them though, so that’s almost as good.”
Atlas pointed to his head. “Eidetic memory.”
I nodded.
Stretch’s brow furrowed.
He remembers exactly everything he reads, apparently, I said over the mate bond.
Her brow smoothed out. Thank you, Thane.
Anytime, Stretch. Anytime.
“So your library has a lot of information on Merlin?” Hollyn asked after she swallowed another bite of her food.
Kord shook his head. “No. But what we did find was that there are a number of different stories. None really important in their own right. What makes them significant, however, is the overarching theme that threads through each story.”
“I’m going to stop you right there, Librarian Man,” Drace interrupted. “While we can all appreciate the time and effort you put in to gather this info for us, my girl here needs concrete ideas or end points.”
Lukas nodded. “Very plain speaking is Hollyn. She’ll appreciate more the point than the journey.”
Kord heaved a sigh. “That’s how my Kiema is. Although sometimes she entertains my lengthy discussions.” He waved that away. “Here it is. In all stories, Merlin is some form of demon. The actual caste or species of demon is unclear. This gives us three potential outcomes. Although only the last two really matter. First potential, he is of the Judeo-Christian variety of demon. But since some of these stories predate Judeo-Christianity’s entrance into this world, I’m going to assume he is not of this variety. This leaves us with two actual possibilities.”
Kord turned to look at Stretch. “One: he is an evolved being much like the Fae. If this is the case, then tremendous amounts of power will be necessary to kill him. Either by complete obliteration or by siphoning off his power.”
Stretch nodded. “And the second possibility?”
“He’s from a place called Muspelheim. Which is specifically the volcanic section of Hel. Close-ish enough to what most humans think of Hell. Fiery death, agony, doom. You get the point. If he’s a Surtr—fire giant of Norse faith system—then he can only be killed by a god.” Kord looked at Stretch. “Or goddess.”
“In either situation, it’s going to come down to who has the most power at the end of the day. And how well you can wield said power.”
Stretch swallowed. “The guy I see when I’m not really in my body is about my height, kinda weak looking. Bit of a bitch. Gives me the creeps and constantly demands that I give him my power.”
Kord smiled. “Then I’d go with more of the Fae type system than the fire god of Hel. So we can gear your training to the first, but leave some room to train for the second, just in case.”
Stretch’s smile was beautiful. “That’s the first sound idea I’ve heard since this crapshow started. Thank you!”
Kord blushed. “You’re welcome.”
“I would like to help with the training against the Fae system,” Arasne said. “I can get my Wardens to teach you.” She looked from Stretch to me. “You, as her mates, as well. If we can train you as a unit, that would be much better.”
We’ve got some information for you guys, Tove said over the mate bond.
I told the room.
“If he’s open to it, we could go there,” Atlas said. “Unless Kord has more to share that involves his books.”
Kord sighed. “No. Mouse told me I wouldn’t need to bring them. I should have listened to her.” He looked like a kid who’d been told his science project got second place instead of first.
Lukas clapped Kord on the back. “That Kiema sure is smart.”
Kord smiled. “Yeah. Her brain is so fucking sexy.”
Lukas’ nose wrinkled. “Ew. No. Gross. Keep that shite to yourself.”
They all laughed.
We’re headed your way, I told Tove. I helped Stretch to her feet. Waited for Tag to grab her other hand.
Let’s go learn the rest of this shit so we can empty our house and live the way we want to, I said over the mate bond.
About fucking time, too, Tag added.
Chapter 23 – Hollyn
As I was getting ready to follow Thane and Grumpy from the living room, the rest of the dragons just sitting around got me thinking. This had to be like the community tribunal that just wouldn’t end. Talk about torture.
I need to talk to Drace. Give me a minute, I said to my men.
I walked over to the woman I wanted to be like when I finally grew up. I pulled her away from her mate. “Hey, the dragons are looking either half asleep or wishing they could jump off the balcony and not call on