The Pyronox throws a hand out in my direction. I stand up straight, this time pushing Solan’s arm away and settling at his side. It’s tempting to lean into him, absorb his heat and his strength, but something tells me any sign of weakness in front of this Pyronox would be a mistake.
“What’s going on?” I stare at the Pyronox, aware Harith still stands silently slightly behind him in the doorway. When no one immediately answers, I peer up at Solan as I say his name.
He reacts immediately, gaze on me, eyes softening in an instant as he drinks me in. A sound from the stranger has me losing Solan’s attention, a new sneer pulling at Solan’s lips as he glares at the Pyronox.
For fuck’s sake. Years of working in an environment with daily dick-measuring contests—which is nowhere near as fun as it sounds—has me reacting almost on instinct.
I take a step forwards, putting myself between Solan and the Pyronox. My movements aren’t aggressive, but they’re deliberate enough to demand attention. “Okay, big guy, let’s cutto the chase,” I say, keeping my tone firm but not hostile. “Put your dick away and tell us why you’re here.”
The Pyronox narrows his eyes at me. His large, muscular form looms, and his bright red skin almost glows in the dim light. “You dare speak to me like that, human?” he growls in my native tongue, his voice a deep rumble that seems to reverberate through the room.
I don’t flinch. Instead, I cross my arms and raise an unimpressed eyebrow. “Yeah, I dare. Get over it.”
Solan’s hand brushes against the small of my back, a silent acknowledgment of my boldness, but he doesn’t interrupt. His tension is palpable, though, and I can’t miss the guilt that flickers in his golden eyes when the stranger glances his way. Interesting.
The Pyronox’s attention snaps back to me, his disdain evident. “I have been here longer than you have existed. Solan and I?—”
“Are not mates,” Solan interjects sharply in English, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “Enough, Durandal.” Solan’s gaze is fierce as it locks onto the other Pyronox. “You know that would never have been.”
Durandal’s jaw tightens, and his hands curl into fists at his sides. “You made it sound as if there was hope,” he says, his tone bitter.
“I made it clear where I stood,” Solan replies, his voice softer now, but no less firm. “I cannot control fate.”
I glance between them, my hackles rising at the implication. Whatever guilt Solan feels, it’s clear he’s been honest about the bond we share. But that doesn’t stop Durandal’s frustration from colouring his expression. It also doesn’t stop me from stepping in again.
“Look,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “I don’t know what kind of history you two have, and frankly, I don’t care. Solan’smine, and that’s not up for debate. If you’ve got a problem with that, I suggest you deal with it somewhere else. We’ve got bigger issues to handle right now.”
Durandal’s lips pull back in a snarl, but he doesn’t step forwards. Instead, he glances at Solan, who meets his gaze steadily. After a tense moment, Durandal exhales sharply, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
“You’re right,” Durandal says grudgingly. “There are more pressing matters.”
Finally. Though what the hell is the urgent business that this guy has with Solan or me leaves me clueless.
He steps back slightly, giving us a bit more breathing room, though his frustration still simmers beneath the surface. “Tahrionne sent me,” he begins. “There is news of your human.”
My heart leaps into my throat, and I straighten instinctively. “Jamie? What about him? Is he safe?”
Durandal nods, though his expression remains grim. “He is not with the royal guard as you feared. He is travelling with Calythra and Tahrionne. They have managed to stay ahead of pursuit, but a rogue group of mercenaries is tracking them. They are dangerous and relentless.”
Relief and dread crash over me in equal measure. Jamie isn’t alone, but he’s far from safe. “Why are these mercenaries after them?” I ask, my voice tight.
Durandal hesitates, then answers, “They’re hunting anyone who came through the merge. You and your nephew are not the only ones they seek, but Tahrionne’s reputation for finding those not of this world has made him a target.”
Solan frowns. “Tahrionne’s reputation should deter such hunters. These mercenaries must not be from this district, or there is something more driving them.”
Durandal inclines his head. “That is my suspicion as well. Regardless, Tahrionne sent a message: They cannot returnhere. You must meet them at the Youlander Pass. He plans to outmanoeuvre the mercenaries there.”
My stomach twists at the thought of Jamie in more danger. Before I can even think it through, I look at Solan. “We’re going after them.”
I expect him to argue, to insist I stay behind, but instead, he nods. “Yes. Without you, I would struggle to succeed.”
That catches me off-guard. “Wait, no argument?”
He shakes his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You are capable, and I would be weaker without you near. Jamie is your family. I understand.”
Gratitude surges through me that I don’t have to argue, and I nod. “Good. Let’s get ready.”
Solan turns to Durandal. “Thank you for bringing this message. And… I am sorry.”
