Stroke the Flame

14

The Earth Realm, where we were now, was located in the north, with the Air Realm to the east, the Water Realm to the west, and the Fire Realm to the south. The map had each Realm’s capital labelled, along with some other major cities, rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, and—most importantly—the five Gods’ temples.

“We have to visit the temples in the order in which we arrived,” Auric said. “That means the Fire Temple is first.”

“Why can’t we go to the Air or Earth one first?” I asked. “They’re both closer.”

“Because that’s what the Gods decreed,” Slade said.

Jasin flashed me a suggestive grin. “Definitely fine with me.”

“I suspect they made that rule to keep it fair and to encourage us to find you faster,” Auric said, with a shrug. “Either way, we need to head to the Fire Realm first.”

For the next few minutes, Auric, Jasin, and I plotted a course to the Fire Temple, with a few helpful comments from Slade, while Reven ignored us entirely. Once that was done, the men’s horses were brought out, each one as unique as their riders. I didn’t have a horse, and certainly didn’t have the money to buy one. Not that there were any for sale in a town as small as Stoneham anyway.

“You’ll have to take turns riding with one of us,” Auric said, from atop his elegant white horse with the gold-trimmed saddle.

“She can ride me any time.” Jasin winked. “I mean, ride with me.”

“I’m sure that’s what you meant.” I rolled my eyes and threw my pack on the back of Auric’s horse. Jasin was a little too eager, and the other two were keeping their distance from me, so Auric it was.

Auric offered me his hand and I climbed onto the horse behind him. A jolt of surprise and desire shot through me when I pressed against his back, along with the realization of how close we were. It had been years since I’d been this close to a man, but in the next few days I’d have to sit with all of the men like this. Of course, if they were really my mates, I’d be doing a lot more than just riding a horse with them soon.

I hesitated, then slid my arms around Auric, trying not to focus on the feel of his strong chest or his clean, fresh scent that made me want to get even closer. He sucked in a breath at my touch, but then rested his hand over mine and gave it a quick squeeze.

“Ready?” he asked.

I cast one last glance back at the town that had been my home for the last three years, then turned to gaze at my other companions. Each one was staring at me, waiting for me to give the signal to leave. Reven, on his swift black steed, looking broody and bored. Jasin, impatiently twitching on his dark stallion that looked like it was no stranger to combat. And Slade, on his large chocolate brown horse, waiting with a steady, calm demeanor.

“Let’s go,” I said.

My arms tightened around Auric as the horse began to move. It had been three years since I’d ridden a horse and I had the feeling it would take some time to get used to it again. By the time we stopped, I’d probably be sore all over.

As we rode out of town, the soldiers watched us with stony glares and a few people stepped out of their houses to gawk at our strange procession, but no one seemed all that sad to see me leave. I’d killed Koth, and might as well have killed Roark too. They weren’t the first men I’d killed and likely wouldn’t be the last, but their deaths still weighed heavily on me. Taking a life never got easier, nor did seeing a dead body, even if the person deserved it. I only hoped Tash and her mother would be okay.

I gazed at the forest where I’d gone hunting every day for the last few years. I’d promised Tash I would return someday, but it was hard to know what lay ahead of me, or how different I would be if I did return. Would I truly be the Black Dragon then? I’d never seen the current Black Dragon before, but I knew she was immortal, could control all four elements, and turned into a great winged beast with huge talons and glowing eyes. Was that my fate as well?

And what would the Black Dragon do when she learned I was like her?

13

Auric

K

ira was quiet as we left Stoneham and traveled on the road alongside the edge of the forest, but I was constantly aware of her presence. Not only were her arms wrapped tight around my chest, but her feminine curves were pressed against my back in a way that was hard to ignore. Especially since I wasn’t used to anything like this. I spent my time with books and…well, that was about it. I certainly wasn’t very good with women and didn’t know what to say to them. Now I was put in a position where I desperately wanted to get to know my future mate better, but was also unsure how to talk to her. I bet none of the other men had that problem.

“Is your head okay?” I asked her.

She pressed a hand to the back of her head. “Surprisingly it is. No pain at all, actually. They must not have hit me as hard as I’d thought.” “That’s good.” I paused. “Are you comfortable?”

“As comfortable as can be expected, considering I haven’t ridden a horse in years.” She shifted behind me, making her breasts rub against my back, a sensation that made my trousers suddenly tight. “How long do you think it will take to reach the Fire Temple?”