Page 27

TWENTY-SEVEN

T hirty minutes later, Zina stirred. Finding Xai still seated beside her, his usually immaculate appearance rumpled from his night-long vigil, her eyes widened.

“You stayed.” Wonder colored her voice.

“Did you expect me to leave?”

Before she could answer, a knock interrupted them. Xai opened the door, positioning himself protectively between Zina and any potential threat.

Noven stood there, balancing coffee trays and pastry bags. Behind him, Bryn Maxen clutched a duffel bag presumably containing items for Zina.

“Delivery for one injured lioness and her dragon guardian,” Noven announced, pushing past Xai with familiar ease. “We come bearing caffeine and carbohydrates.”

Bryn followed, her expression shifting from worry to relief upon seeing Zina awake. “Thank the moon you’re okay! When Artair told me what happened?—”

“I’m fine,” Zina insisted, though the effort of sitting upright belied her words. “Just some scratches.”

“Three broken ribs, multiple lacerations, and significant blood loss is not fine ,” Xai corrected, closing the door behind their visitors.

“What of Madrigal himself?” Xai asked.

“Conveniently untraceable,” Noven replied. “Though Rust is putting pressure through official council channels.”

“And Kalyna’s researching property records dating back three centuries,” Bryn added. “If there’s any truth to Madrigal’s claim about family treasure, she’ll find it.”

Throughout this exchange, Xai remained within arm’s reach of Zina, his body angled subconsciously toward her. The dragon’s need to protect radiated from him like physical heat.

“I need to get to the spa,” Zina declared, attempting to stand. Pain flashed across her features. “My staff?—”

“Are safe and handling everything,” Bryn assured her, gently pressing her back down. “Jamie said they’ve got it under control. Besides, you need recovery time.”

“I don’t have time to?—”

“You will take the time,” Xai interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. “Or I’ll be forced to issue an official council order restricting your movement.”

Zina’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t dare.”

The room temperature climbed several degrees.

“Oh my,” Noven stage-whispered to Bryn. “Is it getting hot in here, or is it just them?”

Bryn stifled a laugh. “I’d say it’s definitely them.”

“We need information more than arguments,” Xai stated, ignoring their commentary. “Someone needs to speak with Madrigal’s sister.”

“Luciana?” Zina looked surprised. “You said she’s nothing like Severin.”

“Precisely why she might help us understand his motives.” Xai paced, his natural predator’s grace evident in each step. “If this is about some family treasure or birthright, she would know.”