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“No. My mother made sure she got pregnant, then left him so she could raise me alone in our family cottage. It is what has always been done, daughters raised by single mothers and unknown fathers. When he discovered us together in the town near our home, he knew I was his. He tried to take me to raise me in his coven, and I attacked someone who tried to steal me.”

“You truly did not care that you had murdered your own father?”

Valerie gave a shrug. “He was a stranger to me. I saw him as nothing.”

There was a long pause as the Dragon tapped his tail against the ground. “You have given me much to think on.”

“I have my own question for you.” She eyed him cautiously, and he raised his brow when she folded her arms over her chest. “Were you the one who stole Kaeylyn?”

Was Geryon the reason this all happened? She wanted a reason to hate him.

“No.” He lifted a paw to inspect the points of his claws. “She was brought to Bradwick as an offering, and I took her instead. I knew someone would come for her.”

“You used her as bait?” Valerie attempted to hide her disgust.

“Yes. It is why I told Bradwick she gave a foretelling that he would find his future queen if he opened his gates for a gala.”

“Wait...” Valerie frowned as her arms loosened. “You lied to the king about Kaeylyn revealing a prophecy?”

He grinned, revealing all his fangs. “He was easy to convince. I needed him busied by taking a wife, since he was beginning to irritate me. This also got him to open his gates so Witches would come freely.”

“That is awfully manipulative.” Valerie couldn’t believe how devious he truly was!

He was still looking at his claws as he said, “Do not be so surprised by my wit. I have duped many kings into doing what I want.” He finally brought his eyes to her. “You look tired. I will allow you to rest.”

She thought he was just done talking to her.

“I can rest when my sister is home safe,” she answered, turning her head to look at the dark forest.

“Are you insinuating I will not protect you both while you sleep?” His snout curled in anger. “Rest. I will keep guard.”

Stemming the want to roll her eyes and knowing there was no way she could convince him otherwise, Valerie got to her feet and walked over to Kaeylyn. She said nothing to Geryon as she lay down behind her and pulled her closer, cuddling her sister as she closed her eyes.

Regardless of what he said, she felt better about holding her in case danger came.

Geryon watched as Kaeylyn pointed to the sky and shouted, “Valerie, look! The moon is full!”

She gave a loud, high-pitched squeal as she ran around the campfire she’d helped create on the second night of their travels. He was still in his Dragon form, smaller so he could perch on the branch of a tree.

He watched over them carefully. He was unintentionally growing protective of them the more he learned. The child was a constant source of information since she spoke so freely, and often merrily, while she ran around her older sister.

She was adjusting to using her witchcraft again, with much pushing from Valerie. She was easy to convince. Geryon could tell she wanted to use it, but was just hesitant.

“Is that your way of saying you wish to do the dance of the white snake?”

“Can we? Pleeease?” Kaeylyn bolted to Valerie and began to tug on her dress wildly.

Geryon was intrigued by this dance and what it meant. The child was obviously excited about it, and he was growing increasingly more curious about them and their witchcraft.

“You can, but I am feeling tired.” Valerie waved her hand dismissively.

“No! I cannot do it on my own. We must do it together.” She nibbled at her bottom lip. “I promise I will be good from now on.”

He cocked his head when he noticed Valerie avert her gaze before giving a nod.

They positioned themselves on either side of the fire, their backs slightly turned to each other. Then Valerie began to sing, and they danced around the fire with mirrored movements.

Her voice is filled with life when she sings.It was melodic and gentle. He expected a dead, expressionless song, not something that would make his eyes droop like a lullaby. His tail even began to sway, as if it wanted to join in on their dance.