She shoved the wind-whipped hair out of her face and glanced toward the ground.Even as the beast began its dive toward the ground, they were still too high up for Kai to see anything she could describe below the trees.It took several minutes for things to come into view among the forest below.The first thing she spotted was a wide field of green that, from the air, she believed to be more trees or bushes, but as they soared over them, she realized they were crops, and even now, growers were in the fields tending to them.
They weren’t close enough for Kai to identify anyone, but she could see many workers moving about.She knew people came out daily to gather and tend to the crops.Kai would love to help with the crops that fed the Thunder.She wondered how long it would take to reach this area on foot.
With your short, human strides, mate, at least three hours.Aodh responded.
Remind me later to get you for that comment.
You can’t retaliate against the truth.
Of course, I can in the most deliciously torturous ways.Then we’ll see how much you like my human legs when they’re wrapped around your waist.she teased.
Aodh’s growl rumbled in her mind.Just remember, I give as good as I get.
She was thankful for the cool air blowing over her skin because his words made heat swell in her core, and her nipples tightened with the thought of what Aodh had just done.
Her thoughts got cut short as they came upon a single dwelling away from the others that sat in close proximity to the field.It was big in that most structures that housed dragon-shifters were expansive, but unlike the others, it was only one story, with no balcony.
Aodh’s dragon brought them down to the clearing before the house with the same skill it had shown in takeoff.Once on the ground, the dragon gently unfurled its claws and set her on the ground.
With only her third flight, it took her a moment to steady her legs, but Aodh had shifted and was there instantly, holding her waist while she gathered herself.
“You good, love?”The heat of his chest rested along her back as he whispered in her ear, not caring how out of sorts her hair was from travel.
“Perfect.”She meant that on so many levels as she met his gaze over her shoulder.
“Good.Let’s go.”He urged her forward toward the plain, stone house.Unlike Aodh’s parents' home, this one had no adornment around the windows, and there was no flourishing garden at the front of the house.
To Kai, it was clear that this place existed for functionality; it was a place to stay.
Before they could knock at the door, it opened.
“Hello, Mckenna.Aguya.”In the doorframe stood a beautiful older female with light-brown hair adorned with silver strands and narrow eyes, and so much wisdom in her features it gave Kai pause.
The woman smiled as she met Kai’s gaze without missing a beat.“There aren’t many visitors that come here.Even with the best landing, a dragon’s presence is felt.”
Kai nodded.She was so used to the constant rumble of multiple dragons landing and taking off in the central area that she felt nothing with Aodh’s beast.
“I’m Doryu.I used to manage the fields not too far off.”The tall, stout woman informed her before glancing beyond Kai.“Mckenna, Yeongi radioed, and we have been awaiting your visit.”
“I apologize for the delay, Doryu.I wanted to clear my schedule so that Drago could have our focus,” Aodh declared as he moved beside Kai.
“Come in.Keahl, my mate, will return soon.”Doryu stepped back and drew the door wider.
“How often are you all here with him?”Aodh linked his fingers with Kai’s as he led her forward.
Kai was grateful for the security in Aodh’s hand around hers.She had felt more excitement earlier at the thought of talking to the old Drahk, but now that they had arrived, anxiety caused butterflies to set tremors off in her core.
“We have settled here in the week with him.”There was something in the older Drahkelle’s words.
“Thank you.Please send word if you and Keahl need relief.There are plenty to share such an honored burden.”
“I appreciate it.But all who have served with Drago, including your parents, see it as a sense of pride and have pitched in to do what is necessary.”Doryu confirmed.“It will not be long.”
“Still,” Aodh commanded.
“Yes, Mckenna.”Doryu gave a short bow of her head at Aodh’s words.
Death.Kai was overwhelmed with the heavy, familiar, musty scent.The quivering in her stomach began to spread out through her entire body.The memory of tending to her parents and how she’d almost lost her sister flooded her mind.Death didn’t have the same putrid smell as sickness, but the stagnant odor of a body wasting away was overpowering—except Drahk’s scent was that of a withering dragon flower, giving the slightest sweetness to the musk.
