Returning the Favor (Dani’s POV)
I was not totally certain how to use the bead Vallen had left me with and now I stood, more than a little embarrassed, holding hands with a circle of Elven warriors. I tried closing my eyes and wishing really hard. Nothing happened. Kat always made it look so easy but even when I thought about about the nest I couldn’t will us there.
“Is something wrong, Lady Dani?” asked Tallyn in his deep voice. The other two Elves shifted back and forth on their feet uncomfortably.
I nodded. “This is my first time using the transport bead. I was sort of handed it and then just sent off to find Elves…. stupid Dragon,” I mumbled under my breath.
Tallyn considered me carefully before looking at his soldiers. “Stay close with a hand on my shoulder,” he directed them, and turned his attention back to me. With a firm grip he clasped my upper arms. “Lady Dani, close your eyes.” I followed orders without hesitation. “You were probably given something to draw you back from where you came. Often it is an object of great importance or a blood bond.”
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Good, focus on that connection,” his words seemed to be coming from farther and farther away. “Picture the person you are connected to, feel them within you. You should be able to feel their heartbeat.”
Sure enough I could feel Vallen’s heartbeat, the sound of his laughter, and the strength of his character. I found myself nodding and reaching for it. As I did, the world around me shifted and I felt like I was falling. I was surrounded in silence.
“Dani? Dani, wake up.”A familiar smokey scent surrounded me and filled my senses. It reminded my of warm incense from church. I opened my eyes to stare up into a face of someone who looked like an angel. Silvery grey eyes and tight golden curls bent over me.
“Oliver!” I flung my arms around his neck and breathed easier despite being crushed in a hug. Over his shoulder Vallen stood watching until he turned away abruptly. “Did Prince Tallyn and the others make it?”
“We did,” came Tallyn’s voice over my shoulder. I turned in time to watch a stare down between Prince Vallen and Hudraer.
“Lord Dragon, we meet again,” Tallyn said as he straightened to his full height.
Hue looked weak but stood his ground with Vallen and Geren behind him. “Thank you for coming. I trust your mate is well?”
Tallyn’s brows knit together over his eyes. “She is. We are expecting our first child this summer.” I knew Lily had looked pregnant. I wanted to make some sort of gesture to celebrate, but with the tension in the room I didn’t dare. “So why are you here, Lord Dragon? No bounties to collect?”
Hue growled. “When I discovered she was your Soul Mate, I walked away.” My heart missed a beat. Were they talking about Lily?
“But if she hadn’t been you would have killed an innocent,” Tallyn barked.
“No, I would have dropped her off in a realm where she would have been safe. I don’t kill the innocent,” Hue bit out.
Tallyn scoffed. “I’m supposed to believe that?”
“Are you questioning the word of the Dragon Lord?” Geren demanded, stepping forward. Ian made his way over to what looked like could be a fight and even Oliver shifted to make sure he stood between me and the others.
I couldn’t take it anymore. “Will you all knock it off?!” I barked. All attention in the room turned to me along with all the anger. I wanted to shrink to three inches and hide in the corner but instead I forced myself to smile. “Kat… Lady Alizeyah’s life is very possibly hanging by a thread. Tallyn, Lord Hudraer has never given me any reason to think he would be dishonorable. I have to believe that my friend wouldn’t be with him if he was horrible. Kat left another she loved because he is her Soul Mate and she loves him.” I turned my glare on the Dragons. “And you three, he threatened to eat the man’s wife. Even if he wouldn’t really have done so, you can’t blame the guy for being a bit leery of the lot of you. He doesn’t know you like we do.”
Tallyn looked from me to Hue. The two studied each other carefully before he finally broke the silence. “What do you know about who took her? Can you two connect? Has she given you any details in regards to where she may be?”
The Dragons turned and led the Elves to the large round table in the hall. “She connected with me late last night. I’ve done a sketch of the face she showed me of her captor. We have to find her soon, as he seems to have no intention of keeping her alive.” Tallyn’s breath seemed to catch on Hue’s words and he eyed the Dragon more closely. In that moment I saw forgiveness in his eyes as he was no doubt putting himself in Hue’s shoes.
