Page 39

THIRTY-NINE

Z ina flipped to a page she’d marked. “Mom mentions a third founding family, but never by name. She wrote about a ‘three-fold binding’ that protected the town’s magical essence.”

As they compared notes, their conversation punctuated by casual touches—his fingers stroking her shoulder, her hand resting on his thigh, their heads bent together over the ancient texts. What began as research gradually incorporated elements of discovery between them as well. Xai would pause occasionally to brush a kiss against her temple or to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, small gestures that conveyed growing affection.

“Your mother knew more than she revealed,” Xai murmured, studying a diagram in her journal.

“Mom always said location matters in energy work,” Zina replied. “She insisted on building exactly there despite the architect’s concerns about foundation costs.”

She turned slightly in his arms to face him. “How much do you think our families really knew about each other?”

“Less than they should have, clearly.” His expression grew thoughtful. “Generations of partial truths, shaped by perspective and pride.”

“My parents never spoke about any connection to your family.”

“My father mentioned the Parkers only in passing—as allies in ancient times.” His thumb traced delicate patterns on her shoulder. “Perhaps they thought it safer to keep the knowledge separated.”

“Safer from what?”

“From anyone who might want to control the Pyre’s power.” His expression darkened. “Like Severin Madrigal.”

Zina nodded, turning back to the journals. A page caught her eye as she flipped through her mother’s notes—a passage she hadn’t noticed before.

“Whoa,” she said, excitement building. “Listen to this: ‘The central chamber beneath the heart pool can only be accessed when representatives of all three founding bloodlines stand together in perfect balance.’“

Xai leaned closer, reading over her shoulder. “That’s why Severin can’t access it alone.”

“He needs a Parker.” Zina turned in his embrace, eyes wide with understanding. “And an Emberwylde.”

“Which explains both his marriage clause and his attempt to eliminate you in the alley.” Xai’s arm tightened protectively around her waist. “If he couldn’t control you, he’d remove you entirely.”

“But he doesn’t know this detail,” she realized, excitement building as pieces clicked into place. “Otherwise he wouldn’t be trying to eliminate either of us. He must think there’s another way in.”

They hurriedly gathered the journals, finding matching passages about a hidden chamber beneath the central pool at the spa. The texts hinted at the Founding Pyre’s true purpose—not merely a source of power, but a balanced triad of magical energies maintaining Enchanted Falls’s supernatural sanctuary.

“We need to investigate the chamber,” Zina said, gathering her notes, though reluctant to leave the warmth of Xai’s embrace. “Before Severin figures this out.”

Xai nodded, walking her to the door with evident reluctance.

At the threshold, he pulled her close once more, his kiss a promise that transcended words. His hands cradled her face with exquisite gentleness, belying the strength she knew they possessed. When they finally parted, Zina felt the lingering tingle of his heat on her lips, a pleasant burn that reminded her of his unique nature.

“Thank you for dinner,” she murmured, her lioness purring contentedly beneath her skin. “And the... research.”

His smile held equal parts tenderness and desire. “The first of many, I hope.”

Her heart raced as their eyes met, mutual understanding passing between them. Whatever happened next, they would face it together—dragon and lioness united against a common threat. And perhaps, she realized with sudden clarity, united by something far more precious than ancient magic or family legacy.

Something that felt remarkably like the beginning of love.