward the courier, fighting the urge to grab him by his collar and shake faster answers out of him. "Where are they?"

The courier visibly swallowed, taking a large step back. "The dragon was seen flying toward Thesan with the prince in his claws."

Selig gasped. Thesan? Why there of all places? He resumed his pacing while stroking his scraggly beard. Had Helian followed his white witch whore? And why wasn't the prince riding astride his dragon? He advanced on the courier. "Not on his back?"

The courier took another step back. "No, My Lord."

This wasn't good. "Was the prince dead?"

He shook his head. "He was heard yelling at his dragon to put him on his back."

Selig's veins turned to ice. "And the dragon refused?"

"Yes, My Lord."

Selig anxiously chewed his lip as his demon let out a low chuckle in his mind. "There can be only one reason for that," he mumbled. If Helian was demon possessed, it could either work for or against them. Selig had a sickening feeling the white witch wouldn't stop until she found a way to expel the demon, which didn't bode well for any of them.

"What reason, My Lord?"

His gaze snapped to the courier. "Never you mind." He waved away his concern with a sneer. "And the other dragons? Have they responded to my summons?"

The courier's cheeks colored a bright crimson as he averted his gaze. "Yes, My Lord."

Selig inwardly swore. The news couldn't be good. "And?"

He stepped back again, this time nearly tripping over an exposed tree root behind him. "They said they don't take orders from a mage."

Selig advanced on the courier, flames of rage fanning his face. "Caldaria needs a king!"

The courier backed up until he was pressed against the wide base of the tree. "Shall I send someone after the prince?"

Selig stopped his advance long enough to look out what used to be the wall of windows, a mild ocean breeze ruffling his robes. He saw not a single shadow blotting the sky that had once swarmed with hundreds of dragons. "How many dragons and riders have we left?"

The courier blanched, his voice splintering. "Eleven, My Lord."

"Eleven?" Selig balled his hands into fists, rage coursing through his veins. "No, we can't spare any riders."

His mouth fell open. "Then what shall we do?"

The only thing left they could do. Fachnan's heir obviously wasn't coming back, and the remaining Caldarians would continue to scatter unless Selig produced a king. "Where's the king's body?"

The courier's eyes widened. "In the Celsus burial chamber, My Lord."

Selig issued the courier a challenging glare. "Bring it here."

"My Lord?" The courier's gaze snapped toward the exit.

Selig didn't need mind powers to know he was getting ready to bolt.

Let me, his demon finally answered.

Selig released a long breath. "You heard me!" he said on a dark rumble, infusing his persuasive magic into his demon-touched voice. "Retrieve the king's body."

The courier's eyes misted over, fear replaced by a vacant expression. "Yes, My Lord." He bowed and walked out of the hall like a man possessed.

Licking his lips, Selig watched the man go while ruminating on the spells and herbs he'd need to conduct the necromancy. If it was a king the dragon riders wanted, a king they would get.

Tari

AFTER A LONG AND TIRING day of travel, my family and I finally reached the first of the Fallax Islands. My heart ached when we landed near a familiar waterfall and aquamarine lake. This was the last place Helian and I had made love before everything had changed. Though I didn't regret finding my shifter mates, I regretted the way things had been left between Helian and me. I wondered if Radnor had been able to save him, or if my mate had perished in the Northern Sea's frigid waters. Or worse, if Malvolia had gotten to him. How I loathed myself for abandoning him. If only we'd looked a little harder instead of turning tail and fleeing at the first sign of the wicked queen. If the bitch harmed Helian, she would know my wrath.

I forced a smile as Finn helped me from Bea.

You okay? he asked through thought.

I shook my head, grateful we could communicate telepathically, for I wasn't sure if I trusted myself to voice my fears aloud without crying. Worried about Helian.

My sister and her mates landed beside us. Shiri gave me a sympathetic look when Drae set her on the ground, and I realized she'd probably heard my telepathic conversation with Finn. My heart caught in my throat when her other two mates set the girls down and they clung to each other while looking at Ash and Finn with frightened eyes. When were they going to trust their fathers?

Ash swore, waving his hands in front of his face, and that's when I remembered the island's mosquito problem. The bugs were as big as my hand! Luckily, Shiri's mates were quick with setting up a fire and smoking the bugs away. I scanned the trees and the sky for wyverns, but Bea was the only one here. I wondered why they hadn't flown out to greet us and if we'd find them on the next island. We had just finished setting up camp when I heard the dragon's roar in the distance.

My veins solidified, and my heart skipped a beat as I looked to the giant shadow hovering in the sky and the Fae he held in his claws. My knees nearly buckled in relief. "Helian!" I wanted to race to them, but the line of mosquitoes outside our campsite kept me rooted to the spot.

Finn's smile faltered when the girls ran to their uncle Nikkos, hiding behind his legs, and I felt his longing in the marrow of my bones. Hopefully one day soon, they'd run to him or Ash for comfort. For now though, all that mattered was Helian was alive!

Radnor landed with a heavy thud, uncurling his talons to reveal a battered and bruised and very naked Helian who rolled into a fetal position with a moan.

Mosquitoes be damned, I raced toward them. Helian needed me.

Radnor jumped in front of Helian like a wolf guarding a bone, snarling at me as smoke curled from his snout.

Don't come near him, witch.

I gasped when Ash pulled me back as mosquitoes dove at us. "He's sick." I struggled to break free of Ash's grip. "He needs a healer."

He will heal on his own, Radnor answered me through thought.

"Ash," I pleaded, fighting against my mate's iron-clad grip. "Let me go."

"Into the arms of a demon," he answered, his voice a dark rumble. "I don't think so."

Did you hear me, witch? Radnor crouched in front of me, the steam from his nostrils making me gag. What do you think will happen if his demon infects you?

"He won't," I argued, crying out when Ash wrapped his arms tighter around me .

"Tari." Ash refused to break his grip of iron as he lifted me off the ground and took several steps back. "We can't trust him while he's demon possessed."

"No." Tears stung the backs of my eyes as a sob escaped me. "We can't turn our backs on him."

"Anya," Helian called, his eyes misty as he reached toward me, "stay away from me."

The fight rolled out of me, the venom from his words searing my veins as I surrendered in Ash's arms.

"Helian." I struggled to speak around the knot in my throat. "I trust you."

He sat up, his shoulders stooped as he hung his head in his hands. "But I don't trust my demon not to hurt you and the baby."

Ash released me like I was a bag of hot coals. "Baby?" His voice was a thunderous rumble.

Ignoring the accusation in Ash's voice, I turned my gaze to Helian. "You knew?"

Helian frowned, the circles under his eyes darkening. "Selig told me."

"You're pregnant?"

The accusatory look Ash gave me would've made a lesser witch cower. I wouldn't apologize for that magical week I'd spent in Helian's arms. After all, Helian was also my fated mate. I placed a protective hand on my womb and turned up my chin. "I am."

"Tari!" Finn charged me in a blur. I wasn't prepared for Finn to sweep me into his arms, or the big, sloppy kiss he planted on my cheek, but I certainly appreciated his support. I clung to his neck, thanking him after he gently set me down, treating me like a fragile egg.

"Keep her away from me." Helian waved toward us with a groan. "Anya, I'm so sorry for everything. If I can find a way to rid myself of this demon, I will be a better mate to you..." He cast a look of longing at Ash and Finn. "And a better brother."

Emotion threatened to cut off my words, determination solidifying my veins. "I swear I will find a way to get that demon out of you."

"There is a way," Shiri said.

I turned a pleading gaze on my sister. "How?"

She thoughtfully tapped her chin. "I can force the demon out of him, but we will need a vessel."

A wellspring of hope bubbled in my chest as I eagerly grasped her arm. "What kind of vessel?"

She frowned. "I'm not sure, but we'll find out."

"We need to bind him," Ash grumbled behind us.

I spun on him with a glare, wanting to argue, but damn him, he was right. If Helian didn't trust himself to control his demon, what choice did we have? I just didn't appreciate the eagerness in Ash's eyes when he pulled a rope from his satchel.

"Can you at least give him something to wear?" I asked Ash as he brushed past me without a second glance.

"And food and water would be nice," Helian added.

Ash didn't answer, but I didn't care. I would insist Helian was treated with decency—after he was bound. Helian didn't fight his brother when he grabbed him, and despite my protests, Ash was unnecessarily rough, the wolf in his eyes flaring as he spun Helian around and pushed him against a tree.

Once Helian was bound, I draped a blanket across his nude body and then tipped a bladder of water toward his lips. He thanked me with a wobbly smile before drinking the water down.

After he finished, he let out a belch and gave me a pleading look. "Food would be great, my love."

I nodded toward the camp. Bea had already caught us several fish, and Shiri's mates were roasting them. "As soon as it's ready."

Shiri stood beside me, the strong magic radiating off her causing my gooseflesh to rise.

"This message is for the demon in Helian's body." Her voice was as deep as a dragon's rumble, the siren taking over. "Do you understand me?"

Red flashed in Helian's eyes. "Yess," he answered in a serpentine voice.

I gasped, jerking back, vaguely aware of my snarling shifter mates flanking us while Blaze and Drae pressed behind us, the heat from their flames causing sweat to drip down my back.

Ask his name, I projected to my sister. You can control him if you know his name.

Shiri gave me a curt nod. "Demon," my sister continued, her siren voice so powerful, even I felt like I was being cast under her spell, "what is your name?"

Helian's lips curved in a wicked grin. "Demons are spellbound not to remember our own names when compelled by magic meant to do us harm."

Shiri forced a smile. "You think I'll harm you?"

"To know a demon's name is to control the demon," Helian hissed. "I can only remember my unfamiliar name."

"What is it?" Shiri snarled.

His eyes flashed with malice. "Nox."

"Nox," she continued, her voice rising with irritation, "what kind of vessel do we need to rid Helian of your presence?"

Helian snarled like a wounded animal, and I had to remind myself it wasn't Helian but the creature controlling him. "Another living being."

"Find a slug and let's get this over with," Ash grumbled.

"Will a slug work?" Shiri asked Nox.

He flashed his teeth. "No."

She jutted both hands on her hips, glaring down at him like he was an unruly toddler. "Then what will?"

He turned up his chin, the red in his eyes flaring like demon suns. "Another being with a beating heart of equal or bigger size."

Shiri gasped. "Equal or bigger?"

I looked from my sister to our mates. "What are we supposed to use?"

"What about a wyvern?" Shiri asked.

Ash's eyes bulged. "Do you want to give a wyvern demon powers?"

"No," I answered for her. "But we can't leave the demon in Helian."

"I have been good to Helian." Nox looked from me to Ash, a plea in his eyes. "I protected him from the blast."

Shiri rolled her eyes. "You protected him to save yourself."

I flinched at my sister's tone, though she was right. She also obviously had more experience with demons than I did.

His top lip curled up while he struggled against his bindings. "You owe me for saving him."

Ash let out a roar, pounding his chest like an ape. "We owe you nothing!"

"Shut up, demon." Shiri's siren voice ricocheted through the air. "You will not speak again unless I ask you to."

Helian clamped his mouth, but not before I saw the hatred reflecting in his eyes. I wondered which actions were Helian's and which were Nox's. Did my mate have any control over his body or only what the demon allowed?

I had to bite down on my knuckles to stifle a sob, desperation making my shoulders cave inward. What if we couldn't find a vessel? Would the demon fully take over? How would we save Helian?

Shiri turned to me, grasping my shoulders, her gaze hardening. "Listen to me, sister. We will find a way to save your mate."

I couldn't hold her gaze for long, for I feared the cost of saving Helian would be too great.

Tari

FINN FED HELIAN DURING supper after Ash blocked me from going to him. I didn't blame Ash for being protective. After all, I didn't want to think what would happen if Helian's demon infected me and had access to my white witch magic. I still wasn't sure how demon possession was transmitted, whether it be through blood or sex. The possibilities soured my stomach. Had Helian had sex with Arabella? Was that how he'd become demon possessed? And if he did, would I be able to forgive him?

My family and I ate in strained silence, the girls cowering between their aunt and uncles while casting their shifter fathers wary looks.

Ash mostly kept his head down, ignoring all of us as if he was angry with the world. Perhaps he was, and I was too much of a coward to ask him.

After supper, Finn returned to me, wrapping a protective arm around me while kissing my forehead. If you wish to go to him, he said through thought, just let Ash or me know first. One of us needs to be there to protect you.

I swallowed back a lump of emotion while nodding as something in my heart soured and resentment bubbled up in my chest. Did I want to go see Helian? He probably wouldn't be demon possessed if he'd stayed with us, with me.

Shiri called the girls over to her side, a pitcher of water beside her. "Girls, time to get ready for bed."

I felt like the world's most useless mother as I stumbled over to them. Why hadn't I thought to ready them for bed? I helped Shiri clean their hands and faces, apologizing profusely every time Ember complained that I was brushing her hair too hard. By the time we were finished, my little cherubs looked from me to Shiri with clean faces, slicked back hair, and heavy-lidded eyes.

Aurora tugged on Shiri's skirts. "May we sleep with you, Auntie?"

Shiri frowned down at her, cupping her cheek. "But your mommy and daddies miss you."

When both girls whined, I cut them off. "It's fine, Shiri." I forced a smile, though my heart crumbled like burned parchment. "Wherever they're most comfortable."

Ember tugged on my dress, smiling up at me. "You can come sleep with us, Mommy."

"Then your daddies will be lonely." I nodded toward my shifter mates, who averted their gazes but not before I caught the looks of longing in their eyes. "Besides, I love sleeping with shifters. They're big and cuddly and keep me warmer than blankets."

Aurora turned up her chin. "Our uncles keep us warm with their feathers."

"You should give your daddies a chance," Shiri whispered while stroking her back.

Aurora vehemently shook her head while giving her aunt a sour look as if she'd told her to eat a bowl of liver and onions.

My heart ached for my mates when I heard their canine whimpers echo inside my skull.

They don't like us , Finn whined.

They will, I reassured him. After all, they couldn't hate their fathers forever.

"I wonder if Bethamy is cold," Ember blurted.

"Bethamy?" I asked.

Shiri grimaced. "Her doll."

Ember looked up at her aunt with a pouty lip. "Do you think Aunt Malvolia saved her for me, or do you think she was washed away in the flood?"

Shiri tenderly cupped her chin. "I'm sure one of the soldiers saved her."

"I shouldn't have dropped her." Ember hung her head, a fat tear slipping down her cheek. "I'm a terrible mommy."

"There, there, darling," Shiri cooed, taking Ember in her arms. "We'll get you another Bethamy as soon as we're able."

My throat clenched, and my heart felt like it had fallen out of my chest as I watched their exchange.

"But I want that Bethamy," Ember cried, burying her face against Shiri's chest. "I was her mommy, and I just abandoned her."

Breath catching, I clasped my throat. My daughter could've cleaved my chest open with a mallet, and it would've had the same effect. Unable to hold back my tears, I buried my face in my hands, doing my best to stifle my sobs.

"Don't cry, Mommy. It's okay."

"No, it's not." I looked through my finger slits at Aurora as she leaned against my shoulder.

Aurora frowned. "We know you didn't mean to leave us."

I couldn't stop the tears from falling, even as my little cherub wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "I'm so sorry." I grasped Aurora's hand, emotion straining my words as I gazed longingly at Ember. "I'm never letting anyone take you from me again." I wiped my eyes with the back of my free hand. "Never." A sob escaped me when Ember pulled away from her aunt and flung herself toward me. I took both girls in my arms, plastering their faces with kisses. "Never ever again."

They clung to me, Aurora's eyes misty while Ember's eyes watered over with more tears. Though some part of me rebelled against my feelings, I loathed my parents for letting Thorin take me from them, and I wasn't sure how I could ever forgive them.

After our tears were spent, and my heart felt like a bedraggled and tattered old stocking, I finally helped Shiri put the girls to bed, tucked in the middle of the furs my sister shared with her mates. More shame and guilt washed over me at the thought of my children sleeping with Shiri's mates instead of with their parents. Though they didn't complain, I was sure her mates were eager to have their bed to themselves.

I had just kissed their foreheads, whispering how much I loved them when Aurora blinked at me with glassy eyes. "Will you sing a lullaby to us, Mommy, like Auntie and Yaya sometimes do?"

My breath caught, and I noticed the worried look in Shiri's eyes as she sat across from me.

"Aurora, your mommy still doesn't have all her memories," she warned her.

I plastered on a smile. "No, no, I can try." I struggled to recall the words to a lullaby as a familiar melody suddenly began playing in my head. I sang to them the words while tenderly stroking their arms and cheeks.

"Sleep, little lambs

And morning will bring

Sunshine and daisies

And new songs to sing.

Rest, little fawns

And when you awake

The grains we will grow

For bread to bake.

Dream, little birds,

Even when you rest

Always will I love

The ones I love best."

After singing the song a few more times, both girls had fallen asleep, their chests gently rising and falling as they let out satisfied sighs and snuggled against one another.

Shiri visibly swallowed. "You remembered that song."

"Mother sang it to us, didn't she?" I asked.

She nodded then looked away, swiping at her eyes.

I pulled my knees to my chest, remembering with surprising clarity singing this song while tucking them into a bed with a low ceiling. I remembered having to climb a ladder to get into bed, sleeping there first with just Shiri as children, and then with my daughters pressed between us. I released a slow breath of air while recalling the cramped cabin we shared with our parents. Below our loft bed was a modest kitchen, a hearth, and then a narrow bedroom for our parents in the back. "A few more memories are coming back now."

"I resent our parents for taking you from us," Shiri blurted, swiping at her eyes again.

I swallowed back bile while looking at my sister as shadows fell over her glossy eyes. "So do I."

Tari

AFTER LEAVING SHIRI and the girls, I dreaded returning to my shifter mates, for I sensed I'd have to endure a lecture from Ash. I did my best to ignore my mates' looks of longing as they sat on top of their furs staring after me like they were starving wolves and I was a big, juicy lamb.

Tari, Ash called in my mind.

I'll be right back, I answered curtly as I made my way toward Helian on the other side of the camp. He was tied to a big tree, his eyes wide as he watched my every move. Nobody had bothered to build Helian a fire, though I supposed he didn't need one with Radnor sleeping close by. Smoke billowed out of the monster's nostrils, warming the air and keeping any mosquitoes at bay.

I stopped in front of Helian, waving the acrid stench of smoke out of my face. "How do you feel?"

He tilted his chin, flashing a soft smile. He had a tenderness in his eyes, the same look I remembered from our time together on the Fallax Islands. "Better, now that I've had food and drink." He nodded toward a spot in front of him. "Won't you sit with me?"

I took a step back, as if he could somehow untangle himself and reach for me. "I have to return to my mates."

A look of pain flashed in his eyes before he plastered on another smile. "I'm your mate, too."

"So you're acknowledging it now?" I was hardly aware of the words before they came out like searing arrows as a bitter resentment bubbled up from somewhere deep within my heart. I'd been so worried that Helian had perished in the blast that I hadn't acknowledged the anger that had been there. But there it was, and I couldn't shake it now. He'd rejected me and then pledged himself to another. Damn him.

"Yes." He swallowed, looking up at me with puppy dog eyes. "And I'll never deny it again."

I looked away, instinctively crossing my arms. "Do you know what happened to your father?" I didn't know why I'd chosen this moment to tell him that my shifter mates had shredded Fachnan to pieces. Was it because I wanted him to find out from me before he heard it from someone else, or was I just wanting to avoid talking about our relationship?

He frowned, his voice taking on a darker edge. "Radnor told me."

I didn't ask how the dragon had found out. No doubt he'd come across other dragons on his travels.

I picked up a twig, absently peeling away its bark while trying not to look at Helian. "How do you feel about that?"

"He got what he deserved."

My gaze shot to his, and I was shocked to see not a hint of moisture in his eyes. "You don't resent your brothers?"

"Absolutely not." He let out a burst of bitter-sounding laughter. "He wouldn't have rested until my mother and brothers were dead." His eyes narrowed to slits. "And if he found out about your girls, he would've killed them, too."

Bile projected into my throat at the thought. "I would've turned him to ash first."

He slanted a grin, a note of pride in his voice. "Well, now you don't need to thanks to my brothers."

I didn't know if I should've been unnerved or relieved at Helian's reaction to his father's death. I stretched my arms to the sky while purposely avoiding looking into Helian's eyes, though I could feel his penetrating gaze upon me with the intensity of a summer sun. "I have to get some sleep."

"Goodnight, my love." His voice dripped with syrupy sweetness. "I'll be holding you in my dreams."

I curled my hands into claws, resisting the urge to slap him. "Goodnight," I mumbled, stomping back to the furs.

I walked back toward my mates with a heavy step and an even heavier heart while Ash's dark gaze bore holes through me. I dreaded the lecture that was sure to come. I stopped to check on my rabbits, who were resting between ours and Shiri's furs. My mates had made a pen for Demon and Angel out of melon-sized stones with a little hidey cave in one corner. Though they could easily hop over the barrier, they preferred to remain inside, exploring their shallow cave and grazing on fresh, dewy grass and flowers. I'd grown all their favorites, plus sprinkled oats throughout. I leaned over the pen, petting both of their heads, all while I could feel Ash's dark gaze boring holes through my back.

With a resigned sigh, I slipped beneath the furs between Ash and Finn.

Ash turned to me, his brow creased in a heavy frown. How long have you known about the baby? he projected to me through thought.

Of course that would be his first question. Blinking up at the slivers of moonlight cutting through the overhead clouds, I instinctively placed a hand across my womb while avoiding looking at Ash. Since the morning of the wedding. My mom saw him with her magic. I repressed a grimace, fearing his reaction to Helian's baby. A boy with silver hair.

Why didn't you tell us? His tone dripped with censure.

I inwardly cursed while turning toward him. Would you have let me anywhere near the battlefield had you known?

He reached for me, twirling a stray piece of my hair around his finger. How is this bond supposed to work if you keep secrets from us?

Shame washed over me as I blinked at him. Why won't you answer me?

No! He sat up, scowling down at me, his inner wolf flaring in his eyes. I would've told you not to set a toe on that battlefield, but it wouldn't have mattered because you would've done it anyway.

I sat up, hugging my knees to my chest, desperately searching his gaze. And you would've been so distracted worrying over me and the baby, that you wouldn't have given a care for your own safety.

He let out a curse, dragging a hand down his face. No more secrets .

The pain that flashed in his eyes was a shot of venom straight to my heart. Okay. I grabbed his hand, lacing my fingers through his. No more secrets. I'm sorry.

He squeezed my hand, slanting a fanged grin. So I'm going to be an uncle.

My breath hitched, my heart thudding loudly in my ears. How do you feel about that? And did I want to know?

He released a long breath while staring down at our joined hands. Honestly, I'm still getting used to the idea.

I choked back my emotion. I know you're angry with him, but Helian is my fated mate, too.

He stared into my eyes, his gaze unwavering. I know he is.

I clutched my chest, feeling as if a dragon was sitting on top of it. And it's not this baby's fault his father is a troll's behind.

Look at me, Tari. He tenderly cupped my chin, forcing me to look into his moonlit eyes. I don't care who the father is. This baby is my mate's baby, which means I will love him no matter what.

Words couldn't describe the surge of relief and gratitude that pulsed through me, even as my throat constricted. Thank you.

I will, too, Finn said at my back. I will love him and protect him as if he was my own son.

I turned into Finn, taking his other hand. I hadn't realized he'd been awake. My eyes misted when he gently kissed my knuckles. I was so lucky to have two loyal, understanding mates, even if their brother had been a sore disappointment.

Finn released my hand and sat up, nodding toward our girls tucked in for the night between my sister and her mates. Hopefully, he won't be afraid of us, too.

Ash's low whimper echoed in my mind as he stared longingly at our children. They won't even look at us.

I released his hand, wrapping my arms around my knees again, blades of jealousy stabbing my chest at the way Nikkos and Blaze had their wings tucked around the girls. Our daughters should've been tucked in my arms with Ash and Finn warming us.

My shoulders fell as sorrow weighed heavily upon them. They saw you kill Fachnan.

Ash's whimper grew louder. We didn't know they were watching.

I squeezed both their knees. I know.

We need to have a talk with them, Finn said.

I nodded. Tomorrow, after breakfast. I only prayed the girls wouldn't turn them away.