He nodded to Razir and stepped away from the trench before launching into the air. If he didn’t help Ash, the Oracle would burn himself out trying to get crucial information for them.
Ash was far too valuable to risk right now. They would need him for what was to come.
I’m on my way,he sent to Ash. But he received no reply.
* * *
Ash had been holding it all together since he’d seen those Dires pelting across the grasslands. But only barely. He’d tried and tried to nail down a timeline. They desperately needed to knowwhenRindek was coming. But it eluded him.
He was pushing it, he knew. His entire body had started shaking an hour ago. Despite his best efforts to hide it, it must have trembled through the link to Tyrez.
Sure enough, he sensed Tyrez hesitate as the big Dragon detected something amiss. Moments later, through the link, he overheard Tyrez telling Razir he had to go because Ash was working himself to a frazzle.
No, I’m not.
Yes, you are.
Dammit. Tyrez had his own piece to contribute. He didn’t need to be playing nursemaid to a neurotic, mentally damaged Oracle.
I’m coming.The words, a sexy, rumbling purr that set every nerve alight, was accompanied by a powerful pulse of energy that carried with it everything Tyrez held in his heart.
The emotion crushed the last wall of resilience Ash had been holding together. He began to shake so hard that his legs struggled to hold him. He moved off the ledge and into the tunnel beyond it. He crumpled before he’d gone far, and he slid down the wall.
Tyrez snatched the location from his mind.Stay there. I’m on my way.
The link showed the big Dragon flying toward him and transforming back to human as he jogged along the tunnel.
Even so, he still startled when he was lifted into Tyrez’s arms. Their energies merged and expanded, chasing away the uncertainty and pain. He was flooded with a much-needed strength that chased the weakness away.
He inhaled. Tyrez smelled of sweat and all things earthy. For just an instant, Ash relished in the contact, but then the memories surged. Before the big Dragon shifter could sense them, Ash took a step back.
Tyrez loosened his arms and let him go. When he pulled away, a clod of dirt fell from his shoulder into Ash’s long hair.
The big shifter snorted a laugh.We seem destined to eat grass. Sorry. I know, I’m filthy. Most of the dirt shedded with the scales, but some of it got through to the skin.He examined his arms with distaste.
When Tyrez reached to shake the clod loose from the golden strands, Ash captured his hand. For a moment, he stood very still, tracing the back of it with trembling fingers. It was a very large hand. Nearly twice the size of Ash’s. Fingers thick and powerful like the rest of the man currently encrusted in dirt.
Ash swallowed. The big Dragon shifter was so handsome. He still couldn’t believe that they were destined to be together. After seeing so many possible futures, he knew just how precious this bond really was.
Precious, and fragile. Unless he could push past what dwelled inside him. He had to try.
The grunge gave him an idea.Come with me,Ash said. He folded his long, thin fingers through Tyrez’s, and towed him along with him. Ash’s legs were still shaky, but they gained strength with each stride.
Where are we going?Tyrez asked.
It’s a surprise. Just shut up and come with me.
Okay, then.Again, a purr through the words. Ash’s heart accelerated as he wove through the tunnels, moving lower. And then lower again.
The walls narrowed. Soon the only light was from the crystals embedded in the rock. They glowed with life essences in every color of the rainbow.
Not a fan of narrow tunnels. Tend to bash my head on things.Tyrez scanned the ceiling. It was tall enough for a Gryphon but still confining for a Dragon.If I didn’t know you, I’d be worried.
If you didn’t know me, we wouldn’t be here,Ash pointed out.
At that moment, the tunnel opened into a cave. The floor dropped away beneath their feet into a series of pools, so still that they mirrored the ceiling. Huge glimmering crystals hung down like multicolored, delicate stalactites, so beautiful Tyrez gasped.
You’ve never been here?
