Four Bellatis at the entrance, on full alert.
Aria hadn’t released his hand.If we are going to do this, we need to get you in there, like, now. Before the battle makes it to the central cave.
Yep, you are right.Lucas reached for Aria’s jaw, sliding his fingers over her skin. He bent and captured her lips with his own.
They were soft and warm. His heart threatened to leap straight out of his chest as she grabbed his shirt and attacked him with teeth and tongue.
Okay.Nikolai’s mindvoice was like a pail of cold water.Losing the battle here. You are not helping my concentration, either.
Aria broke free, her eyes glowing amber. She was breathing hard.I’ll be with you, Lucas.
Once you are in position, I’ll help any way I can,Nikolai said.
Okay.Lucas straightened.Here we go.
Lucas trailed his fingers over her cheek, feather light, and her eyes went incandescent, shining amber in the shadows. Then he pulled back. Walked away from Aria, and down the tunnel.
Her scent swirled around him as he did so. It was on him. Part of him.
Shards, Lucas.Stress vibrated through Nikolai’s mindvoice.Focus, or you’ll be toast.
Shards? Are you a Dragon, now?Lucas teased.
A pause.I’m not sure.Confusion wove into the link.
Wasn’t referring to your new piercings, you idiot. I doubt Unicorns can become Dragons. Although maybe you’d be a Dragon with a horn...
Lucas—
Okay, okay, I’m focused.Lucas took a deep, steadying breath. His’s skin prickled as he approached the Bellatis guarding the cave. They were on high alert, waiting for the battle to reach them.
One took a step toward him. “How close are they?”
“Getting closer,” Lucas said. “But we’re holding them off. I’m bringing a report.”
The Bellati nodded. None of the door guards even blinked as Lucas walked past them, and into the cave.
49
The Bellatis in the main cavern were tense and ready for action.
Most had gone to fight in the tunnel, but Galeran had kept a group back to protect him while he fought his invisible battle with Nikolai.
Along the back of the cave, near the arch used for the gate, stood Demeti’s brother, Finn. Beside him was Isobel. They had the gate held open between them, and the group of Liberi females were passing through.
Escaping.
Lucas ignored them. The goal was Galeran. Nikolai’s father sat upon a throne on the raised dais in the center of the room. His hands clenched the arms as though he was about to grow talons. As Lucas made his way through the milling soldiers, he noted the runes burning brightly against the Bellati’s skin.
Galeran had an impenetrable ring of armed bodies at the foot of the dais, two steps down from the throne level. Lucas found a spot nearby, and faced the entryway like all the others, his horn spike clenched in his fist.
His fingers trembled. A sign that even with Nikolai’s boost, this morph wasn’t long for the world. He only hoped it lasted long enough.
Aria had already assessed the situation through his eyes.When the fight reaches the doorway, we’ll stage a rush for Galeran. That will be your opportunity. You’ll have to get into position at the foot of the raised platform.
Lucas’s fist tightened on the horn spike; the jagged, razor-sharp edges of the spirals glinted as he rotated it. He didn’t think anyone would want these Unicorns laying their heads in their lap.
Think that’s a myth.Nikolai, speaking through gritted teeth.
