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Abruptly, I remembered he hadn’t been in the Great Hall when I explained the reason behind my mission. And the two of us hadn’t done much talking. Because our mouths had been otherwise occupied. Then we’d entered into a lifelong mate bond.

Fresh panic rose.

I shoved it aside. “I was predicted to be the greatest air witch of my generation.”

Pride shone in Callum’s eyes. “That’s hardly a surprise. I felt your currents playing with my hair. And it was sexy when you flexed your power against me a moment ago.”

Heat rose in my cheeks, and I avoided looking at the bed as I said, “Unfortunately, I haven’t lived up to my potential. I have power—a lot of it, actually. I’ve always been able to draw the wind. But I can’t control it.”

Niall grunted softly. “Air is a fickle element. It takes years to master.”

“True, but my skill level has stayed status quo for decades.” I sighed. “The Council of Elders won’t accept me as my father’s successor unless I prove I can harness the wind.”

Callum scoffed. “By giving you an impossible task? That’s hardly fair.”

“Maybe not, but I don’t have a choice.”

“Aye, you do. You can stay here where it’s safe.”

“No,” I said firmly. “I’m going North. My father wanted me to lead House Blackwood, and I will.”

Callum studied me. Then he nodded. “Right, then. We’ll leave in the morning.”

My jaw dropped. “We?” I shook my head. “You can’t come.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“I didn’t invite you.”

“Then I’ll take my own trip to the Oracle. I’ll walk next to you.”

Frustration rose. “That’s absurd.”

Callum shrugged.

Niall folded his arms as if he was settling in for a show.

I pinned Callum with what I hoped was a stern expression. “I have to capture the wind by myself.”

“I won’t interfere, witchling.”

“I have to do this alone,” I said.

“Too bad. I’m yours now. And if you think you’re walking into the Arctic and facing off with an ice dragon alone, you’re dreaming.”

“You can’t come,” I said through clenched teeth.

“Doing it.”

“Don’t you have a job here?” Oh gods, I didn’t even know what he did for a living. Maybe he was unemployed. The elders would love it.

“Not anymore,” he said cheerfully. “I was training to become a Sovereign Guard for the king, but mated males can’t serve. So I’ll just guard you now.”

I looked at Niall.

His gaze was mild. “You mated a dragon, lass. We protect what’s ours.” His dark eyes flicked to my new, infuriating mate. “Callum is a solid warrior and a good male, even if he’s a pain in the arse sometimes.”

Callum gave a good-natured laugh. “You’re one to talk, Cousin.”