Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series
Her Elemental Dragons: Stroke the Flame: Chapter 40

I stared at the stark black stone walls, as if admiring the architecture of the temple could actually distract me from my thoughts. Auric leaned over a book and chatted with one of the priests about it like it was the most fascinating thing in the world. I supposed that was his way of dealing with the fact that Kira was on the other side of that wall sleeping with Jasin right now.

I crossed my arms. Why did it bother me so much? It’s not like I wanted to be in there with her instead. Okay, maybe I did, but I shouldn’t want that. Auric and Jasin were both in love with her, that was obvious. Reven was gone, after fleeing in the night like a villain. And then there was me. I cared for Kira a lot, but I wasn’t sure I could ever give her my heart completely. Or get used to the idea of sharing her with three other men.

I’d heard that taking multiple partners was common in the Air and Water Realms, but after what I’d been through with Faya, the thought made my chest ache. This would be different, of course—Kira’s mates were open about all of us sharing her, and it was part of our divine duty—but I worried it would still lead to heartbreak and trouble.

Even so, I would never leave like Reven. I would stay and do my duty, to fulfill the destiny the Gods had bestowed upon me, and to protect Kira however I could. I’d just have to protect my heart at the same time somehow.

The sound of footsteps and a door slamming caught all of our attention. Auric slammed the book shut and gave me a wary glance. I grabbed my axe, then led the charge back into the main hall. Soldiers poured into the room, led by the man in red armor with a winged helmet.

The Onyx Army had come for us.