Page 4 of Realms of Swords and Storms (Empire of Vengeance #3)

I shuddered at the thought. What if the iron collars were merely the first step in a much larger plan?

Would the Empire eventually try to enslave the entire Talfen race?

I felt a rush of anger as I considered the enormity of the Empire's deception.

They'd built their power on the backs of an enslaved race, forcing intelligent beings into animal forms for their own gain.

And I'd been complicit in it, riding Sirrax without knowing, treating him as a mount rather than an equal.

As we approached the Academy, I scanned the grounds for any sign that our absence had been noticed. The morning training sessions were in full swing, riders and dragons circling the practice fields under the watchful eyes of the instructors. No one seemed to be raising an alarm.

Land by the back entrance , I directed.

Sirrax banked smoothly, circling once before descending toward the smaller entrance used by stable hands and servants. The landing was gentle, his massive body touching down with barely a sound.

I slid from his back, wincing at the chill of the morning air against my bare skin. "Wait here," I whispered. "I'll find something to wear."

He rumbled in agreement, his golden eyes watching me intently as I crept toward the back entrance of the stables.

I pressed myself against the wall, peering around the corner to ensure the coast was clear.

The stable was surprisingly empty, with only a few hands mucking out the stalls at the far end.

Taking a deep breath, I darted inside, keeping to the shadows.

The tack room would have spare clothes—riding leathers and tunics used by students who'd forgotten their own gear. I slipped inside, relieved to find it deserted.

I found a set that would fit me well enough—loose trousers, a simple tunic, and a leather vest. Not my usual attire, but they would have to do. I dressed quickly, grimacing at the roughness of the fabric against my sensitive skin.

Just as I was fastening the last buckle on the riding leathers, the door creaked. I froze, heart pounding.

"Livia?"

"Marcus? What are you doing here?"

"Septimus was worried when you didn't come back last night, but he didn’t want to alert the academy after he realised you took Sirrax. We’ve all been looking for you."

His eyes narrowed as he took in my dishevelled appearance and the ill-fitting clothes. "Where have you been?"

"Early morning flight," I said. "Couldn't sleep. And I wanted to celebrate with Sirrax." Technically that part was true, I just didn’t tell him exactly how Sirrax and I had celebrated. I wasn’t quite ready to share the revelations of last night yet, not until I’d got my head around them myself.

A genuine smile spread over his face, and he pulled me into his arms.

“Yes, Septimus told me. Congratulations on making it into the academy. Not that I ever doubted you would. When do you start proper training?”

"Tomorrow. I'm to report at first light."

"Are you still planning to go through with it?" His voice carried a hint of concern. "The Emperor, I mean. Now that you're in the Academy?"

I felt my jaw set with determination. "More than ever."

"And after?" he inquired, reaching over to brush a leaf from my hair. "Have you thought about what comes after?"

"If we survive, you mean," I replied, my laugh devoid of humour. "That's a big assumption."

"Humour me," he urged.

"Freedom," I said simply. "For all of us. No more hiding, no more serving. Just... living."

He watched me a moment more, before speaking again.

"Arilius," Marcus said carefully. "You haven't talked about it since it happened."

I swallowed and looked away.

“There's nothing to talk about. He's dead. I killed him."

"It's alright to feel something," he said quietly. "Even relief. Even satisfaction."

"I don't want to talk about this," I replied. “I need to go and find the baths and let the others know that I’m safe. I’m sorry I worried you.”

He nodded, but I could tell he was holding back, not wanting to push me and I loved him for it. What would he think of Sirrax though? Would he understand? Could he even understand the bond between us? I didn’t know, and the thought scared me.

"Marcus, if everything works out and we manage to escape after... after the Emperor. Are you still okay with the idea of not having me to yourself? Of sharing me?" I blurted out, blushing.

"I love you," he said simply. "You brought life back to me when I thought I was already dead. I'm just happy to have even a small amount of your time and love."

I took a deep breath. "Even if there are others?"

"Even then." He pulled me closer, then bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I've never expected to own your heart, Livia. That's not love—that's possession. And you've had enough of being possessed."

My heart burst with love for this man, so much so, I wondered how there was even room for the others. And yet they were there as well, taking up just as much room as he did. I reached up, sliding my hands behind his neck and bringing him down so I could kiss him.

His lips were warm against mine, familiar and comforting in their tenderness.

So different from Sirrax's wild passion, yet no less potent.

I melted against him, drawing strength from his steadfast presence, but as he deepened the kiss, I felt a surge of emotion that wasn't my own—hot, primal jealousy flooding through me. I broke away from Marcus, gasping.

"Livia? What's wrong?" Marcus asked, concern etching his features.

I placed a hand against my chest, feeling my heart racing beneath my palm. The jealousy wasn't mine—it was Sirrax's, burning through our newly formed bond like wildfire.

Mine , came the possessive thought, so powerful it made me dizzy.

"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just... tired. It was a long night."

Marcus studied me, clearly unconvinced.

"There's something different about you," he said softly, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "Something's changed."

I touched the bite mark on my neck, still tender beneath my fingertips. "A lot has happened," I admitted. "Things I need to tell you, but not here. Not now."

His gaze dropped to where my fingers rested against my neck, his eyebrows drawing together as he noticed the mark. I held my breath, waiting for accusation or anger, but Marcus simply nodded.

"When you're ready," he said. "I'll be here."

Relief flooded through me. Of course he would understand. Marcus had always seen me more clearly than I saw myself.

"I should go check on Sirrax," I said, reluctantly pulling away. "Make sure no one's bothering him."

Marcus smiled knowingly. "Your bond with him is remarkable. I've never seen a rider connect with their dragon so quickly."

If only he knew the half of it.

"He's special," I said simply.

He nodded, pressing one more quick kiss to my lips before slipping out the door. I waited a few moments, then followed, making my way back to where Sirrax waited.

His golden eyes tracked me as I approached, a low rumble of approval vibrating through his massive chest.

"I found clothes," I said unnecessarily, running my hand along his scales. "And ran into Marcus."

Jealousy again. The emotion flashed through our bond so strongly it took my breath away.

"He was worried about me," I explained, keeping my voice low. "About us."

Mine . The word resonated in my mind, possessive and fierce.

"Yes," I agreed, placing my hand on his muzzle. "But he's mine too, in a different way. Just as Tarshi is. And Septimus." I hesitated, not sure how to explain the complicated web of relationships I'd formed.

Sirrax's mind-voice growled in my head . Not mate. Not like us.

I sighed, pressing my forehead against his scales. "It's different, yes. But important. I need you to understand that."

A mental huff of frustration answered me. Understand. Not like. Will try for you.

I couldn't help but smile at his possessiveness, even as I recognized we would need to address it eventually.

"Thank you."

Only I care for mate. Make happy. If hurt mate…

I shook my head and smiled at him.

“And what will you do if they hurt me?” I asked.

Eat them.

I laughed. “Come on, we should get you back to your stall before someone notices we're missing," I said. "And we need to fix that collar so no one suspects."