Page 8 of Bound by Fire and Scales (The Dragons of Earis #1)

I felt guilty for not being there to help Sabrina prepare for her meeting with Loryr, but it was my turn to oversee the training of the new recruits. This responsibility was shared among me, Kislav, and Enrik, each of us taking our turn to mold the next generation of warriors. As I looked out at the eager faces before me, I reminded myself that my role was essential to the clan’s future, yet I couldn’t help but wish I could be in two places at once—by Sabrina’s side and leading these recruits toward becoming the next defenders of our clan.

Later in the morning, Panryr, the girl I had chosen as Sabrina’s maid, approached me with a look of concern on her face. “Sabrina is still with Loryr. She hasn’t taken a break to eat or rest since this morning.”

Her anxious demeanor reassured me I had made the right choice in selecting her to serve Sabrina. I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

I hurried to the library, bracing myself for the worst as images of Sabrina hurt or worse flooded my mind, and I had no idea what Loryr had put her through. But when I stepped inside, I was met with a rather peaceful sight. Sabrina turned to me, her face illuminated by a bright smile. I took a moment to admire her, surprised by how well the change in her styling suited her.

Sabrina wore a gown that complemented her lithe body and showcased her slim waist, which flared into nimbly round hips. The neckline of the gown gave me a good vision of her slender neck and I tried not to stare too much, but my eyes seemed glued to her lovely figure. I felt a surge of primitive alpha pride when I saw she was wearing my colors—red and black—that highlighted her glowing peachy skin. She was beautiful, not that she hadn’t been before in her adventurer clothes, but now she exuded more confidence, embodying the fiery spirit I had come to know. She truly looked like a lady of this clan.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Sabrina said playfully, her eyes sparkling with an energy that put me at ease.

“What happened?” I approached her and placed both of my hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes as I asked my question. She stared back at me, confusion written across her face. “Are you alright?”

Loryr interjected before Sabrina could respond. “We’ve been discussing the Soulfire Ritual, and Sabrina has so far shown considerable promise.” Her tone was firm, and the disdain was palpable in her face.

Sabrina beamed at me, her enthusiasm infectious. “Loryr taught me some techniques to connect with the fire within me. I didn’t know humans could do that!”

She was fine and the first training session had gone off without any incidents. Relief washed over me, but I couldn’t shake the concern. “You’ve been here all this time? You need to eat and rest,” I insisted, my protective instincts flaring up .

“Believe me, I’m fine,” she replied, waving a hand dismissively. “This is important! I can’t let anything hold me back.”

Loryr nodded. “Sabrina has shown some progress, but there’s still a lot to do.”

I glanced between them. “Right, but we can’t neglect the basics. You can’t forget that she’s human, Loryr.” My voice was laced with warning. “She needs to eat and to rest.”

Sabrina opened her mouth to argue, but Loryr raised a hand. “You’re right. Perhaps a break is in order.” She turned to Sabrina. “We'll continue our work tomorrow at the same time. Don’t be late.”

“Fine,” Sabrina complied, though there was a hint of reluctance in her voice.

“What exactly does this training entail?” I asked Loryr, needing to know what exactly she was planning to do with Sabrina.

Loryr’s eyes glinted. “I pushed her. She needs to realize that her strength is more than just an ember; it’s a fire waiting to be unleashed. But she must learn to control it, or it will consume her.”

“You really think she can do this?”

“Who knows?” Loryr replied, clearly unbothered by my concerns. “You should have considered that before choosing a human as your mate, Zephyr.” With that, she turned away and exited the library, leaving Sabrina and me alone.

“She’s such a bitch, isn’t she?” Sabrina remarked, glancing back at me. I struggled to suppress a smirk at that.

“Loryr can be quite challenging,” I admitted. As one of the Elders with significant influence in the council and throughout the clan, she often opposed my decisions, making me question my abilities as a leader. This had been the case since I took the role as the leader of the Firescale Clan at just fourteen. Even now, I sometimes felt as though she viewed me as a child rather than the man who had fought and won the Dragon War.

Sabrina rolled her eyes, but determination sparkled in her gaze. “I’d really like to meet your people,” she said, her tone shifting to something more serious. “Can you take me to the village?”

“The village can be... overwhelming,” I warned.

Sabrina crossed her arms defiantly. “I can handle it. I need to understand the world I’m stepping into. I can’t do that if I’m stuck in this library all the time. I want to see what life is like for your people. So, will you take me?”

I sighed, knowing I was fighting a losing battle. The determination in her eyes was unwavering, and I felt that this woman would always make me change my mind. “Alright. I’ll take you to the village. You deserve to know my people.”

A grin broke across her face, illuminating her features. “Thank you! I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.” My dragon stirred at her satisfaction, a reaction I tried to ignore. I had been fighting it—fighting him—since meeting Sabrina, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.

“Let’s hope that’s true,” I replied with a half-smile, already expecting the uncomfortable stares from those who still feared me.

???

After we descended the rocky wall that separated the fortress from the rest of the village, a familiar knot of tension tightened in my stomach. Even as the leader of this clan, and despite my role in ending the war, I knew the villagers did not welcome me here. They had good reason to fear me, most of them still remembered well what I had done during the war. How out of control I had been back then.

I shook my head, refusing to let my thoughts drift into that dark place. I couldn’t afford to. Instead, I focused on the village as we drew nearer, taking in the sights around me. I had watched this place change over the years, once a vibrant hub of commerce, where dragons from various clans flocked to trade and visit. Now, after the war, the village was merely a shadow of its former self, steeped in fear and superstition.

For so long, the Fire Island was known for its safety. Surrounded by the ocean, the island was isolated from the territories of other dragons. That changed when we were brutally attacked by the Thunderwing Clan—an assault that almost annihilated the village. The fear and memories of that night still lingered, carved into the minds of my people, particularly the villagers.

Sabrina walked beside me, her enthusiasm clear on her face. The first time we had passed through the village when she first arrived at the Fire Isle, it had been too late in the day, and nearly all the villagers had already retreated to their homes. Now, however, she had the chance to experience the place in full daylight. She gazed at the vibrant market stalls, watched children darting through the streets and flying through the sky, and heard the faint sounds of laughter and conversation.

“Look at all the colors!” she exclaimed, her voice bright. She pointed to a stall overflowing with vibrant fruits and textiles. “It’s beautiful.”

I nodded, forcing a smile. The villagers began to notice us, their eyes flickering toward us with a blend of curiosity and apprehension. I caught sight of a few elderly women whispering to one another, their hands covering their mouths, fear evident in their expressions.

“Stay close,” I warned, my voice low. “We don’t want to draw too much attention.”

She frowned, glancing up at me, the brightness in her hazel eyes dimming. “I can take care of myself, Zephyr.”

“I know you can. I just worry…” I began, my voice trailing off. The words hung heavy in the air, laced with unspoken fears. I wanted to explain the source of my concern—the lingering unease that gnawed at me whenever I was among the villagers. The memories of the past, of distrust and hostility, made it difficult for me to feel at ease here. But I couldn’t bring myself to share those thoughts with her, not when I wanted her to embrace this world with open arms .

With a deep breath, I steered her toward a less crowded path. The last thing I wanted was to expose her to the whispers and the fear that often filled the village. I led her into the bustling market, placing my hand on her lower back to guide her, for her not to lose herself. I caught a glimpse of the wonder sparking in her eyes. Sabrina took in the vibrant scene around us, her gaze wide and her mouth agape; I smirked at how cute she was.

The air was filled with a medley of enticing aromas—sweet, tangy, and earthy—each one inviting her to explore further. She paused in front of a bench piled high with an array of colorful fruits, their glossy skins glistening under the warm sunlight. The sight seemed to captivate her entirely.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before!” she exclaimed, her fingers delicately wrapping around a firebomb fruit, its fiery red exterior promising an explosion of flavor. The excitement in her voice was infectious, and I felt a pang of joy at her childlike curiosity, a stark contrast to the unease that had settled in my chest.

Sabrina turned the fruit over in her hands, marveling at its vibrant hue. The firebomb fruit was a rare delicacy, unique to the Fire Island, with a burst of heat and sweetness in each bite. She glanced up at me, her eyes wide with wonder. “Is it spicy or sweet?”

“It can be both. It’s a bit of a gamble.”

She grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she brought the fruit to her nose, inhaling its rich, tangy scent. “I like a little risk,” she said with a wink.

A wave of heat surged through me the moment Sabrina winked, and I had to force myself to focus on something else. I ignored the warmth that spread through my chest, pushing it aside as I gently took the firebomb fruit from her hands. My fingers brushed against hers, sending an unexpected electric jolt through me. Clearing my throat, I handed the fruit back to the vendor, an older woman whose wide, fearful eyes locked onto mine. Her hands trembled as she accepted the fruit, clearly unsettled by my presence.

“I’ll take two,” I said, ignoring the look of apprehension on her face.

Sabrina, thankfully, either didn’t notice or chose not to comment. Her gaze remained on the vibrant colors of the market, her lips curved into a soft, satisfied smile. But I couldn’t shake the way my body reacted to her, how just the simple brush of her hand against mine had stirred something deeper.

“Here,” I said, handing her two gold coins. I knew full well the fruit didn’t cost nearly that much, but as the clan’s leader, I had the responsibility to support those who worked hard. The old woman’s eyes widened as she stared down at the coins in her palm.

“That’s too much, Alpha Zephyr,” she murmured, her voice shaky, clearly overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity.

I gave a small nod, ignoring the formal title and the hesitation in her voice. “It’s for the effort you put in. Take it.”

The old woman hurriedly tucked the gold coins in her pocket, handing me the fruit, her eyes lowering to the ground as she whispered something to herself. I could still feel the tension lingering in the air around us, I knew full well that the other vendors were watching us. The villagers had always treated me with a mix of fear and reverence, but today, standing beside Sabrina, that fear felt sharper, more personal.

Sabrina stepped closer to me, taking the fruit from my hand, cleaning it on her sleeve, and taking a small bite without a second thought. As soon as Sabrina bit into the firebomb fruit, I saw the change in her expression. What started as curiosity quickly twisted into shock, her eyes widening as if she’d just swallowed a mouthful of flames. She coughed, her cheeks flushing bright red, and I could almost feel the heat radiating from her.

“Spicy?” I asked, trying to keep the amusement from my voice, though I could feel the corners of my lips twitching upward.

She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “It’s—” She coughed again, her eyes watering. “It’s like I just ate molten lava. ”

I couldn’t hold back the chuckle any longer. “That’s why they call it a firebomb fruit.”

She glared at me through her watering eyes, the defiance still there, even through the discomfort. “You could’ve warned me!”

I smirked. “I thought I did?”

Sabrina stomped her foot, still trying to get the heat out of her mouth, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of attraction wash over me. Even flustered and struggling with the fiery heat, there was something about her that drew me in. Maybe it was her spirit, her refusal to back down even in the smallest things.

“Never. Again,” she muttered, her voice still a little hoarse.

I picked up the other firebomb fruit and held it out to her. “Try this one.”

She eyed me warily, crossing her arms. “You’ve got to be kidding. I’m not falling for that again.”

I smirked, holding the fruit closer. “This one’s different. Trust me.”

Her skepticism was palpable, but curiosity won out. After a long moment, she reached for the fruit and bit into it cautiously. Her eyes widened in surprise, but this time, instead of fiery shock, it was delight. She took another bite, savoring the sweetness.

“It’s… sweet?”

I nodded. “The firebombs are tricky. Some are all heat, others, like this one, are pure sugar.”

She took another bite; her smile widening as she savored the sweetness. “You could’ve started with this one.”

“I thought you said you enjoyed taking risks?” I replied with a teasing grin.

Sabrina shot me a playful glare but couldn’t hide the amusement in her eyes. “There’s a difference between taking risks and setting my mouth on fire, Zephyr.”

I chuckled, watching as she wiped the juice from her lips. Her expression had softened, her earlier frustration melting away as she took in the sights and sounds of the market around us. She moved to another stall with excitement lighting her face. As she walked past me, her scent enveloped me once more. Beneath the synthetic suppressants, there was a hint of sweetness, vanilla mixed with something stronger, like honey—rich, alluring, and impossible for me to ignore.

She reached for a trinket, fingers grazing over a delicate necklace woven with crimson and gold threads, colors that matched the vibrant Fire Island. The way her fingers danced over the item made my throat tighten with an unfamiliar need.

“You see this? I could get used to this kind of life.”

She was radiant, her curiosity pulling her deeper into the village, and despite the unease gnawing at me, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. The way her hair caught the sunlight, the way her lips curved into that smile, it all made her seem so… alive. So vibrant.

I felt a tug in my chest, something primal and possessive, urging me to take her hand and pull her closer. But I kept my distance, though every part of me wanted to close the gap. “You could get used to this?” I asked, my voice gruff, half-hoping she wouldn’t sense just how tightly I was coiled around her.

She nodded, her eyes meeting mine with a playful gleam. “Yeah, why not? This place might grow on me.”

I smirked, though my heart beat harder at the thought of her staying. “We’ll see,” I murmured, unsure whether I was trying to convince her or myself.

We continued walking through the market, the murmurs of the villagers following us. I couldn’t ignore the way my body responded to her nearness, my alpha instincts stirring within me. I told myself it was because she was wearing my colors, representing the clan, but deep down, I knew it was something else entirely.

As we strolled through the market, laughter and joyful shouts filled the air. I glanced down to see a group of small children darting around, their laughter ringing like chimes, their vibrant scales glinting in the sunlight. My heart softened at the sight; their carefree play reminded me of a time before the war had cast a shadow over our clan.

Sabrina paused, her gaze fixated on the children as they tumbled over each other in a game of tag. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, and I braced myself for what I knew would come next.

“Zephyr,” she said, her voice laced with curiosity. “Aren’t you worried our child might not be born a dragon because I’m human?”

I shook my head, wanting to reassure her. “That won’t happen. Dragon genes are stronger than human ones. Our first child will definitely be a dragon,” I spoke with conviction, drawing from our history. I knew dragons had mated with humans before, and the offspring of those unions were always born as full dragons.

It helped that she was an omega, which would help with the conception. As the thought crossed my mind, an image of Sabrina with a round belly carrying my child flooded my imagination. I quickly looked away from her gaze, feeling a mix of desire and shame for those thoughts. It felt so natural, yet I had to remind myself that she wasn’t truly my mate, and I shouldn’t entertain those kinds of feelings for her.

Later in the afternoon, when the sun began to dip below the horizon, we made our way back to the fortress. Despite the villagers’ watchful eyes, leaving the fortress for the village relieved a weight I hadn’t realized I was carrying. It felt good to take a break from my responsibilities. Sabrina’s laughter and spontaneous spirit had put me in a light mood. She had embraced the vibrant energy of the market, and watching her experience that joy filled me with an unexpected sense of contentment.

But as we neared the fortress, my instincts kicked in. We were being watched again. I glanced up at the towering structure, its stone walls bathed in the fading light, and that’s when I saw them—two council members standing atop the fortress, their figures silhouetted against the sky.

“What’s wrong?” Sabrina asked, noticing my sudden stillness. She followed my gaze, her brow furrowing as she spotted them. “Why are they hiding?”

“They’re watching us,” I replied, my voice low. I could feel the tension coiling in my gut .

Sabrina squinted, trying to make out their faces. “And why would they do that?”

“Probably trying to assess our…dynamic.” The words left a bitter taste in my mouth.

She glanced at me with a scoff. “They’re watching to see if we act like a couple?” I nodded in response.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Do they really think we’re that predictable?”

I chuckled softly, feeling a mix of amusement and irritation. “The council loves to scrutinize everything. They’ll jump at any sign of weakness or inconsistency.”

She frowned, her expression thoughtful. “So, it’s time to put on a show, then?” She turned to face me directly. “Scent me, Zephyr.”

Her directness caught me off guard. Most women I interacted with treaded carefully around me, especially those aware of my bloody past. But Sabrina stood there, hands on her hips, unafraid.

I blinked, staring at her. “What?”

It was remarkable how she met my gaze without the slightest hesitation, as if fear had no hold over her. I was used to commanding with a single look, intimidating others into compliance, but with her, I knew I could never force her into anything against her will. Not that I wanted to. I wasn’t her leader, after all, and with Sabrina, the usual rules didn’t seem to apply.

“We need to scent each other,” she repeated, her voice sharper now, laced with impatience. “Mates are supposed to smell like each other, and I barely smell like you!”

I wasn’t ready for this. For her to push me like this. “We have time—”

“No, we don’t!” she cut me off, stepping closer, her eyes blazing with frustration. “The council is watching us because they have their suspicions. So let’s give them what they want.”

Damn it. I dragged a hand through my hair, tension coiling tight in my chest. “I said we have time. We can handle it without resorting to that.”

“We won’t ‘handle it’ if they’re already doubting us!” Her voice cracked with urgency, and before I could say another word, she was on me. One second she was fuming, the next she was pressing herself against me, her breath warm against my neck. My mind spun, the air between us charged, her scent filling my senses. I stumbled, completely unprepared, and we both tumbled onto the dirty ground, with me landing on top of her. I tried to get up, but her arms quickly wrapped around my neck, pressing me down, bringing my neck close to her face.

She sniffed at my pulse, her nose brushing against my skin, and I fought back a groan as she rubbed her cheek along my neck. “What. Are. You. Doing?” I growled, my dragon roaring inside me, desperate to claim her, to mark her with my scent.

This entire scene felt absurd! What would the council members think of seeing their leader sprawled out on the filthy ground like this?

“I’m getting this done. Stop acting like a little virgin and scent me already!” Her breath was warm against my skin, and I had never been this close to an omega before—especially one like her. Omegas were rare among dragons, and after the war, even more so. My dragon surged, taking over. I grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head, as I buried my face in her neck, inhaling her scent. Beneath the artificial scent blockers, there was something powerful, something irresistible.

I nibbled at her soft skin, and she whimpered, her voice soft. “Aah... Zephyr, yes, that’s it, big dragon,” she teased with a soft laugh, mocking me.

I knew I should stop, but I wasn’t done—not yet.

I should’ve stopped her, should’ve pulled away, but damn it, I couldn’t. Not when she looked at me like that, not when the scent of her filled my lungs and her touch burned my skin.

She tilted her head, exposing the curve of her neck like a challenge. One I was more than ready to accept. My dragon stirred beneath my skin, the possessive need to mark her roaring through my veins. With a low growl, I leaned in, brushing my lips against the soft skin of her neck, feeling her shiver under my touch. Her sugary, intoxicating scent flooded my senses, drawing a deep groan from me. I dragged my teeth lightly across her skin, teasing her with the sharp edge of my canines but holding back, not sinking in deep enough to truly mark her. She gasped, her body instinctively arching into mine, and the electric pull between us ignited, hot and undeniable.

“Sabrina...” Her name was a low growl on my lips as I trailed my mouth along her neck, tasting the salt of her skin. I should have pulled back, reminded myself that it was too soon to be acting like this with her. She had just arrived, after all. I didn’t want to scare her. But my body wasn’t listening. Every touch, every breath between us seemed to blur the boundaries of what was real and what was not.

She shifted beneath me, her body arching ever so slightly, and I fought to keep the last shred of control I had. My hands, still gripping her wrists, loosened just enough for me to feel the heat radiating from her skin. Her breathing hitched, and that sound—gods, that sound—made my dragon want to claim her right then and there. My eyes fell on those soft pink lips, the same lips that had molded so perfectly against mine before.

The memory of that kiss flooding back, the way she’d tasted, the way she’d felt pressed against me. Every rational thought I had vanished in an instant, replaced by a primal need I couldn’t ignore. However, just as our lips were inches away, I sensed someone approaching us. Kislav rushed through the fortress gates, his usually calm face drawn with tension.

“Zephyr, we need to talk—” He stopped abruptly, his eyes widening as he took in the scene. I was still leaning over Sabrina, pinning her beneath me on the ground, her breathing heavy, her cheeks flushed.

I pulled back instantly, the heat of the moment dissipating as I stood up, my pulse still racing. I reached down, extending my hand toward Sabrina, helping her get up from the floor. Sabrina quickly got up, brushing a hand through her hair and smoothing her gown that was now rumbled and crooked, the neckline slipping precariously to one side.

My dragon snarled in frustration as I struggled to compose myself .

Kislav shifted awkwardly, clearing his throat. “Apologies for the interruption.” He appeared slightly disturbed by what he had just interrupted, and I couldn’t suppress a smirk; it was exactly what he deserved for barging in on us. But I quickly reminded myself to focus instead of indulging in these childish thoughts. “Some messengers from the Iceclaw Clan have just arrived. They’ve brought news, and they’re demanding to speak with you immediately.”

I clenched my jaw, trying to shake off the last remnants of the moment with Sabrina. “The Iceclaws?” I growled, straightening myself and forcing my focus to the situation. “What do they want?”

Sabrina, still catching her breath, shot me a confused look. “Who are the Iceclaws?”

I almost forgot how new she was to this world, how little she knew about the politics and alliances that dictated our every move. “The Iceclaws are one of the oldest allies. If they’ve sent a message, it must be urgent.”

Kislav nodded. “They’re in the main hall, waiting for you.”

Sabrina took a deep breath, her expression one of curiosity and intrigue. “So, these messengers are allies?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “Allies, and their visit, are usually a sign of something significant. If they’re here, it means they have urgent information for us.”

Kislav’s presence reminded me of the weight of leadership, pulling me out of the private moment I had been sharing with Sabrina. I turned to her, trying to refocus on the task at hand. “Looks like we’ll need to continue this discussion later.”

Sabrina nodded, her expression composed, but I caught the flicker of disappointment in her eyes. “Understood. I’ll be waiting for you in our quarters.” She glanced down at her now dirty gown and added, “It looks like I could use a bath.”

I smirked at her, meeting her gaze. Any other woman would be blushing or embarrassed at being caught in such a compromising position, but here she was, completely unashamed. We watched as she rushed inside the fortress and I felt a pang of regret for the interruption, but knew I had to address the messengers. When she disappeared through the gates, I turned back to Kislav, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. “Lead the way.”

As Kislav led me through the winding corridors toward the main hall, his usual stoic demeanor seemed to be softened by a glimmer of amusement. I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.

“Alright, Kislav, what’s so funny?”

He chuckled softly, his eyes flicking back to me. “It’s just that I never thought I would see you rolling in the dirt like that. You and Sabrina seemed pretty engrossed in each other.”

I groaned, shooting him a warning look. “This is not the time for jokes.”

Kislav’s grin widened, though he kept his voice low. “Oh, I’m just saying, you’ve always been so focused on the clan, so serious. It’s a change to see you so…well, acting like a man.”

“Save the commentary for later,” I snapped, trying to mask my irritation. The last thing I needed was to be teased about the moment with Sabrina, especially when I was already on edge from the unexpected visit of the Iceclaws’ messengers.

Kislav’s grin didn’t waver. “I get it, I get it. It’s just... I mean, Sabrina’s quite the contrast to the usual politics and plotting you’re used to. I can see why she might catch your attention.”

“She’s part of a necessary arrangement,” I said curtly, though I knew it was only half the truth. The situation was more complicated than I liked to admit.

Kislav raised an eyebrow. “Right, just ‘part of an arrangement.’ Whatever you say.”

We reached the main hall, where the Iceclaws’ messengers waited. Kislav opened the door and motioned for me to enter. Before I stepped through, he leaned closer, his voice a low whisper.

“Don’t let your guard down. I’m sure they’re here with something important, but if you need help to navigate the conversation or anything else, just let me know.”

I nodded, grateful for his support despite the teasing. I knew I could always count on him to have my back.

I walked into the hall, straightening my posture and shifting my focus back to the task at hand. The messengers greeted me with respectful nods, their presence a reminder of the delicate balance of alliances and diplomacy I needed to manage. Behind me, I could almost feel Kislav’s amused gaze on my back, but I pushed it aside. For now, I had to deal with the Iceclaws and whatever urgent news they brought.

The messengers stood at attention, their expressions serious but not unfriendly. The room, usually filled with the quiet hum of conversations and the rustling of papers, felt heavy with anticipation. The lead messenger, a tall figure that seemed younger than us by a few years, stepped forward. He gave a deep, respectful bow. “Alpha Zephyr, thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.”

I nodded in acknowledgment, gesturing for them to take a seat. “What’s the matter? Why the urgency?”

The messenger straightened, his expression grim. “We’ve received troubling reports from our northern territories. There’s been unusual activity—movements that suggest a potential threat to the stability of our alliance.”

My mind raced. The Iceclaw Clan was known for their caution, and if they were concerned, it meant the situation was serious. “What kind of activity?”

“We’re not entirely sure yet, but there have been sightings of unknown forces, and some of our scouts have gone missing. Our leader asks you to help coordinate our efforts and share intelligence to address this threat.”

Kislav, standing discreetly by the door, caught my eye and gave a subtle nod, signaling that he was ready to assist if needed. I turned back to the messengers, my thoughts already shifting to the implications of this news. “We’ll need to act quickly. Our alliance is crucial, and any threat to it must be addressed immediately.”

The lead messenger nodded. “We agree. We’ve also brought maps and recent reports to help with the planning. We’re prepared to share everything we know.”

As the messengers spread out their materials, Kislav stepped up beside me, his expression serious but with a hint of mischief. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full. I’ll handle the logistics and start coordinating with our scouts. ”

“Thanks, Kislav,” I said, appreciating his support. I glanced back at the messengers, who were already laying out the maps and reports. “Let’s get to work.”

As the discussion turned to strategy and details, it helped push away the lingering thoughts of the earlier interruption with Sabrina. Yet, even as I immersed myself in the tasks, I couldn’t completely erase the memory of her scent, of her skin and her touch.

Kislav, ever observant, caught my eye and gave a barely perceptible smirk. It was clear he was still enjoying the fact that he had caught me in such an uncharacteristic position. But for now, my focus was on the Iceclaws, and I was determined to handle it with the seriousness it deserved.