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“Human mythology has so many errors, I don’t give a shit what you think you know.”

“Fair.” She started down the other side, and he followed. “This may be incorrect to say, but some of your people might be too different for human doctors to treat, and the hospitals may be full of humans. If you have someone who needs urgent care, you can call me.”

“You helped with the dragon because you were curious and because it helped your friend dispose of his dead animals. My people have arrived here with nothing. I cannot promise payment.” He jumped the rest of the way, glad to be on the other side of the rock wall, while already resenting the need to cross it again in seven days.

“I understand that, but I don’t like seeing animals?—”

Pan shot her a glare. “My people are not animals.”

“Or anyone suffer,” Elise said as if he hadn’t interrupted.

“We have our own healers.”

“You said there’s no magic. If your healers are used to using it, what will they do?” She reached beneath the car and pulled out the keys. She pressed the button, and the lights flashed.

Pan turned his head away, momentarily blinded.

“I’ll give you my card just in case. Am I dropping you at the pub?”

“Yes.” He hoped Noah was at the pub. “I will take your card in case your assistance is needed.”

“Great. I’ll stop by and see the dragon tomorrow, and I’ll pick you up in seven days for a return visit.”

Pan sighed, but he needed to show a little gratitude, because if Elise didn’t return, the centaurs might search for her. She had been careful to point out that for things to work, both sides needed to show some grace and compassion. “Thank you.”

CHAPTER33

The dragons were sleeping, taking up most of the car park behind the pub. The male lifted his head and chirped a thank you as Pan walked to the door. He paused and put his hand over his heart and nodded, glad that he had fulfilled one promise. Overhead, the moon was creeping to fullness. He turned the ring on his finger. He had no followers and had done nothing for the people of Beita.

Perhaps Feryn would take back the ring and resume his position as lord. That’s what should happen. But without magic, or borrowed power, who was he?

It was a bitter realization that he needed the ring because without it he had nothing, and no one would listen to him…except for the dragons and possibly Noah.

As much as he hoped Noah was there, he wouldn’t be surprised if he’d gone home to bathe. Something he also wanted to do. However, another night spent with the dragons was better than being a guest of the centaurs.

But when he turned the door handle, it opened, and music filtered out along with laughter. The scent of food made his stomach gurgle with anticipation.

“Linda? Noah?” he called as he shut the door.

When no one answered, he walked toward the light and music.

Noah stepped into the hallway. “You made it back.”

His eyes were bright and his words soft, the edges filed away with alcohol.

“And you managed to reunite the dragons. Well done.” It was a shock how much he meant it as the words left his lips. A human, who didn’t speak any Dragon, had managed to get her to her mate. “I’m assuming no one got eaten.”

Noah smiled. “No one got eaten. When he saw her, it was so cute. They were so chatty and excited. Come and have a drink. Lord Feryn has been telling us about Beita.”

Pan blinked. “He’s in the pub?”

Everything was slipping away.

Noah ran his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, they were having a wake for the dead and the loss of their looks when I got here.”

Oh. Feryn had left the palace to bring out the dead.

And he’d missed the party. He hated missing parties.