Chapter 49

Galadon

He’d eaten more than he could remember in a long time. While Galadon cooked daily back in his home territory, he didn’t bother to do anything complex very often since it would only be for him. That was too much work, but once in a while, he enjoyed the challenge.

Between the flavorsome food and several mugs of ale he’d consumed that afternoon, Galadon was in one of his better moods as he sat on a bench near the castle steps. Other than Lorcan, no one else had spoken to him. That was fine since he wasn’t one to socialize. If not for the food, perhaps he wouldn’t have returned here at all after Hildegard’s funeral rite.

Well, that was a lie—even to himself.

He saw his other reason for visiting as she walked up the cobblestone path now. That annoying new slayer, Conrad, and his girlfriend, Rosalie, were with Rayna. They chatted amicably as they headed for the castle steps. He watched them as he sipped his mug of ale.

They spoke of post-war matters. Apparently, the city was working to restore electricity to the places where the Kandoran had damaged the lines. The enemy hadn’t had a lot of time to do anything, but they’d attacked a few places in Norman on their way to the fortress. He’d flown over it afterward to see for himself. Though he pretended not to care about much, Galadon didn’t wish to see innocent humans harmed, especially the children. Thankfully, none of the little ones had been hurt, but a few adults in town who’d tried to defend it died.

Rayna’s gaze turned toward him. She made her excuses to Conrad and Rosalie, and then headed his way. Galadon stiffened, bracing himself for whatever she planned to say. Would she keep her promise? So far, she had, to his relief.

“How are you?” she asked, stopping a healthy ten feet away.

It was a relief, and yet it aggravated him. He wanted to yank her into his lap.

“I’m fine,” Galadon said, keeping his tone even. “And you?”

“I’m good.” She shifted on her feet, likely feeling as awkward as him. “I promised Bailey I’d stay long enough to attend the mating ceremony, but then I’ll be leaving.”

He was surprised. Though most shifters didn’t accept her, the local slayers did and many humans had warmed to her. Galadon would have thought she’d prefer to settle someplace safer such as this.

“Where will you go?” he asked, and took a sip from his mug.

She gave him a surprised look. “Not all the Kandoran were cured, you know. Just because they’re not bound to the sorcerers doesn’t mean they won’t be a problem. The infection takes away their inhibitions and any goodness inside them. There are already reports of a few testing the borders, and a case up north yesterday where they snuck across and infected people.”

“There are likely a few thousand of them left, scattered across the land.” Galadon shook his head. “Why not be like the other slayers and hunt closer to home, keeping them at bay? It will be dangerous if you travel too far into enemy territory on your own.”

While he agreed that the remaining infected dragons and humans needed to be handled, as long as they kept their distance and didn’t cause trouble, they could wait. Most everyone was content to let the slayers use them to contain their urges.

Rayna shrugged. “The guide who helped Bailey, Aidan, and the others with the orb told me it was my duty and…”

He frowned at her hesitation.

“What?” he asked.

“Well.” The slayer cleared her throat and didn’t meet his gaze. “Allison said it was the duty of anyone who is strong enough and has sorcerer powers. She may have mentioned you, but she was too scared to tell you herself, so I got stuck with the duty.”

Galadon grunted. “What could I possibly do to frighten a spirit guide?”

“I don’t have the faintest clue.”

Rayna studied the ground as if there was something fascinating about the bare dirt. Why wouldn’t she look at him? Was she being shy or afraid of revealing something with her eyes?

“It will be winter soon and my kind will be of little help.” Already, the temperature during the afternoon was barely tolerable. He avoided going out after dark now if he could. “Also, my mother and I plan to leave soon for my territory. I’ve agreed to spend some time with her and allow her a chance to explain.”

All the deaths he’d seen during the war had softened him enough to give Ujala a chance.

Rayna nodded. “That’s great. Maybe when it warms up in the spring, you could hunt the Kandoran. A couple of slayers offered to help me for a little while in western Oklahoma before they need to return home. After that, I’ll do the best I can on my own. Maybe even patrol part of Texas.”

It irked him that he didn’t like the thought of her being out alone.

“You should take a break for the coldest months,” he said admonishingly.

Her gaze finally lifted to him. “I don’t get that luxury, remember? My instincts will force me out there no matter the weather or the odds against me.”

Yes, he couldn’t forget that. It was the primary reason he didn’t grab her this instant and repeat that day weeks ago when he’d taken her willing body. It would have been an understatement to say their joining had been the most incredible he’d ever experienced. He’d doomed himself by giving into his lust and curiosity, but surely it was only the element of danger that coupling with a slayer added, nothing more.

Galadon tried to erase those images from his mind, but each dawn, when he lay down to rest, they resurfaced. It would be good when he could get far away from her and hopefully forget their unnatural attraction.

He gathered himself and set his mug down on the bench.

“I have heard that Javier is beginning work on a potion to subvert your slayer instincts, though he thinks it will take months to formulate since it’s unlike anything he’s done before,” Galadon said. He hoped the sorcerer was successful.

Rayna’s gaze dropped again. “I heard that too, but it doesn’t do me any good now. Plus, the Kandoran aren’t affected by the cold, so someone has to be out there eradicating them regardless of the weather.”

He supposed he couldn’t argue with her on that point. Perhaps along his way back to his territory, he’d fly over the land west of the Faegud border to ensure none were close to his toriq. Galadon didn’t like the idea of so many continuing to roam out there.

“Try not to take on more than you can handle,” he said. Although he didn’t want to show he cared, it was a suitable warning he’d give anyone under the circumstances.

Rayna’s lips twitched. “If it gets bad, Onyx can always help.”

“Yes.” He grunted. “With a horse at your side, you’ll be nearly invincible against any number of enemies.”

She let out an exasperated sigh, frustration in her gaze. “Take care of yourself, Galadon.”

“You, too,” he said.

Without another word, she walked away. He wanted to call her back—that foolish part of him that enjoyed her company—but he wouldn’t. Their truce was at an end. With any luck, he could avoid her and never see her again. It would be safer for them both that way.