out was to ask the two large guards that appeared to be standing near an archway that led outside of the golden walls to a cliff-like area.
The men themselves were both very large, dressed similar to my mates, with the exception of Croy. My wolf had chosen instead to wear all black, and his vibrant green eyes seemed sharper and more dangerous than usual despite the relaxed and calm attitude that he appeared to exhibit. There was a gold magic that was rippling across his skin and had him looking a bit more tense than normal as his energy rebounded back from the dip I had felt overcome him after portaling. I squeezed his hand as his gaze ran over my face before offering me a small smile, his eyes flashing with something warm and searing at the same time.
“Maya, are you good to go, or do you want to wait a bit before we head out?” Marco’s voice was filled with a soft and understanding tone. I could see his dragon roaming under his skin, and I had a feeling that the other men nearby frustrated his dragon. A thrill of excitement at his possessiveness caused me to look forward to being alone with him. I knew he would probably want to talk about me not listening to him, but rather than being worried like before, I found myself wondering what exactly he would do about it. I blinked, trying to clear my thoughts, confused on how quickly my feelings regarding his reaction could switch back and forth.
“I'm good,” I promised.
“Debatable,” Sai mused, his lips tilting up as my cheeks flushed. Maybe he was a bit right. Obviously I wasn’t completely good…
Marco kissed my forehead before walking towards the guards, both of whom immediately bowed in greeting, making my eyes go wide. I had expected something, but bowing? That was new. Henry chuckled at my reaction as I stepped closer to him, the others talking quietly around me. I was focused more on Henry and his handsome smile, but I was pretty sure they were talking about shifting and flying somewhere.
Did that mean I needed to shift? I wouldn’t lie, that gave me a bit of anxiety I hadn’t expected. What if I couldn’t do it again?
“If you start to feel off at all, let me know.” Henry’s voice was low and worried. “Even if you just feel slightly warmer than normal. I’m concerned about the fever you keep spiking.”
“I promise I will.” I squeezed his hand as he led me towards the guards. I knew I probably looked a bit like a mess, considering I had not only been laying on the grass but was covered in blood and bite marks, but rather than feel the urge to clean up, I wanted to wear it proudly. Similar to Henry’s scent, which was still covering me to some extent from earlier this morning.
Plus, I had a feeling that it was more impactful to those around us than I probably understood. I just wanted them to understand that these were my mates. Not that they had ever done anything to make me question that, but I felt more and more protective and possessive over the concept. I just hoped the boys were okay with that.
“We are going to the Fire Lands,” Marco explained to the guards. “To the capital.” His voice was dismissive and colder than I had ever heard it before, making my skin break out into shivers. It should have intimidated me, but instead it left me wanting to wrap my arms around him until he softened back into the man that I knew he was.
“Of course,” one of the guards immediately responded, his eyes darting over Marco’s shoulder to mine as one of my mates behind me, I think Atlas, let out a low snarl that had the man looking away. “Are they aware of your arrival?”
“Yes,” Henry answered evenly. I learned into my mate, his hand brushing through my hair as he let out a soft hum that had my entire body melting into him. I did notice that he still made sure to not touch my mating mark from Ledger, and I could feel the slight tension at that possibility through our bond, making itself known. I didn’t blame him—I could only imagine how I would feel if a woman got close enough to his chest where I had marked him. Plus, I had a feeling that the sensitivity wouldn’t last or apply to the