Chapter 46

FORTY-SIX

T he ancient mating ritual temple, amazingly similar to Stonehenge, towered around Quinn, its ice walls gleaming under Nova Aurora’s twin suns. Blue flames danced in stone braziers, casting ethereal shadows across intricate runes carved deep into crystalline surfaces.

Her breath misted in the frigid air as she stood at the center of the ritual circle, trying to quiet the logical part of her brain that screamed about the impossibility of it all.

Fewer than twenty-four hours ago, she stood in her chambers brooding over her situation. Now, the entire kingdom was gathered around to witness the Dragon King bond with his queen.

She snorted at that thought. She was no queen, but she was the one chosen to save this planet and all the wonderful people on it. She would negotiate her queenly duties afterward and they definitely would not be including her dressing up in a big flashy gown and heels.

A low murmur rippled through the crowd and the runes etched into the stone and ice pulsed with a subtle rhythm like a heartbeat trapped in time. Her geological training urged her to analyze the structure, to understand how these carvings had survived centuries of thermal stress and pressure. But the way they glowed with inner light defied every scientific principle she’d ever studied.

“This isn’t exactly what I expected when I signed up for interplanetary geology,” she muttered, adjusting the ceremonial robe draped over her practical thermal gear. The garment sparkled with embedded crystals, catching the light like trapped stars. She touched her father’s compass pendant, drawing comfort from its familiar weight. “Dad would never believe this.”

Reina approached, her silver hair flowing like liquid moonlight. “The crystals in your robe are resonating with the temple’s energy.” She adjusted one of Quinn’s sleeves. “They’ll help channel the magic during the ritual.”

“Right. The magic.” Quinn swallowed hard. “Any chance you could explain that in terms of measurable energy transfer?”

Reina’s violet eyes sparkled with amusement. “Some things transcend scientific measurement, Quinn. Like love.”

“Love is just chemistry and hormones,” Quinn countered, but her voice lacked conviction. Because every time she looked at Kai lately, her scientific explanations crumbled like sedimentary rock under pressure.

A sharp gust of wind whistled through the temple’s open architecture, carrying the scent of snow and magic—if magic had a scent. To Quinn’s scientifically-trained nose, it reminded her of ozone before a storm, sharp and electric. The temperature dropped further, making her shiver despite her thermal gear.

“Having second thoughts?” Kai’s deep voice resonated through the chamber as he approached. Everyone dropped to a knee, bowing to their king. His ceremonial dragon-forged armor gleamed, its scaled surface rippling with each movement. Despite the formal attire, his ice-blue eyes remained alert, scanning their surroundings with predatory awareness. The ancient tattoos along his exposed forearms pulsed faintly, responding to the temple’s energy.

“About participating in an ancient magical ritual that defies every law of physics I’ve ever studied?” Quinn raised an eyebrow. “What could possibly make you think that?”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “Your sarcasm suggests you’re nervous.”

“My sarcasm suggests I’m breathing.” She squared her shoulders, fighting the urge to fidget with her compass pendant. “But no, I’m not having second thoughts. The kingdom needs this ritual to stabilize. The data proves it.”

Kai moved closer, his presence electric. Her skin tingled where his arm brushed hers. “And what about what you need, Samara?”

The use of her first name, rare from his lips, sent a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. She turned to face him, struck again by how his otherworldly beauty contrasted with his warrior’s bearing. The urge to trace the strong line of his jaw almost overwhelmed her practical nature.

“What I need,” she said carefully, “is to focus on the task at hand. One problem at a time.”

He stepped into the circle. The magic immediately intensified, making the air thick with power. The runes blazed brighter, casting blue light across his sharp features. “This ritual will bond us in a way that transcends fate.” His voice dropped lower, intense. “Are you ready?”

Quinn’s heart thundered against her ribs. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

The ancient words began to flow from Kai’s lips, each syllable resonating with power. Quinn focused on her breathing, remembering Reina’s instructions about opening herself to the magic. It brushed against her consciousness like static electricity?—

Then a familiar deafening roar shattered the ceremonial silence.

“Oh, come on,” Quinn yelled toward the sky and stomped her foot, “can’t you all give it a rest? I’m trying to save your kingdom here.”

Dark shapes plummeted from the sky as enemy dragons swooped down, their scales black as midnight.

“Darian,” Kai turned with a swish of his robes, “fly!” To her surprise, a dozen more dragons took to the sky with the advisor.

Warriors emerged from the shadows of surrounding cliffs, weapons glinting in the temple’s blue light.

The people of the kingdom pulled out swords and weapons. They had all come prepared to fight. Why hadn’t anyone told her about this?

The magical energy surrounding them faltered, sending violent shockwaves through the temple’s structure.

“No!” Reina shouted, her hands glowing with healing magic. “The ritual circle’s protective barriers—they’re breaking!”

“Stay behind me,” Kai growled, stepping between Quinn and the oncoming threat. His body radiated heat and fury. “No matter what.”