Bathed in the red light of the setting suns, the forest grew more sinister-looking as we made our way back to the house. Just like our earlier trip through the woods, nothing seemed to challenge us as we jogged along. The only challenging part was when we got to the top of the path up the cliff. The ledge was just outside of my reach if I tried to jump to get it.

  Not so for Victoria’s mother. She effortlessly jumped up. Lightly nding on the ledge. Looking back, she lifted an eyebrow at both of us. “Well? You both coming?”

  Shaking my head, I cupped my hands for Victoria to stand on. As soon as she stepped into my csped hands, I lifted her up while she jumped. While the move wasn’t perfect, she managed to nd on the ledge on her hands and knees. Turning, she id down as she reached for me. Grasping her wrist, she pulled as I grabbed and stepped on a few rocks that jutted out of the wall. Quickly pulling myself up and over the edge.

  Marcy didn’t give us a chance to rest. She turned and took off in a light, for her, jog. We both had to run to keep up. The next time she stopped, the house was just in view. She let out a long sigh before slowly walking forward. “Don’t say anything. Even if you are asked a direct question.” I opened my mouth to ask why only for her to stop, spin around, and hold up a finger. “What did I just say?”

  Closing my mouth, I nodded. Seeing that I understood, she turned around. Sitting on a porch chair was a man. His eyes glowed gold as he watched us approach. “Hello, Gregory.”

  “Well, well, well,” the man said in a deep voice that, even though it was soft, still carried to us. “If it isn’t the long-lost prodigy of the Kingston Family. Everyone thought you were dead. Care to tell me where you have been and who these two are?” His eyes turned to look us both over. They widened as he did so.

  “They are under my protection. Make that clear to the rest of the cn.”

  He shook his head, as his shock showed clearly on his face. “You know we cannot do so, especially given what they are. Is she? Is he? What the hell have you done?”

  “All you and the elder need to know is that she is my daughter, and he is her mate.” She said as she looked over at us. “Nothing either of us can do at this point.”

  “But he is…”

  “You think I don’t know?” she snapped, cutting him off. “Now don’t say another word about it.”

  “You mean he doesn’t…”

  “No, he doesn’t.” I was confused about what they were talking about. All I knew was that it had to do with me. A hand slipped into mine and squeezed. The touch instantly rexing parts of me that I hadn’t realized were tensing up.

  “Wait,” he said, “Was it her blood the watchers detected in the farming outpost to the south?”

  “Yes, they are now both registered adventurers.”

  His hand wiped at his face. “You know the rules better than most. None of the family is allowed to become adventurers by w.”

  “Well then, isn’t it a good thing that she is not registered with the family.”

  “You know that is not what the w is saying.”

  “No, the letter of the w states that no registered dragon family member may become an adventurer.”

  “You have not changed at all. You’re still pying the spirit of the w against the letter of it. Using whichever will provide you what you want.”

  “Why shouldn’t I?” she shrugged. “Feel free to skedaddle now. We need to get inside and cook dinner. Tomorrow they both have training.”

  “Nah, I think I will stay.”

  “I’m not feeding you.” She said as she walked up the stairs and past him.

  “Not even if I provide some mana-enriched food in return?”

  She stopped before shaking her head. “I can get that myself.”

  “Fine, I will let everyone know about these two and how they are under your protection. I will even offer my protection in case some of the family argue. Seeing as how you left your duties when you ran away.”

  She spun around, poking his chest with a finger. “You know damn well why I ran away.” He just nodded, not saying anything. A second ter she patted him softly. “Fine, you can join us for dinner.”

  “Will you at least introduce us?” He said as he smiled at her.

  Letting out a resigned sigh, Marcy turned to us and said, “Victoria, Christian, this is Gregory, my elder brother. Gregory, this is my daughter Victoria and her mate Christian. Don’t badger them too much or say things you shouldn’t.” With that, she turned and disappeared into the house.

  “Nice to meet you both.” He said, shooting us both a dazzling smile that I swore glinted in the fading light. Of course, it would have been less fear-inducing if the light didn’t make his white teeth look the color of blood. Shivering, I turned to look away.

  Victoria didn’t seem bothered as she started forward. Pulling me along behind her as she went to enter the house. He moved back to let us pass. Without saying a word, she led me up the stairs and into her room. As soon as the door was shut, she let out a long sigh. Sitting on her bed, I pulled her into my p. Her face went into my neck where she took in deep breaths. With each breath, she rexed more until finally, she was practically falling asleep in my arms.

  Not knowing what to do, I id back on the bed, pulling her with me. With her on top of me, I closed my eyes and rexed. Not entirely sure what tomorrow, let alone the future, would bring.