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“He is Avonleyan. A descendant of Sargon,” Eliza provided, cursing Razik in her mind for staying silent, yet also strangely satisfied that he wasn’t speaking for her.

The Beta’s eyes went wide. “A dragon shifter then.”

Eliza nodded sharply.

“One form we are not permitted to take,” Arianna murmured, new interest shining in her eyes.

“Why can you not take the form of a dragon?” Eliza asked.

“Because it was forbidden by Arius and Sargon,” Razik supplied, and Eliza felt him take a step closer. Felt the heat radiating off of him against her back.

“There are other forms you are not able to take?” Rayner cut in.

Arianna hummed an agreement. “There are some beings created by the gods that are considered sacred. We are not able to wear those skins, even as Power Shifters.”

“Can you take us to the Water Fae, Arianna?” Azrael interrupted. Eliza could hear the attempt at politeness in his tone, but she could tell he was agitated with this entire conversation. “Time is of the essence.”

Arianna tilted her head, beads clinking. “Is it? You cannot go with them for the exchange. You have nothing but time until Sawyer returns with Princess Ashtine. Perhaps some rooms to rest while you wait?”

“Not necessary,” Razik said. “We will leave as soon as the princess is retrieved.”

“That’s inconsiderate,” Arianna said with a pout. “My brother will not approve of such manners. Surely your companions know this.”

Eliza sighed. “Would you have extra rooms available so that we may rest for the night before we take our leave sometime in the next day or two?”

“Of course,” she replied, her coy smile returning. “I am certain there is a room for you two near my chambers.”

“We do not need a room together,” Eliza quickly corrected, refusing to look back at Razik.

“No?” Arianna asked with a knowing lift of her brow.

“No.”

“Interesting,” was the Beta’s response. “I am afraid there is only one room available near mine. The other available rooms are on the other side of the palace. You will not object to being so far from him then?”

Eliza tensed, her fingers tightening around her arms that were still crossed and nails leaving crescent-shaped indents in her skin. “No,” she said from between clenched teeth. “He is free to room where he wishes.”

She knew she shouldn’t do it, but she glanced at Rayner, whose eyes were narrowed on her. If anyone was going to figure this out, it would be the busybody Ash Rider. Or Cyrus, who could read people better than anyone. Or Scarlett, who had an uncanny ability to figure out secrets. Or Sorin, who had known her for centuries.

Fucked.

She was so fucked.

In an attempt to save face and ward off the suspicion she could see in Rayner’s eyes, she added, “As he is free to go to whomever he wishes.”

Arianna’s gaze flicked to Razik when he said tersely, “A room near my company would be preferable, my Lady.”

Arianna looked between them again before she said, “I am sure such a thing can be arranged. Come. Callan is anxious to see Lady Tava.”

“I haven’t said anything,” Callan said, his brows rising.

Arianna smiled knowingly. “Yes, but I can smell her on you as I could smell you on her.”

“That is… Can you take me to her please, Arianna?” Callan replied, his cheeks reddening slightly.

Her gaze swept over all of them again, before she nodded and turned to head back down the path, Jamahl at her side. They moved silently along. Well,theywere all silent. Tula chattered at Rayner the entire time, excitedly taking in the sights of the oasis palace in the middle of the desert Shifter territory.

They stepped into a colonnade that would take them to a building that housed several meeting rooms. The roof provided much needed shade, while sheer gossamer curtains fluttered lightly between the columns. They were nearing the next building when a large hand gripped her elbow, tugging her behind a column. Then her back was being pressed to the smooth marble, Razik’s forearm braced above her head.