LOGINZaria’s POVSpending time with my father was the best thing I did for my mental health; I focused on getting to know him and the man behind the king. From outside, he was a terrifying figure, but the more I spoke to him, the more I knew deep down he was just my dad, kind and loving. He had many regrets, and the wounds never closed; he tried to hide them well, but I saw through it all. I knew he would never pressure me about the throne or my choices. That meant a lot to me.It was late when I walked inside, and they were all in the living area doing different things. Playing pool, watching an action movie, cigars and drinks in their hands. I chuckled.Well, I missed a good party?Not even close, Malacar said, coming to my side and kissing my forehead. I turned and walked to Noctis.Can we take a walk? I asked him. he nodded.We walked in the back through the thick forest. I took his hand, his cool fingers wrapping around mine.You haven’t… insisted on spending time with me?He stopped.
Zaria’s POVValerian was a beast, deadly just like us, the underworld faction. He had good instincts, and his wild nature made him a little unpredictable. Yet he surprised me when he pulled away, breathless.We should head back, he said against my lips. He was trying to show me he had self-control.I touched his face; my head dropped on his chest. Why do I have to choose? This is becoming a huge emotional journey for me. The bonds pulling me in five directions. Yet, I couldn’t let go of them. Goddess chose them for me, for the reason I had not known yet. I suspected but pushed these thoughts to the back of my mind. He held me there in his arms, one hand caressing my back.After a while, without saying a word, I stood up and tried to tie the shirt he ripped, enough to cover my breasts. He dropped his pants and shifted. I climbed on his back and headed back.When I walked inside, Malacar's eyes met mine. I ran into the bedroom and changed. He walked inside and stared, not saying a word
Zaria’s POVMy time with Gan was amazing; he was passionate, and his touch awakened every nerve in my body. I’m not ready to mark him; Malacar is my only marked mate. I need to understand them all before I decide. I have their hearts, but they won’t have mine yet. Well, Malacar does.I walked into the living room to find them sitting on the couch, talking; they stood up when they saw me.Malacar was with my father making decisions. I didn’t even have a chance to process the fact that I am his daughter. I walked to Valerian.Take me to school in your dragon form; I need to clear my head.There is no school today; the council meets at noon to decide on yesterday's incident.Good, I could sing the ballad again, I said, and they laughed.That’s my mate, rebellious and brave, Valerian said. How about a ride…I nodded.He went into the woods and shifted. I climbed on his neck, and he flew low, above the running river. His head turned back at me. I pointed to the mountains, his lair.Valerian
Gan’s POVI sat her back on the bed, and her hand pulled me next to her. Stay with me for a bit; I like your scent, Gan.What is my scent like? I asked, curiously.Crushed leaves and morning mist, she said, her eyes closed. I wanted to kiss her so badly, but I wouldn’t dare. I will not make a move.Her hand moved under my shirt, and I felt my body warming. I need to keep control, I repeated to myself. Zaria caressed my chest, then moved lower to my abdomen, and I grabbed her wrist.Hmmmm, please don’t deny me, Gan, you’re my mate….Then mark me, and I will do whatever you want me to.I can’t, not yet, she paused. Then we can play…Like I did with Malacar at the beginning, when we met.Play? …you do understand Malacar will kill me if he finds out.I want you," she raised her voice, and we can play… her eyes glowed as my hand touched her.Fuck it, it will be worth dying. I undressed her and stared at her beautiful body, trying to remember to control myself. My lips first traced her nec
Zaria’s POVKing Abrax stood in front of me, his large wings open, his two demons out.You dared to touch my….Malacar touched his arm. My people, I specifically told you she is under my protection.Cardona stood there in the black goo, and I wanted to laugh. His magic didn’t work on me, and that scared me more than anything.She’s a demon! he shoutedYou attacked her for no reason….Zaria was praising the underworld, singing in an ancient language to mock us!Mock you? No, Cardona, to remind you that we are a realm just like the others.Monsters!!! Cardona shoutedAs he said the words, something inside of me snapped. I felt heat, lots of heat. The ground shook again; red flames were resting inside my hands. I looked at Malacar, trying to stop whatever was happening to me.Gan sent his familiar, the large blue snake, and gently wrapped it around my body. Zaria…he whispered, the waterfall, cool water….I closed my eyes.When I opened them, the flames were gone. Gan came to my side, as hi
Malacar’s POVZaria was still mad at me, and I felt like crap, sitting in the office. The two weeks of vacation ended, and I pushed her to train hard.King Abrax was being targeted; we still didn’t figure out who was sending the scroll with Alexandra’s handwriting. But he hoped that she was still alive. Even though we both knew she was buried in the sacred mountain. He couldn’t bring himself to burn her body, so he ordered a coffin for her to be made out of obsidian stone. No one knew where we placed her. Yet someone decided to torture him and open a wound that had barely started to close.Then there was Gan. King Abrax was shocked when Zaria stepped in front of him. But mostly, she demanded answers. I had no choice but to tell her the truth. Gan was her mate. The mark was there, and there was no denying it. Rune still felt guilty about the whole incident, and he barely spoke now.The door opened, and Zaria walked inside, then locked it. I stood up, and she came around the desk, pushe







