Shadow Wings (The Darkest Drae, #2)

by Kelly St. Claire

I imagined the fortifications I’d constructed, the tall and thick walls of stone meant to keep us separate—and I dropped them, crumbling them to dust to forever disappear in the darkness. I instantly felt the change. Nothing remained between Tyrrik and me. Princess. His pain tore at me, and I wanted to tear the world apart for his suffering. I’m coming. I could not do otherwise; it would be against everything I was, betraying my very existence, to not aid him. But, more than that, I did not want to do otherwise. Tyrrik was mine. Mine alone. He was mine forever.

shoved my very essence into my mate, panting as the lapis-blue glowed between us. Stronger, thicker, more, more, more. I saw the flicker of blue deep within him surge and brighten. I feel you. Tyrrik’s awe pulsed through me. Mistress butt-Moons! He wasn’t allowed to feel awe. Fight! You need to win! I shouted at him through our bond. Fight and survive. Fight for me, Tyrrik. Please. I . . . I need you.

the coil of his muscles as he tore through the ropes, the searing heat as he hurled white-hot liquid death on our enemies. I felt his power ricochet back to me, and still I pushed. I could see everything he did now though my eyes were closed. I watched with pride as Tyrrik demolished the Druman. And still, I didn’t stop sharing my power to him. I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t stop. I would never stop.

“You can stop now,” he said hoarsely. I blinked. Now that I’d started shoving energy into him, I found it difficult to reign in the flow. “Do I have to?” Tyrrik chuckled and gathered me in his arms, pulling me close. “My Khosana.” With arms like lead, I reached up around his neck and hugged him close so our hearts beat against each other. “You’re okay,” I said, my voice trembling. My entire body quaked with exhaustion. He nodded, burying his face in my hair.

“Tyrrik!” A blaze of blue-and-black fire danced around us. The flame touched our bodies, dancing and twisting, tying us together. I lifted my gaze and saw the brilliant light shone across the bloodied valley. I stared in awe at the capering fire. I’d never been able to see the tendrils between us like this. As a Phaetyn, I could see my power working inside him during healing, but I’d never seen our Drae energy outside us with my eyes open. “Isn’t it beautiful?” he whispered. Overwhelming emotion choked me, stealing my voice. My head and my heart felt light. Words were not enough to describe the sight or the feeling of the deep hues of blue-and-black flames encasing us in their midst. Are the flames real? “No one can see them but us,” he said. They’re ours alone. I knew what this was. It’s our mate bond.

This Drae was my mate. More than a friend or a lover. More than a companion or partner. He was made to compliment me. He was created for me. In a voice rough with emotion, he said, “You accept me?” I lifted both hands to cup his face and stared at him in awe. “How could you be in doubt?” I kissed him, just brushing my lips to his. “After what just happened, how could you not know?” I kissed him again as I spoke through our bond. I accept you as my mate, Tyrrik.

felt his love pulse through the bond, warm honey and the soft caress of night. He brushed his thumbs over my cheeks and repeated, “You are my mate.” I am your mate, I agreed. He touched his lips to my forehead. One hundred and nine years, and I have found you. You are mine.

I’d just witnessed the truth of his words. I ducked and mumbled, “I was so scared, Tyrrik.” My admission broke his heart. I felt it and gained a better understanding of my mate. He didn’t want me to be scared. He’d eagerly take any pain to rid me of that fear. As I studied his sentiment, I grasped a better understanding of the balance of female and male Drae. Tyrrik’s instinct was to protect what he loved.