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FORTY-FOUR

T he architecture impressed Zina most—built in harmony with the mountain, not conquered by it. Spacious chambers with soaring ceilings opened onto breathtaking vistas. Light wells brought sunshine deep into the mountain’s heart.

One room featured floating globes of pure scent that visitors could walk through, each triggering different emotional responses. Another showcased an actual scent library—thousands of crystal vials organized by origin, effect, and compatibility with different supernatural species.

With each new discovery, Zina’s enhanced senses reveled in the experience. Different sections featured distinct scent profiles designed to evoke specific emotions or memories. One chamber smelled of summer rain and ozone, another of warm spices and honey.

Throughout the tour, she noticed Xai watching her reactions closely, his golden eyes tracking her expressions with almost scientific interest. When a particular blend of citrus and wildflowers made her eyes light up with delight, he tapped a note into his phone.

“What are you doing?” she asked, catching him in the act.

“Research,” he replied innocently.

“Uh-huh.” She narrowed her eyes playfully. “Spying on my scent preferences?”

“Observing your responses to different stimuli,” he corrected, pocketing his phone. “Professional interest only.”

“Of course.” She smiled, enjoying this playful side of him. “And if I started taking notes on what makes your eyes flash gold?”

“I’d call that fair turnabout.” His voice dropped lower. “Though you might need extensive study. The triggers are... complex.”

The deliberate flirtation sent warmth curling through her. Before she could respond, Aria swept back to them, clapping her translucent hands.

“Now for the highlight of your visit! The creation atelier!”

She led them into a mirrored chamber filled with hundreds of glass vials containing essences of every imaginable scent. Crystal mixing stations gleamed beneath skylight wells, and comfortable seating areas invited experimentation.

“Where Master Perfumer Eldin normally crafts custom blends for our most distinguished guests.” Aria gestured toward an elderly elf who bowed gracefully from across the room. “He has agreed to grant you a rare opportunity—creating your own signature scents under his guidance.”

“But first, refreshment!” Aria clapped her hands, summoning assistants bearing trays of tiny crystal glasses. “Essence of clarity—to focus your senses for the work ahead.”

The clear liquid tasted of mountain springs and moonlight on snow, instantly refreshing Zina’s mind and heightening her already formidable senses. Colors seemed brighter, scents more distinct, sounds clearer.

Master Eldin approached, his ancient eyes sparkling with wisdom above a snowy beard. “The process is intuitive,” he explained in a melodious voice. “Allow yourselves to select essences that speak to you. For a partner blend, think of capturing what makes them essential—their true nature, not merely their surface scent.”

With that cryptic instruction, he glided away, leaving them alone among the countless options.

“Have you done this before?” Zina asked, suddenly uncertain.

“Once, centuries ago.” Xai’s expression softened with memory. “For my mother’s five-hundredth birthday.”

“What did you create for her?”

“Something that reminded her of home—the mountain peaks where she was born.” A shadow crossed his face. “She wears it still, though we rarely see each other now.”

“Your parents live in Nepal, right?” Zina recalled from their earlier conversation.

He nodded. “Dragon elders often retreat from community life as they age. They prefer contemplation to constant interaction.” His tone suggested he didn’t entirely understand or approve of this choice.

“That sounds lonely,” she observed.

“It’s their preference.” His voice held centuries of acceptance. “Our relationship has always been... formal. Respectful but distant.”

“Unlike you and your brother?”

“Draven practically raised me.” A genuine smile warmed his features. “Our parents were often absent, seeking wisdom in solitude. Draven ensured I learned not just dragon traditions but how to exist in the changing human world.”

The personal revelation touched her. She reached out impulsively, squeezing his hand. “You miss him.”

“Every day.” He turned his hand to clasp hers briefly. “But he deserves this time with his mate and children. And I needed to step into my responsibilities.”

The moment of connection lingered between them before they reluctantly separated to explore the scent options.

Zina moved through the vast selection slowly, letting instinct guide her choices for Xai’s blend. She selected smoky cedar for his strength and endurance, spiced amber that reminded her of his protective warmth, a trace of rare dragon’s blood resin that seemed to vibrate with ancient power.

Pausing at a crystalline vial, she uncapped it curiously. Bright citrus with hints of bergamot burst forth—unexpected yet somehow perfect. It captured that rare humor she’d glimpsed beneath his serious exterior. She added it to her collection.

The final element eluded her until she reached a section marked “Elemental Essences.” A deep indigo vial called to her—its scent mysterious and complex, reminiscent of mountain storms and starlight on snow. She couldn’t name it precisely but recognized it as quintessentially him .

At a crystal mixing station, she combined her selections with careful precision, adjusting proportions by intuition rather than formula. The resulting scent developed complexity as the elements harmonized—powerful but not overwhelming, mysterious yet inviting.

Across the room, Xai worked with equal concentration, occasionally glancing her way as though checking his impression against her physical presence. His methodical approach spoke of his dragon nature—precise, attentive to detail.

When they finished, Master Eldin returned, examining their creations with knowing eyes that missed nothing. “Excellent choices,” he murmured. “Now, exchange and experience.”

Zina handed her blend to Xai, unexpected nervousness fluttering in her stomach. He closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply. She gasped as golden scales momentarily shimmered beneath the skin of his throat before fading back to human appearance.

“You’ve captured something I didn’t know could be translated,” he said softly, opening eyes that had darkened to molten gold. “How did you know to include storm essence?”

She blinked, surprised. “Storm essence? Is that what the blue vial contained? I didn’t know—I followed instinct.”

“Dragons are creatures of elemental force.” His voice roughened. “Storm energy speaks to our deepest nature.”

“Your turn.” He handed her a crystal vial with amber liquid. “This may trigger unexpected memories.”