Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series
Her Elemental Dragons: Stroke the Flame: Chapter 36

I folded up the map and put it away, then pulled out my journal to record my daily log of our journey. The others thought it was a waste of time, but someday my notes might be useful to someone else, perhaps the next people to follow in our footsteps.

I moved closer to the fire for more light, where Jasin was staring into it with a brooding expression. He wasn’t normally a brooder—that was more Reven’s style—but he had good reason after today’s events.

I debated a moment before sitting near him. Jasin and I didn’t get along on the best of days, but I wanted to change that. “Jasin, I’m sorry about what happened with your parents.”

He inclined his head slightly. “Thanks.”

“For what it’s worth, I know what it’s like to be the youngest brother and the disappointing son.”

“Oh yeah?” He chuckled softly. “I bet your father would never betray you like that though.”

“I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll replace out once we reach the Air Realm.” Unease settled over me as I considered our next step after the Fire Temple. “I doubt I can hide from them once I return. Either way, it’s a shame you had to experience such a thing.”

Before he could respond, Kira burst into the cave, her face flushed and her eyes watering. Each one of us jumped to our feet.

“Are you all right?” Slade asked.

“Reven’s gone,” she said.

“What do you mean, gone?” Jasin asked.

She wrapped her arms around herself. “He left. He doesn’t want to be one of my mates.”

The others looked as shocked as I felt. Leave Kira? That was impossible. Even though we hadn’t officially bonded yet, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere except by her side, supporting her however I could. How could Reven not feel the same?

I took her into my arms and held her close. “I’m sorry.”

As she rested her head on my shoulder, Jasin joined us and embraced her from behind. “He’s an idiot,” he said.

“I knew he wanted to leave, but I never thought he’d actually do it,” Slade said. He remained back, but looked hesitant, as if he wanted to join but wasn’t sure he should.

Kira pulled back and wiped at her damp eyes. “What do we do now?”

“The only thing we can do,” I said. “Keep going.”