Music vibrates through the air and even without seeing them, I'm aware of the sensual movement of bodies on the dance floor below. It would be Easter back home and Dragonites certainly know how to put the sexy into this celebration.

The way Kai looked at me just now, I could swear he was going to throw me over his shoulder, caveman style.

My mind wanders back to earlier in the day when I woke up in a huge bed, completely naked and with no memory of how I got there. To say that I was freaked out would be an understatement. It turns out that Ishtar's fire burnt through most of my nightdress and while her flames didn't hurt me, the goddess left me a little present in the form of a tattoo just below my belly button.

I'm still finding it hard to adjust to the idea. I mean, it's not as if I had a boozy holiday at a party island or anything. Mercifully, as tattoos go, it's quite tasteful; an outline of a stylised flower with two leaves, a stem and five lotus-like petals. Apparently, each flame-like shape represents a child, which means I'm going to have eight. Breathe, Elle.

A warm hand on my knee makes me jump.

"Elissa, are you alright? You have gone very pale." Even crouched, Kai looks down on me.

"I'm not sure I can cope with having eight children." The words just tumble out.

"Do not fear, darling, it is unlikely that you will have them all at once." Seraphina laughs.

"Eight?" Kai's voice is strained.

Flames flicker in his irises and my reflection is bathed in them. He is too close, yet I am unable to look away. Is it hot in here?

"Kai." Seraphina's astringent tone cuts through the strange enchantment. He blinks and I use the opportunity to spring to my feet.

"It is time for the blessed to be matched." Seraphina glides out of the pavilion with Cade at her heels.

I follow behind her, but Kai gets to the stairs before me and blocks the way out with his massive frame. "It is not safe for you to be out there tonight."

Overbearing, much? "And why is that?"

"Because men will fight for the chance to mate with any unattached women that were blessed by Ishtar this morning."

I pull a face. That sounds barbaric.

"Do not fret, these matches are always looked upon favourably by the goddess." Cain probably seeks to reassure me.

"Any male coming anywhere near me..." Electricity crackles at my fingertips.

"Will regret it," Kai growls.

The crowd roars beneath us and Cain says, "We should watch from the balcony."

Almost immediately I regret leaning over the balustrade. We have a prime view of the bare-chested men fighting below. However, it's not for the faint-hearted and a spray of blood has me ducking back into the pavilion, my back firmly against the wall.

Finally, Cain calls out, his voice thick with amusement, "It is safe to look, now."

He lied. I'm just in time to witness a woman running her hands over the victor. They look ready to jump each other. Then she licks his bloodied chest and unwelcome memories of Corinth bubble up. I'm determined never to be that weak.

"What is the matter?" Kai asks with a frown.

"Nero. He liked the taste of blood." My voice sounds brittle.

In a half growl, Kai insists, "He will never hurt you again."

Cain tries to lighten the atmosphere, "She gets to taste the blood and sweat that he shed in her honour and in return he will ..."

I hold up a hand to stop him. "Thanks, but really not helping. I think that I will call it an evening."

"I will escort you to your room," Kai insists and for once I'm not going to argue.

We descend and get hit by a wall of heat. It's like stepping off a plane in a tropical location. Now that the first fight is over, the crowd are back to dancing, well mostly dancing. It pays not to look too hard.

We almost reach the exit when my senses prickle and I veer sideways. Pulling back a silk hanging, I discover an alcove where a woman in a ruby red gown is bent over a prone man. His complexion is deathly pale and his eyes glassy. The healer looks up me, her expression of despair shifts to hope.

I motion her aside and step forward, my fingers tingling with energy. Placing my palms on his chest, my magic for once flows with ease. The man's injuries heal before our very eyes and a healthy glow returns to his bronzed skin.

The man looks up at me in wonder, reverentially asking, "Did the goddess send you?"

"No!" Kai snaps and puts a possessive arm around my shoulder.

The woman in red bows. "By the grace of the Mother, I thank you."

Kai does not relinquish his hold until we are at my bedroom door. With a hand on the door handle, I make the mistake of looking up into the smouldering depths of his dark eyes and my breath hitches.

Slowly he closes the gap between us, moving like lava; slow and burning everything in its path. Overwhelmed by his sheer masculinity, I freeze, and all thoughts flee from my head. Tenderly he cups my cheek, but his kiss is far from gentle, demanding a response to the rallying call of passion.

In the past I may have scoffed at the idea of someone making my knees go weak, but now I'm sure that his body is the only thing holding me up.

He pulls away abruptly, a heat haze shimmering around his body. "Goodnight," he bites out hoarsely, then turns about and strides off.

Reality slams into me, quickly followed by shame and I stumble into my room. What the hell were you thinking, Elle?

How could I have allowed Kai to kiss me? I don't even like him, do I? And poor Aren. I still love him and I definitely don't want to end it with him. I'm so confused.

Sleep is impossible with my mind whirling in turmoil.

......

Seraphina has decided that I need some defence training, which is why I'm standing in the armoury wearing a figure-hugging leather outfit. Having gotten used to Elysium's modest fashion, I feel a bit self-conscious.

"Pick a weapon, any weapon," the queen offers, her arm sweeps in a casual arch.

The walls are completely covered with a bewildering array of deadly weapons. I scan for a suitable sword since that's what I used to. Overwhelmed by choice, I close my eyes and something cool brushes against my senses.

An elegant sword, practically dwarfed by its neighbours, calls to me from across the room. With renewed focus, I stride over and reach out for the hilt carved in the shape of a golden dragon, only to freeze when Kai's voice sounds behind me, "She cannot have that."

I keep my back to him, not ready to face him after that kiss last night.

"Ignore him, darling." Seraphina lays a bejewelled hand upon my shoulder and leans close, enveloping me in her musky perfume. "Try it out."

With my prize, I follow her through double doors into a wide gallery, running around three sides of a large training hall. Below us, Cain and Cade are sparring, their movements are in perfect synchronisation, almost like a dance.

Seraphina leans over the rail, her voice carrying in the large space. "Cain, darling. Can you work with Elissa? Cade, come and keep me company."

Nerves bubble in my stomach as I take the stairs. Cain is a daunting opponent, being a full head taller and twice as wide as me. I slide the blade from the scabbard and test my new sword, beaming because the weight and balance are perfect.

Cain starts off easy, certainly far gentler than Alex ever was with me. He's a decent teacher mixing in helpful tips with a playful banter and making it a fun workout. I can tell that he isn't using his full force but continues to push me until he manages to knock me off balance.

With a grin, he holds out a hand to help me up. "Not bad, little one. Let us take a short break."

That nickname reminds me of Zane. Gosh, I hope he got to Darish in time. I look up in time to see Cade whispering something in Cain's ear, before moving to stand on the sidelines.

When we resume, Cain is immediately more aggressive and swings his sword down in an arc straight at me. It's easily parried, but the force is stronger than anticipated and vibrates through me. He smirks at my discomfort.

Game on, tough guy. What started off friendly becomes more competitive. While he is much stronger and bulkier than me, I'm lighter on my feet and faster. When he backs me towards a corner, I use his own momentum against him, running straight up the wall and doing a back flip over him while he crashes into said wall.

He staggers, then shakes himself off and stalks towards me. We circle each other, swords at the ready. I'm no match for him either physically nor in skill, however, magic swirls inside readying to come to my aid.

"Submit to me. Why delay the inevitable?" he taunts.

Rather than respond with words, blue lightning crackles between us, sparking off his blade. Jaw clenched, his body spasms and he lets off a colourful string of curses.

His retaliation is fierce. I manage to dodge the worst of the blows, but the tip of his blade catches a gap above my leather gauntlet.

He runs a finger along the flat of the blade and holds up a bloodied finger. "Looks like I drew first blood. Yield now before you get hurt."

His arrogant smirk just irritates me. I cannot, will not yield. "No."

"I wonder how sweet you taste?" he goads.

I realise I'm fighting the wrong brother and growl out a warning, "Cade. Do. Not. Dare." My voice echoes like thunder and the ground beneath our feet ripples.

He raises his finger to his mouth.

Fury burns through me and a huge gout of fire erupts from my left hand. At exactly the same time Cain charges at Cade and both brothers are engulfed in flames.

Immediately my anger evaporates and my hand stops acting like a flame-thrower. Thank goodness the twins are completely unharmed. I, however, have little flames flickering across my whole body and my sword is also alight.

"I'm on fire!"

🔥 🔥

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