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I wasn’t sure how that would be possible, seeing as how we were so entwined in each other’s lives, but there had to be a way. They would never understand why she had to be here. They would never forgive me for putting us in danger.

Tell them she’s ours, the dragon demanded.

Ignorant bastard, single-minded as always. Black and white. Right and wrong. She was ours, and that was all there was to be considered. No gray areas, no concern for the other dragons I called my brothers and cousins. They didn’t matter. It was all so easy for him.

And what if I did tell them? Like it would matter in the face of the bigger picture. Putting us all in jeopardy. Ten centuries with them had stripped away all illusions. They would care about survival and duty. We had no duty to this girl.

The tunnel was dark, windowless of course, without the lighting or air filtration systems we used in our underground maze. She wouldn’t suffocate, but the darkness would become a problem. I would have to bring candles in for her, and bedding which would prove more comfortable than a pile of rags on the floor. It would have to do for the time being. I lowered her carefully, cautiously, still fearing internal injuries.

What was I thinking? Caring about her comfort, hoping I hadn’t worsened any invisible bleeding she might be suffering. Digging myself deeper and deeper.

There was no time to think about it. I had to get back to my suite, shower, and dress and make a point of covering up for my absence.

The truck would still be sitting on the road, if it hadn’t succumbed to the mudslide, so I had an excuse for coming back empty-handed.

I ran barefoot down the long, dark tunnel which would eventually lead to a wooden door that sealed the cells off from our home.

With any luck, the other side would be empty, and I’d be able to get to my room without notice. If any of the others saw me, they’d want to know why I hadn’t used our normal entrance—and, of course, I should have.

I should’ve flown around to the mouth of the cave and told Cash about the mudslide as though there were no further complications. I was already slipping up, not thinking clearly.

I would have to get my story straight if there was any hope of getting away with keeping my prisoner a secret.