Page 5 of Bound by Fire and Scales (The Dragons of Earis #1)

I stood, staring up at the fortress looming before me. From a distance, it hadn’t seemed like much, but now, standing this close, its dark beauty stole the breath from my lungs. My heart lodged in my throat, caught by the magnitude and shadowed elegance of it.

The fortress had a structure carved into the landscape in a way that seemed impossible. It had been built around the mountain, the dark stone walls of the building parted at its center, making way for a breathtaking cascade of molten lava that downfallen and poured in glowing sheets, roaring as it met the shimmering lava lake that encircled the entire village.

The place was beautiful, but in a way that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. It wasn’t the kind of beauty that invited you in; it loomed over everything, commanding respect, exuding raw, unyielding power.

The fortress didn’t welcome you—it made you feel small, insignificant beneath its shadow.

“My ancestors built this place millennia ago, long before humans walked over Earis. Back then, my clan was feared for our strength, for the relentless way we fought.” Zephyr’s deep voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood beside me, his gaze steady on the fortress.

I glanced back at the lava crashing down in violent waves. “This fortress was designed to honor the element we were born from; fire. That’s why it stands around the cascade,” he continued, his voice low but filled with pride. “This whole island is the home to the fire dragons. To the Firescales clan. And as the leader of this clan, it’s my duty to rebuild it.” I stared at his handsome profile and since the first time we met, I finally understood why everything he did was with a touch of seriousness, why he didn’t seem to relax even for a second. This place represented a whole legacy that he had now to carry on.

“If I knew you were such an important dragon, I would have asked for more money from you,” I teased, smirking at him. He shot me a raised eyebrow before turning his back and walking ahead, choosing to ignore my attempt at provoking him.

We passed through the massive iron gates that creaked under their own weight, granting us entry into the heart of the mountain. Beyond them, a vast courtyard stretched out, lined with jagged stone walls and scattered with glowing embers that flickered in the shadows. When we stepped inside, I expected the heat to be unbearable, like the lava outside, but the air inside of the building was clear, colder, even though the scent of smoke and molten stone remained in the air.

Then I saw it—the castle. It rose from the mountainside like it had been carved from the very rock itself, towering and imposing, its dark stone reflecting the faint glow of lava streams running beneath it. As we approached it, the temperature seemed to rise; the heat radiating from the stone walls like a furnace. The entrance loomed ahead, dark and gaping, as if the mountain itself were about to swallow us whole. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of sulfur and ash, the heat pressing down like a living thing. It felt as though the very walls were breathing.

The interior was massive, with vaulted ceilings that disappeared into shadow. Firelight danced along the walls, casting flickering, erratic patterns across the stone. I couldn’t help but shudder as we ventured deeper. Every step echoed around me, swallowed by the vastness of the space. There were no warm tapestries, no soft rugs to cushion the sound of our footsteps. Everything here was made of rock. Every aspect of this place seemed to want to remind me that I didn’t belong here. This was a world built for dragons born and forged from fire.

Zephyr glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, a flicker of concern in his green eyes. “You’ll get used to it.” I nodded as he walked ahead, his strides long and confident, while I struggled to match his pace. I wasn’t sure if I could pull this off, pretending to be his mate in front of dragons who would probably see right through the whole thing.

Suddenly, the sound of boots against stone echoed ahead of us, and a tall, dark-haired figure appeared in the hallway, walking briskly toward us. His dark blue eyes were sharp, scanning Zephyr before landing on me. He was handsome, looked like a prince straight out of a fairytale. He had a build similar to Zephyr’s, all broad shoulders and muscles. From his scent and stature, I could tell right away that he was an alpha, too.

“Kislav,” Zephyr greeted with a nod, slowing his pace as we approached. Kislav . So, this was the only other person to know the truth about me. Now, seeing him, I understood why Zephyr trusted him. There was a quiet intensity to the man, as if he was always three steps ahead of everyone around him. I could feel the tension radiating off of him, though he kept his expression neutral.

Kislav inclined his head, but wasted no time with pleasantries. “Zephyr, you need to know something before you meet the council.” His voice was low, urgent, like he was delivering a crucial piece of information.

Zephyr stopped walking, and I nearly bumped into him as I caught up. “What is it?” he asked, his tone steady, though I could sense a flicker of concern beneath it.

Kislav’s gaze flickered briefly to me before returning to Zephyr. “Anphyr and Enrik—neither of them saw this coming. They were both caught completely by surprise when they heard the news.”

My stomach dropped. Caught by surprise? That didn’t sound like a good start.

Zephyr’s expression remained impassive, but I could tell by the way his jaw tightened that this news wasn’t what he wanted to hear. “And how did they take it?”

Kislav’s lips curled into what might’ve been a smile, though it was difficult to tell whether it came from amusement or unease. “Anphyr was… well, surprised, as you can imagine. But you know her.” His expression softened, and for a split second, something flickered in his blue eyes—an emotion I couldn’t quite place. Whoever this Anphyr was, it was clear Kislav held her in high regard.

“She just wants what’s best for you. The shock wore off quickly, and she was happy. Truly happy. She didn’t expect you to find a mate, let alone so soon.” He shot a glance my way, curiosity flashing in his gaze. “But Enrik—well, you know how he is. He’s not as easily convinced.” I swallowed hard, trying not to show how unnerved I felt by the news.

“Enrik was always going to be a problem,” Zephyr said, his voice calm but with a dangerous edge. “But Anphyr… if she’s happy, that’s enough for now.”

Kislav nodded. “Just be prepared for Enrik’s questions. He’s not going to let this slide without digging deeper.”

I tried to keep my breathing steady. Questions. I wasn’t ready for questions, especially not from someone who already didn’t trust me. What if I slipped up? What if I said something that gave away the fact that this whole thing was just an act?

Zephyr must have sensed my anxiety because he turned toward me, his hand resting lightly on my arm. “Don’t worry about Enrik, he has a complicated past and being taken by surprise is always hard for him,” he said quietly, his voice steady but firm. “We’ll handle him together.”

I met his eyes and gave a small nod, trying to draw strength from his confidence, but my stomach still churned with uncertainty.

Kislav cleared his throat, drawing Zephyr’s attention back. “Just remember, you’ve already won over Anphyr. That’s a huge advantage. The council likes her, and if she’s on your side, you’ll have a much easier time.”

Zephyr’s lips curved into a faint, almost unnoticeable smile. “Good. Then we’ll focus on her. If we have Anphyr on our side, the others will follow. My sister carries a lot of influence within the clan.”

“She's the princess of the Firescales, after all,” Kislav added, his blue eyes softening with a hint of affection.

So, Anphyr was Zephyr’s sister. That explained her importance. I guess I should be relieved she already liked me, or at least the idea of me. Maybe this wouldn’t be as impossible as I thought. If Anphyr—Zephyr’s own sister—was on board, maybe the council would fall in line, too.

Kislav’s gaze settled on me, studying me for a moment before speaking again. “You’ll need to play the part perfectly. The council will be watching closely, and Enrik is…” He paused, letting out a tired sigh. “Enrik can be quite stubborn when he wants to.” Then he turned to face me, his eyes were sharp, piercing. “You understand what’s at stake here, don’t you?”

“Me and Zephyr already went through this before. I promise, I’ll do my best.” After all, Zephyr was paying me well to play this role.

Kislav’s eyes flicked over to Zephyr, and I could feel the weight of whatever unspoken exchange passed between them. Finally, Kislav gave a small nod. “Good. If you need my help, give me a sign and I’ll step in.”

Zephyr nodded. “Thank you, Kislav.” With that, Kislav turned and started back down the hallway, his pace brisk, as if there was something more pressing he had to handle .

As soon as he was out of sight, I exhaled the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. Zephyr’s hand still rested on my arm, grounding me. “Kislav is right,” he said softly. “Anphyr’s happiness will carry a lot of weight. We just have to get through this first meeting, and everything else will fall into place.”

I nodded, though a knot of anxiety still twisted in my stomach. “What about Enrik? What if he asks questions I can’t answer?”

Zephyr’s eyes darkened slightly, but his voice remained steady. “He will. But we stick to the story. You’re my mate. You chose this. If he digs deeper, we’ll handle it as it comes.”

I didn’t have much of a choice but to trust him. Zephyr was far more experienced at navigating these politics than I was. But the thought of facing Erik’s skepticism—and the scrutiny of the entire council—felt like walking into a trap I couldn’t escape. But there was no backing out now. We had to make this work. I had to make this work.

Zephyr’s grip tightened on my arm for a moment, as if he could sense the whirlwind of thoughts running through my mind. “We’ll get through this,” he said firmly, his green eyes softening when meeting mine. “Together.”

Together or not, I knew I had to hold my own in front of the council. If this plan was going to succeed, I had to play the part to perfection. Straightening my spine, I took a deep breath and followed Zephyr as we continued down the corridor toward the council chamber, where our fate awaited us. When we reached the grand doors, Zephyr paused, glancing at me over his shoulder. His pale green eyes were steady, calm, as if to remind me to hold it together. I swallowed, nodded, and took a deep breath.

He pushed the doors open, revealing the massive chamber beyond.

The room was even larger than I had imagined. Towering dark stone pillars rose like the bones of the mountain itself, supporting a ceiling so high it disappeared into the shadows. But what truly stole my breath was the massive dragon sculpture dominating the far wall .

Carved entirely from gleaming gold, the dragon seemed to ripple with life, its scales catching the light and casting a warm, fiery glow across the room. Its wings flared wide, frozen mid-flight, as if it might take off at any moment. The dragon’s claws seemed sharp enough to look real, and its eyes, two deep-set rubies, gleamed with an intensity that made it feel as though the dragon was watching. Its maw was open, teeth bared in a silent roar, while streams of molten gold seemed to flow from its mouth like lava, cascading down the wall and pooling into an intricately designed basin below. The sculpture was a tribute to the dragons that ruled all over Earis long before humans even existed.

The moment we stepped into the room, every gaze shifted toward us and the air seemed to thicken with their scrutiny. On my left, a line of men stood clad in dark golden armor, their hulking forms rippling with muscle, each one exuding a battle-worn toughness. Their faces were hard, eyes sharp like predators, making it clear they were warriors forged in the heat of combat. Of course, they were all alphas and betas.

To my right, a smaller cluster of men and women gathered, their elegant attire marking them as nobility. Lords and ladies who undoubtedly held sway within the clan. Their expressions were guarded, but there was a quiet confidence in the way they stood, hinting at their importance. Here, I noticed a lack of alphas between them. They were mostly betas.

And at the heart of the room, seated on elevated chairs, was a group that commanded the most authority, the clan elders, who formed the council and to my surprise, this seemingly important group was formed only by betas.

Zephyr walked ahead, his commanding presence seeming to fill every corner of the room. I followed close behind, determined to hold my head high. As we entered, I couldn’t help but notice the way everyone’s eyes tracked Zephyr, a trace of fear in their expressions. I frowned. This wasn’t the first time I had seen people staring at Zephyr like that. Why would they react in this way to their leader? We came to a halt in the center of the room, standing directly before the council bench, where they observed from an elevated position .

My gaze swept over the faces at the council bench. An elderly woman stared at me with such piercing intensity that it felt like I was exposed. I quickly averted my eyes, shifting my focus away from the elders. Kislav stood off to the far left, carrying himself with such effortless grace that I had no doubt he belonged to royalty. Every movement he made was deliberate, exuding the kind of poise that spoke of privilege and authority, as though he was born to command.

Beside Kislav stood another tall man—though not as tall as Zephyr or Kislav. He was still notably taller than me. His broad shoulders were taut with tension, and his platinum white hair and clear eyes gave him an almost ethereal look. If it weren’t for the prominent vertical scar beneath his left eye, he might have looked like an angel. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze was sharp, suspicious. I had a strong feeling that this was Enrik. Kislav hadn’t exaggerated. I could feel the scrutiny in his eyes, like he was already dissecting our story, looking for cracks.

Before anyone else could speak, a voice cut through the quiet, and I looked up, seeing a woman rising from her seat. I knew she was Zephyr’s sibling as soon as my eyes landed on her. She was striking, with delicate features, fair skin, and a button nose that gave her a porcelain doll-like appearance. Her full lips were painted a vivid red, and her long, dark red hair–so similar to Zephyr’s - flowed down her back.

She wore a deep green gown with a square neckline, covered in delicate gold lace flowers that adorned the edges of the dress and contrasted with the pale porcelain of her skin. She looked like a true princess, regal and elegant, and for a moment, I felt self-conscious about my simple clothes. I was so underdressed for this.

Her pale green eyes widened in surprise as she glanced from me to Zephyr. “Brother!” she said, her voice warm but clearly astonished. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Her gaze flicked between us, full of curiosity but not unkind. “I had no idea you’d taken a mate.” I blinked, momentarily caught off guard by how nice she sounded.

Zephyr’s hand brushed against my lower back. “Anphyr.” His voice was smooth, steady and reassuring. “I wanted to make sure everything was settled before introducing Sabrina to you and to our clan.”

Anphyr smiled, though I could still see the shock lingering in her eyes. “I see. Well, it’s a surprise, to say the least, but a welcome one.” She stepped down from the platform, her steps light as she came closer. I blinked in surprise when I caught a sniff of her scent, letting me know she was an omega too. “Sabrina, is it? I’m Anphyr, Zephyr’s sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Her friendliness threw me off, and I stammered a little before finding my voice. “Yes…it’s… nice to meet you, too.” I tried to sound confident, but her warmth made it harder to keep up the act.

I saw the way the council members shifted, exchanging murmurs, but none of them spoke up yet. Anphyr was clearly the one they were waiting on.

“So,” Anphyr continued, her gaze flicking between me and Zephyr, “how long have you two been together? I had no idea my brother had finally found someone.”

I hesitated, but Zephyr didn’t miss a beat. “It’s still new,” he said smoothly, stepping closer to me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder, pushing me towards the side of his body. “But Sabrina is already a part of the clan. She’s committed to our future here.”

Anphyr’s eyes softened as she studied me, her smile growing warmer. “That’s wonderful to hear. It’s rare to find someone who can handle the demands of a dragon mate, but I trust you must be quite remarkable if Zephyr has chosen you.”

I felt a flush creeping up my neck. Remarkable? Hardly. I was only getting well compensated for all of this. But I nodded, forcing a smile. “I’ll do my best to live up to the expectations.”

Anphyr gave a soft laugh, her expression kind. “Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to prove yourself. But if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I know how intimidating this can all be.” I smiled back, grateful for the offer. She seemed genuine, and for a moment, I almost forgot that I was playing a part. Almost.

The rest of the council, sensing Anphyr’s approval as sufficient, began to nod in agreement, yet the tension in the room remained palpable. An older woman, the same one who had been watching me closely since I entered, leaned forward. Her eyes narrowed as they fixated on me.

“Zephyr, would you like to introduce your mate to the council?” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the thick air. I could feel the tautness in Zephyr’s body beside me. He didn’t release me, instead pulling me even closer, the metallic and woody scent of him filling my senses. When he spoke, his voice was steady and firm, deep enough to echo in the chamber.

“My loyal council, I present to you my mate—Sabrina.”

“She’s human,” the old woman, stated.

“Is that an issue, Loryr?” Zephyr’s voice remained controlled, but there was an edge to it.

Loryr’s gaze flickered between Zephyr and me, her expression unreadable, but her disapproval was clear. The rest of the council shifted uncomfortably, murmuring under their breath, while the silence that followed Zephyr’s question stretched unbearably.

“It’s not unheard of,” Loryr finally responded, her tone neutral but laced with skepticism. “But humans have… limitations. Are you certain she’s capable of fulfilling the role, Zephyr?”

My stomach tightened, but I kept my face blank, refusing to show any reaction. Zephyr’s hand slid to the small of my back, his fingers pressing into me with a subtle reassurance. His eyes darkened as they locked onto Loryr.

“Sabrina is more than capable,” Zephyr said, his voice low but fierce. “Her strength is not something to be questioned.”

Loryr raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but before she could respond, another council member, a man with silver-streaked hair, spoke up.

“Zephyr, the council has always trusted your leadership. But we must ask—what assurances do we have that this arrangement is... real? That it’s not a convenient facade for other purposes?” Her eyes bore into mine as if searching for cracks in the illusion.

Zephyr’s grip on me tightened, and I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to break eye contact. This was the moment they’d been waiting for, to push, to probe, to see if we’d falter. I could feel the tension radiating off him, but his expression remained cool, impenetrable.

“A mate is sacred.” Zephyr’s voice was hard, sharp, each word striking like a blow. His eyes, those intense dragon eyes, bore into the council, and for a moment, I almost believed him. “I wouldn’t have brought her before you if I didn’t believe—deep in my soul—that she’s the one meant for me.” My breath caught in my throat. He was good, too good. This was just an act, right? Just for show. But the way he said it… the conviction in his voice...

The council members exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from skepticism to cautious acceptance. Loryr, however, wasn’t done. She leaned back in her chair, eyes still on me.

“If she’s truly your mate, where is your mark on her? Don’t you feel ashamed as an alpha, seeing your supposed mate unclaimed? She barely even carries your scent,” Loryr said, her voice dripping with mockery as her lips twisted into a cruel, yellowed grin. The malice in her eyes lingered, daring him to react.

My heart clenched as Loryr’s words sliced through the air, and I fought the urge to shrink under her gaze. Her smile twisted into something venomous, like she knew exactly where to dig the knife. I could feel the council’s eyes on me, cold and judging, and the room seemed to tighten around us.

I straightened my back, every muscle tensing as I glanced at Zephyr. His usual stoic mask was starting to crack, his jaw clenched, and I could see the tension in his shoulders, his fists tightening at his sides.

“Are you questioning my word, Loryr?” he asked through gritted teeth.

Loryr wasn’t just questioning him—she was challenging him, right here, in front of the council and the most influential members of his clan. This wasn’t just about me; it was about him, about showing the others that their leader was too weak to claim his own mate. The mark—or lack of it—had become a symbol of his failure. And Loryr, with her sharpened smile and pointed words, was exploiting it, planting seeds of doubt in the minds of those who were meant to follow him.

“I just find it odd, for an alpha of your standing, to leave your omega unclaimed,” Loryr said, her words dripping with condescension.

Zephyr’s muscles tightened beside me, his jaw clenched so hard I thought he might break it. “An omega isn’t some possession to be claimed on a whim,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “An omega is to be respected, cherished, treated as the precious being they are. That’s what I was taught, and that’s what our clan upholds.” His gaze bore into Loryr, his voice steady despite the fire simmering beneath. “I respect my mate. We’ll take that step when we’re ready—when both of us are ready—not when I, as an alpha, decide to assert my power.”

He took a step forward, his presence towering, making the room feel even smaller. “Never question our bond again, Loryr.”

My heart pounded in my chest, a sudden, unfamiliar rush of emotions tightening my throat. His words were meant for the council, for the clan, but something in them felt real, raw, like he wasn’t just playing the role anymore. And for a moment, I almost believed it, too.

“Then perhaps we should test that bond,” she suggested, her voice silky with challenge. “If Sabrina is truly your mate, Zephyr, you won’t object to a demonstration of your connection.”

I stiffened, the air in the room growing heavier. What did she mean by a demonstration?

Zephyr’s jaw clenched, but his response was calm. “And what kind of demonstration do you propose, Loryr?”

Her lips curled into a knowing smile. “A simple one. Let’s see how well Sabrina responds to you… as a mate.” My pulse qu ickened as the meaning behind Loryr’s words sank in. I glanced at Zephyr, my mind racing. What exactly would they expect? How far would this demonstration go?

Zephyr’s face remained unreadable, but I could see the flicker of anger in his eyes. He wasn’t used to being questioned like this. His hand, still pressed against my back, moved in slow, deliberate circles, a calming gesture—though it felt like he was calming himself just as much as me.

“Very well,” Zephyr said, his voice unwavering. “If that’s what the council requires.”

I tensed beside him, unsure of what was about to happen. His fingers brushed my arm, a subtle signal. Our eyes met briefly, and there was a silent understanding there. We had to pull this off, no matter what.

He turned to face me fully, his hand coming up to cup my cheek, the warmth of his skin sending a shiver down my spine. His touch was possessive, firm, and undeniably intimate. I could feel the gaze of everyone in the room on us, each of them scrutinizing every move we made.

Zephyr leaned in closer, his forehead nearly touching mine, his scent washing over me. “Trust me,” he whispered so low that only I could hear. His deep voice vibrated through me, and despite the tension in the room, my omega reacted instinctively to his voice. I nodded slightly, just enough for him to see. His thumb traced the line of my jaw before he tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his pale green eyes. The intensity of his gaze was overwhelming, as if he were commanding me to respond. And I did. Every nerve in my body felt alive, buzzing under his touch.

The world around us seemed to fade as his lips hovered over mine, not quite touching, just enough to make me aware of the pull between us. I let out a soft gasp as his rough fingers tightened their grip on my waist, drawing me in even closer. I felt the heat of his body, the steady rise and fall of his chest. His green eyes locked onto mine, holding for a charged moment before drifting down to linger on my mouth. I closed my eyes in anticipation, every part of me craving for him to close the gap between us. I knew the council was watching, judging, but in that moment, all I could think about was Zephyr and how real this felt.

Zephyr finally closed the distance, his lips brushing against mine in a way that made my heart stutter. My whole body trembled in his arms when his lips met mine, sending a shock wave of heat through me, sparking at my lips and traveling down my spine, flowing over every inch of me and leaving a trail of tingling warmth in its wake. His firm lips demanded a response from me, and I melted into him, my hands instinctively reaching for his hard chest, whimpering as he deepened the kiss. I groaned as I tasted his full scent inside of me, smoke and cinnamon filling my mouth and brain making my body surrender to him.

The kiss was slow, deliberate, full of heat and barely restrained desire. His hand moved from my cheek to the back of my neck, pulling almost possessively against his hard body. When he finally pulled back, his forehead resting against mine, the air between us crackled with tension. My breath came in shallow gasps, and I could feel my cheeks flush with heat. Zephyr didn’t release me, his hold still firm as his gaze flicked to Loryr.

“Is that sufficient for you, Loryr?” Zephyr’s voice was dangerously low, the challenge clear.

Loryr’s expression remained impassive, but there was a glint in her eye, as if she had gotten exactly what she wanted from the display. She leaned back, folding her hands in her lap, eyes still on me.

“We welcome you, Sabrina,” she said slowly. “But as with all newcomers, we'll be watching closely. The Firescale clan is a clan of tradition and strength, and we expect you to uphold that. We’ll be expecting you to pass the Soulfire Ritual, as all the clan leaders’ mates have done before you.”

I despised the way she looked down at me, that condescending smile tugging at her lips, as if she knew I would fail the ritual without a second thought. It was the arrogance in her gaze, the quiet certainty that I had no choice but to succeed. A fire simmered in my chest, scorching through my veins .

I hated being underestimated. My whole life had been a battle to be seen, to be taken seriously, and I wasn’t about to let it end here, not because of some ritual or this old dragon woman who thought she could make me cower. No. I’d fought too hard, too long, to bow my head in submission now.

“As Zephyr’s mate, I’ll make sure to pass it,” I said before I could stop myself. Beside me, Zephyr’s muscles tensed, his body going rigid. His breath, steady moments before, now came in short, controlled bursts, like he was fighting the urge to speak, to argue.

Before he could unleash the fury I sensed was brewing under the surface, Anphyr spoke up. She approached the council with a graceful poise, her voice soft yet tinged with concern, trembling ever so slightly.

“Loryr,” she began, stepping forward with a hesitant glance toward me, her fingers twisting nervously at the hem of her sleeve. “Sabrina is human. The Soulfire Ritual... it’s a little—” She paused, searching for the right word, her eyes pleading as if begging her to understand.

“She seems to believe she can pass the ritual,” Loryr remarked, her tone cold and unreadable, as if she were merely stating a fact rather than expressing any sense of hope or encouragement.

“You want to kill her?” Zephyr snarled, his voice low and dangerous, barely restraining the storm of emotions threatening to spill over.

Anphyr turned to Kislav, her brows furrowing in concern. Kislav, seeing her desperation, came in her aid, taking a step forward, his expression shifting as he prepared to speak. “Loryr, the Soulfire Ritual is designated for dragons only, you know that. Sabrina doesn’t know what it entails…”

“I’ll do it,” I declared, startling Anphyr and Kislav. Zephyr narrowed his eyes at me, tension radiating from his clenched jaw. I brushed aside their reactions, frustration bubbling within me. They were all underestimating me, refusing to give me a chance to prove myself to their so-called important council. Wasn’t that the purpose of this entire arrangement? To show that I was worthy of being Zephyr’s mate? If I refused to go through with the ritual, wouldn’t it raise suspicions?

“Very well, I’ll make sure she gets the training she needs to pass the ritual,” Loryr said, her voice steady but with an undertone of challenge that sent a shiver down my spine. “I expect to see you tomorrow morning to begin your preparations.” She paused, fixing Zephyr with an intense gaze. “Is that acceptable to you, clan leader?”

Zephyr paused, weighing his decision before finally nodding, granting his approval. “I have faith that my mate will do her utmost to pass the ritual and make me proud,” he declared, his voice steady but laced with an underlying tension. “Now that I’ve introduced my mate to you, if you’ll excuse us.” He extended his hand toward me, and I took it without hesitation, eager to escape the room. I needed to breathe away from those scrutinizing eyes. “We have matters to attend to.”

The rest of the council murmured in agreement, though their expressions were less hostile now, tinged with something akin to reluctant approval. Loryr glanced between the two of us one last time before settling back into her chair, satisfied—for now. But I knew this was only the beginning. They were far from convinced, so we had to play this role well, or we would get caught in an instant.

Zephyr’s fingers squeezed mine briefly. A silent promise. We were in this together—for better or worse.