29. Talia

Chapter 29

Talia

M y heart pounding, I slid off the mundrek, my boots sinking into the soft, purple grass. The battle had ended as fast as it began, leaving behind an eerie silence punctuated only by the heavy panting of the victors. I made my way to Firion. He was alive. We were safe.

I didn’t know who the other Zuldruxian male was, but I was grateful he’d arrived when he did.

Firion’s arm encircled my waist, pulling me close. Sweat slicked his body, but to me, he'd never looked more gorgeous.

“Talia,” he said, his voice soothing my frayed nerves, “this is my brother, Nevarn.”

Nevarn was a mirror image of Firion, though a few years younger, with the same silver hair and teal eyes, though his expression held a certain solemnness that must come with being a clan traedor. He nodded, his gaze assessing me with open curiosity. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Talia.”

I managed a small smile, still reeling from the adrenaline rush. “You too.”

Firion gestured to Davon, who had joined us, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a warrior's vigilance. “This is Davon, leader of the Browze Clan. He gave us shelter and brought us here on the mundreks. He's a friend and welcome to visit my clan at any time.”

“My clan as well,” Nevarn said, his gaze taking in Davon.

Davon grunted, his attention now focused on cleaning his crystal sword with a piece of cloth.

Nevarn turned back to us. “Perrin circled above my tree home for hours, cawing, refusing to leave. It was unsettling. I've never seen a ryvar behave that way.” He glanced at Firion, a shared understanding passing between them. “I decided to follow him, and he led me through the forest to a meadow. There, he made it clear he wanted me to climb on his back. He brought me here just in time.” Nevarn's gaze lingered on the fallen Veerenads. “Perrin knew you needed help.”

Firion's grip on me tightened, and I leaned into his embrace, grateful for both Nevarn and Perrin. As if he knew Nevarn was talking about him, the enormous bird preened.

“Thank you, Nevarn,” I said, my voice hoarse. “And thank you, Perrin.”

The ryvar tilted his head before spreading his wings and taking flight, soaring into the sky.

“I imagine he'll come back to collect you when you're ready to leave,” Nevarn said, watching the bird. “And I also imagine you'd like to visit my clan and fill me in on what happened.” His solemn look took in me. “I assume it's quite a tale.”

“We need to add some terms to the treaty that I haven't yet presented to the Veerenad king,” Firion said. “I welcome your input.”

“Of course.”

Davon grunted and mounted his mundrek. I'd missed him lowering our packs to the ground and tying the second creature to the back of his own. With a salute to us, he turned the beast, and they loped back toward the desert.

“Thank you,” Firion and I called out to his back, and he waved again but kept going.

Nevarn watched them leave. “Quiet, isn't he?”

“A male of few words. I'll fill you in on that situation as well,” Firion said.

“Let's travel to my clan's territory.” Nevarn turned toward the forest. “You can rest with us, and then we can talk.”

Firion's grip tightened on my waist. “I can't wait.”

As I watched Davon disappear into the distance, I realized that this alien world was slowly becoming my home. With Firion by my side, and the promise of a new life among his people, I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't known I was missing.

Together, we strode into the forest, ready to embrace the future, whatever it might hold .

While Nevarn continued down a path weaving through the dense woods, Firion stopped and turned to face me. He cupped my face and stared into my eyes. “Mate, my precious mate.” He kissed me, and I'd never tasted anything sweeter, anything that held so much promise than this male’s mouth on mine.

With my hand secure in his, he led me down the path that would take us to the Celedar Clan. I couldn’t wait to rest. Recuperate.

And then look for my sister.