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Horano chuckled. “’Tis not as bad as it appears. The wound heals, the poison staved as my body fights it and Liam’s healing power protects me.” He cupped Rihanna’s hand and lowered her fingers from his wound, pulling his tunic back into place. “’Twill take a little longer to heal, is all.”

In those last words, Bryce realized just how much this Fae man devoted himself to the safety and well-being of Shaye’s family. The loyalty and passion in his words reflected more than mere reassurance, but acceptance of the events that landed him with such a wound.

Without declaring it outright, Horano’s eyes spoke what he refused to put on his tongue:I would give my life to ensure their safety.

“Circumstance prevented me from introducing myself properly yestereve.” Horano held out a hand and Bryce accepted the shake. “Horano.”

“Rihanna filled me in.” He watched as the man unfastened ornate cufflinks and rolled his sleeves to his elbows. He wore no jewelry, though it was evident the pieces throughout the cabin were of his creation, except for a single gold ring set with a multi-hued earth-toned stone. Horano twisted the ring slightly when he noticed Bryce’s attention. It caught a sliver of sunlight that stretched through a break in the curtains. To his astonishment, something lit within the stone, casting a spray of subdued honey and earth-toned glitter around the room. “Are you married?”

“Nay. We do not marry in our world. At least, not in the way mortals do in your realm. And we do not settle into permanent relationships unless our partner is ouranamcara.”

Rihanna slid beneath Bryce’s arm, fitting seamlessly against this side. “Horano mines precious gems and rare stones that possess magical abilities or can act as conduits for spells and wards. His is a gift no other possesses within the Talaenian world. Many of his finds are in safekeeping, while others are used for the jewelry you see on display.” She spread her hand toward the shelves. “They contain basic spells, because more extensive workings require Horano’s approval.”

“Though most Talaenians would not use a gem or jewel for evil purposes, I will not take the chance. Some spells I work into gems can become tempting for negative use, even with a person who harbors good intentions.”

“One of those stones and spells is also a means of eradicating Fae poison from the blood and mending damages incurred.” Rihanna pointed to Horano’s ring. “He wears it now.”

“The stone draws power from other gems and jewels, so can’t be combined with another item on one’s person at the same time.” He took a deep breath, his eyes flashing bright like the stone. “’Tis why you may sense energy and discord within the shop. And ’tis why I’ve remained here since taking my leave from the castle.”

“You’re saying the wound is worse than you’ve admitted,” Bryce said, raising his brows. Horano stared at him, then lowered his head and sighed.

“The poison was virulent, aye, but I continue to heal, as I said.” He fiddled with the ring, turning it to his pinkie, then to his middle finger, finally relinquishing it altogether to focus on Bryce again. “Mortals can’t withstand the effects of Faepoison. ’Twould kill a mortal in a blink.” He cut his gaze to Rihanna, lifting his chin. “You’re still coming back into your old strength and would have suffered had that dagger hit you. The damage to Moira and Terrek had been done. Her wounds would have been fatal if not for the potion, and Terrek wouldn’t have survived had Liam not arrived when he did. Which leads me to believe that dagger was, indeed, intended for you.”

Bryce’s arm tightened around her, a protective shield even if she boasted more power than he. Regardless, she was his woman, and he’d sacrifice everything to keep her safe.

“Why?” Bryce asked.

“Rihanna and I conspired to bring Daeanna to justice, which resulted in her Fae powers stripped and the Seelie king casting her into exile in the human realm, the very realm she despises the most. Unfortunately, with her return, anyone who betrayed her is a target for her wrath. Ah!”

He raised a finger, then turned and disappeared into the back room. Bryce looked at Rihanna, whose head nestled against his shoulder but whose eyes remained averted from his.

Horano returned, a thin gold chain draped over his hand. He turned his palm toward them, displaying a shiny black oval stone struck through with veins of gold.

“I was going to bring it by this eve, but since you came to me, here.”

He held out the necklace to Rihanna. Bryce struggled with the gesture, understanding Horano’s intention but not caring for another man to gift his woman with such a priceless object. Because chances were, the magic Horano imbued within that stone was priceless.

He needed to work on this newfound jealous side.

“’Tis set with a spell that will adhere to your spirit andbind a protective shield around you. Since you and Bryce renewed your blood bond, your spirits are entwined, making only a single stone necessary to protect you both.” He fastened the necklace around Rihanna’s delicate neck, situating the stone above the crease of her breasts. A blaring beacon to constantly remind them all of the perils they faced.

“I was going to take Bryce to Pompelia’s shop. You should join us,” Rihanna invited as she squeezed Bryce in a sideward embrace. The etches of dread that framed the corners of Horano’s eyes and mouth relaxed.

“I concur,” Bryce added when the man hesitated to answer. “It’ll be nice to get to know someone else in this world.”

“Aye.” Horano gave the ring another twist, then nodded. “Very well. I believe if I’m careful, I should be fine. Allow me a few minutes to close up my shop.”

“We’ll wait outside,” Rihanna said, separating herself from Bryce to fold her hand around his and lead him into the sun-drenched afternoon. A winged…something hissed past his head, ruffling his hair on a draft. Rihanna laughed, pulling him forward even as he leaned back, trying to figure out what the hell nearly collided with his cheek.

“What the heck was that?”

“A dragon.”

Bryce stumbled and came to a sharp halt. Rihanna twirled to him, her amethyst eyes glittering so many hues of purple. God, he could drown in those eyes day and night.

He could drown in this woman for all of eternity.

“Aye, a dragon. Not the grand type from mortal storybooks, is he?” She giggled, looking over her shoulder in the path of a dragon that was no larger than a duck, if with a larger wingspan. It blew out curls of smoke as it bobbed in the air down the street. “They’re rather harmless and cute.”