Celenore

Claire kept her cloak firmly drawn around her. Beneath her thighs, Tourmaline was a bulk of muscle, racing over the landscape. He'd taken the lead now, allowing the other unicorns to fan out around him. He was the lord of all unicorns, after all, and refused nothing less.

Their journey had been nothing short of a blur, literally, as the landscape slid by, almost too quick to make out. In the North, while she'd traveled with Taylynn, it hadn't much bothered her. Everything had been white, covered in blankets of snow, with little to discern. But here, the snow was nearly melted, and there was much to see. From the copses of trees, to rolling hills, to rocky outcroppings, creeks, and even swift rivers, she barely registered each landmark. There and gone, with just a few blinks.

One thing was unmistakeable: Spring was out in full force and it was the prettiest she'd ever seen Dragonwall. A wealth of green was returning to the land. There were fields of wildflowers in shades of purple, pink, yellow and orange. Birds flirting for mates. Animals waking from a long slumber.

Part of her wanted to slow down, take it all in, this beautiful kingdom that was nearly hers, with nothing but a technicality separating her from it. As soon as she gave Talon her answer, her acceptance of him, she'd be queen in all but the purest formality. There'd be a bonding ceremony and coronation before she could truly call herself Dragonwall's queen. Even if Koldis already named her such.

She'd been careful to pick the prettiest places to stop. Careful to ensure everyone got adequate rest. She wouldn't show up on the eve of battle exhausted. And besides, there was time. According to Reyr's calculations and their efforts spent pouring over Dragonwall's maps, Talon's forces would be slow in reaching the rendezvous point, and even then, they'd need time to set up camp. Time for the Dwarg forces to arrive.

While that was happening, selected individuals would travel on foot, up around the inlet of Stormy Bay to Plymlet Lake, where they'd deposit the weapon that ought to be the dragon's downfall. But according to Taylynn, that wouldn't entirely work. The Sprite princess hadn't given any particulars. She wasn't sure why it wouldn't work, but that it wouldn't was no surprise. It seemed too easy: Dump a bunch of poison into a lake and expect an entire enemy to succumb.

Much time had been spent over the past day and a half considering Talon's plans. To kill the remaining dragons felt...wrong. Wrong in a way she couldn't describe. They'd been barbaric, leaving a trail of decimated towns and villages in their wake. Killing. Destroying. Belnesse had been the worst of those. And yet...was it right to punish them for something that was in their nature? How bloodthirsty were these beasts? How much of this nature was fueled by Kane? How much of it was purely draconic?

She tried to see things from their perspective. Dragonwall had been forged by dragons after the Awakening. This had been their home as much as it had belonged to humans, to Dwargs, to Sprites. But a few greedy beasts had turned half the clans against the other. They hadn't all been bad. There was Vigilance; he'd been reasonable.

What of today's dragons? Were they simply acting out to regain what had been stolen? Could they be peaceful if they felt adequately compensated for what was taken? After all, this Ice Clan wasn't the same as the one fifty thousand years ago, led by Rage. There was light and dark in everyone—

"Your Majesty, we should pause for a break—that rocky formation there." Feowen had come up beside Tourmaline, but only because Tourmaline permitted it.

"You know I'd prefer—"

"That I call you Claire. Yes, Cousin. I'm well aware." The corner of Feowen's mouth tipped up. "But for now, with your position being so new, I rather enjoy using the title."

She sighed, unwilling to argue a point she'd already pressed several times. "Yes. Let's rest for a bit. I want to consult our maps. We should be getting close?"

"I believe so. Let's stop and take a look."

They slowed and diverted from their path, making the careful ascent to the jagged rocks that jutted up over the landscape. They were peppered randomly in clusters all over this part of the landscape, as if a giant had ground up massive chunks of granite and tossed them out like dice. And between these formations the hills and grass were a vivid green, dotted with wispy pink wildflowers. She kept an eye on her handmaidens and guards while she and Feowen consulted the roll of maps he'd brought. She had her own handbook of maps from Desaree, but it was tucked away in the travel packs she'd brought.

Feowen pulled a metal object from his pocket—a starscope. She'd been enamored by the Sprite device the day prior. "How else do you expect us to find our way?" he'd asked. "How will we know what stars lie above during the day, or when we're beneath the forest's trees? We don't all enjoy spending hours on sky platforms above our homes." She'd been shocked to discover it's use. Day or night, indoors or out, the scope allowed its user to see a perfect mapping of the stars overhead.

Feowen placed the scope to his eye and turned his gaze skyward. He alternated between glancing down at his maps and charts, and looking skyward through the device. "Here." He put his finger on the map. "We're somewhere here."

She eyed their location. Close. So close to where Talon was supposed to build his camp. Her stomach somersaulted with anticipation. "But that means..."

"That we should arrive in the next few hours." He grinned at her. "Ready to reunite with your king, Your Majesty?" His eyes glittered with knowing mischief.

She held his gaze for a beat, then nodded. Perhaps her emotions had been easier to read than she'd thought. "More than ready."

She gathered her party and announced their upcoming arrival, then Selphie and Meira insisted on preparing her. She changed clothes, out of her travel attire and into a lovely gown they'd surprised her with just before departure from Esterpine. Something they'd made for today's occasion. They wanted her to arrive in King Talon's war camp looking like a queen of two kingdoms.

Like her ballgown, this was a hybrid dress with long layers of silver gauzy skirts and a bodice that looked almost like armor, pieced together with rigid starlight silver boning and panels of translucent silver cloth. Only her breasts were hidden by multiple layers. The rest of her chest and arms were protected by a single layer, putting her glowing marks on full display.

Her Sprite sword was belted at her waist with a leather belt that had been painted silver. Cyrus's sword was strapped to her back with another silver belt, opposite her bow and quiver of Yirnik feathered arrows.

"Your hair should go up," said Meira, fussing over her. "To display your marks."

She didn't argue.

"I hope you won't mind, Queen Claire," Selphie added as a black velvet drawstring pouch appeared in her hands. "We also had this made before we departed. With Lord Koldis and Reyr's input."

She stilled. "What is it?"

But Selphie didn't answer and instead, handed it to her. When she removed the starlight silver tiara inside, she gasped. The metalwork was exquisite, woven bands that twined like calligraphic flourishes came to a point in the center where a cluster of white diamonds bracketed a glittering black, iridescent jewel.

"It's black seledonix. Very rare. Found only deep beneath the earth in the Gable Forest."

She blinked at what she held in her hands. Black like Talon's scales. It sparkled like them too. Her handmaidens wouldn't have known to use a stone like this without Koldis and Reyr. And Talon's Shields hadn't so much as breathed a word of it to her. She wished they were here, so she could hug them for their thoughtfulness.

"A queen of two kingdoms," Selphie mused, paying her a knowing look.

"How much did they tell you," she hedged, eying them.

"Enough to know where your heart lies. We are happy for you, Your Majesty. You will make him a good match. But we will keep your secret, you needn't fear."

She blew out a breath and nodded. She wanted to wring their necks for revealing something so private to these females she'd only known for little over a month. And yet, perhaps they hadn't said much—hadn't needed to. Sprites were preceptive.

"Here—" Meira reached for the tiara before placing it upon her finished crown of hair. A perfect fit. It came to a point over her forehead. She could feel the jewel there, siting against her skin. Meira produced a small hand-held mirror and she examined her reflection.

"It hardly even looks like me," she said at last, taking in the coiffure of blonde hair piled atop her head, the tiara sitting so perfectly. She looked exactly like...a Sprite queen. A shiver raced through her. She glanced around, as if only seeing their surroundings for the first time, as if waking from a dream. Too much had happened—too much for any of it to feel real.

"Are you ready, Your Majesty?" Selphie asked, folding the discarded clothing items and stuffing them into one of the travel packs she'd carried over.

"I'm ready." She squared her shoulders. I am the queen, she repeated the words over and over as her handmaidens brought her around the rocky formations to where the rest of her Queen's Guard was resting. At the sight of her they all stood and went down on one knee, hands placed over their hearts. Her markings seemed to glow brighter at the respect they paid her. She could only gaze at them and blink.

***

Talon's war camp came into view long before they reached it; little white tents dotted the landscape, fanning out around a large central tent. It reminded her of their camp in Brezen, reminded her of the way things had changed so drastically. A different time; a different woman. "Let's slow," she said to Tourmaline. "I would like to give them plenty of time to spot our approach."

"As you wish," came Tourmaline's response.

Claire held up a hand to slow her entourage's pace to a gentle trot. She kept her hood drawn, despite the others having shed theirs. The unicorns shed their magic too, judging by the far off reactions she heard coming from the camp as they were spotted. The landscape had slowed around them, no longer a blur, allowing her to focus on the sight before her.

Warning shouts rose up. Several wooden watchtowers had been constructed, making their approach discernible. She narrowed her eyes, studying the flurry of activity. Everyone in camp was still small at this distance.

"They've spotted our arrival," Feowen said from beside her. She hadn't realized he'd approached. She'd been too busy settling the butterflies in her stomach. Somewhere in that mass of tents was Talon. Her mate.

It took everything to maintain her dignity. She wanted to throw off her cloak, discard her tiara, jump from Tourmaline's back and sprint through the tents to find him.

There were no dragons flying above. The sight was unnerving. She was so used to seeing coveys of them above Kastali Dun, and even above the camp back in Brezen. But the king was doing a careful job to keep their presence secret.

She considered opening her mind, calling out to him. Instead, she kept it closed tight. So tight, that she couldn't even hear a single thought in close proximity. Normally with so many present, she'd have heard a stray thought or two.

Your abilities have strengthened greatly now that you've embraced your Sprite blood, said Cyrus. If I had to guess, once you open your mind, the barrage of them won't bother you as it once did.

She considered the idea, voices without headaches. I'll have to try it. But not right now.

People were filing out to the edge of camp, coming to see what the commotion was about, coming to see the mysterious arrivals. It hit her then. It wouldn't be only the Sprites that captured everyone's attention, but also the unicorns. How many knew of their existence? How many believed in them beyond myths?

She could make out faces now. The gathering crowd was growing as shouts echoed through the camp. It took a moment to discern the words and then—"The Sprite queen! The Sprite queen has come!"

She supposed they weren't wrong about that. But...did they realize which Sprite queen it was? Even with her hood pulled low over her brow, there was no mistaking who she was in the procession, with her on Tourmaline's back and the others following in her wake. A quick glance over her shoulder showed that her Queen's Guard had allowed their cloaks to fall back behind them, revealing armor of starlight silver that sparkled in the dying sunlight.

More shouts and commotion caught her attention as the crowd split. As it parted like a wave. She blinked, and then he was there, striding to the front of the gathering.

She lost the ability to breathe at the sight of him.

"Stop." A gentle tug of Tourmaline's mane and he halted. She sat frozen, her eyes tracing Talon's every scar from the shadows of her hood. Tracing his straight nose, his high cheekbones, his strong jaw. He was exactly as she remembered, his tall frame topping even the Shields beside him, with broad shoulders and corded muscle bunched beneath his velvet tunic. His Sverak was strapped to his side, along with two belts of knives down the sides of his chest. A simple crown of gold was atop his brow, fighting his messy locks of black hair.

His silver eyes met hers beneath her hood, and she swore she saw sparks dancing within. But he stood motionless, tense. She couldn't move either. A sob bubbled up in her chest and she forced it down. Down deep. She didn't make a sound as—

"All hail the Spriten Queen!" Feowen's voice broke the silence, so loud she flinched. It took a moment for her to process what he'd said, the declaration. Her gaze was still locked on Talon. At Feowen's words, Talon's expression faltered, crumbled, then smoothed into something unreadable. It was such a rapid flurry of emotions, there and gone, she might have missed it if she'd blinked.

Her heart sank. She knew immediately the mistake she'd made, one she needed to rectify. I'm not really their queen, she wanted to shout. This is just temporary! But she was their queen, and there were appearances to maintain. Especially with nearly the entire camp assembled before her.

She lifted her hands and pulled away her hood, revealing her face, her tiara. Gasps and whispers echoed up through the onlookers. Several curses also caught her attention and sounded a lot like Bedelth, Jovari, and Verath. She didn't dare look at Talon's Shields. Instead, she swung her leg over Tourmaline and landed gracefully on her feet. Then she took a deep breath, staring at his black hide to steady her nerves. Her right hand held fast to Isabella's quarterstaff. It was the only thing helping maintain her calm. She swore it brought a gentle forest breeze that fluttered around her, smelling of pine. Behind her, her Queen's Gard also dismounted and formed ranks.

She turned away from Tourmaline and advanced, keeping her shoulders back and her chin high. Each step took her closer to Talon. Each step eased something in her chest, unraveling the tense knot that had strangled her the moment she'd gotten free of the protective barrier surrounding the Spriten kingdom. Her gaze returned to Talon and this time, he didn't bother hiding the absolute look shock and even betrayal he must have felt. She'd chosen the Sprites over him, chosen a queenship over their mate bond. That's what this looked like. It was obvious that the thought had never so much as crossed his mind. To him, this had never been a possibility, and yet, here she stood before him. Queen of the Sprites, with an entourage of powerful Sprite guards at her back.

"Your Majesty," he said. His voice sent shivers racing across her skin. He bowed low—so low, she was certain he'd never bowed like this for anyone else in his entire life. As he did, his eyes traced every inch of her body, devouring. When he stood again, his expression had changed once more. Now there was only a frown of determination and drawn eyebrows.

"King Talon," she said, bobbing her head, barely a bow. Her voice was light and crisp.

She half expected him to demand, here and now, what she was doing in his war camp. This had never been the plan. The plan was for her to remain in the forest while he handled Squall's End. But not anymore. Because now she was queen of the Sprites.

She wanted to tell him everything. To tell him how she felt, to tell him how much she'd missed him. She wanted to throw herself into his arms. To wrap her body around him—her eyes darted around. There were too many people here. Too many onlookers and gawkers. Her eyes roved over his face and dipped to his lips. He noticed the action and his gaze sizzled, little gold flecks smoldering among silver pools as he regarded her, as he watched her take him in.

She broke their stare.

"Bedelth, Jovari, Verath," she said by way of greeting, acknowledging them at last. A few months ago, they'd have taken her into their arms, lifted her up into bear hugs, twirled her around. Now they regarded her with silent shock, confusion, and uncertainty. They weren't sure how to respond. Opting for formality, they each bowed and placed hands over their hearts before standing.

"Shall we walk?" Talon held out his arm. She blinked. The gesture was so...causal, so...simple. And yet it spoke of something deeper between them. It awoke every memory of their walks together...and more. She forced her eyes to remain clear of the tears that threatened to pool up.

"I would like that, yes." She stepped forward and linked her hand through his elbow, felt the familiar bunch of muscles beneath her fingers.

"The rest of you can clear off," Bedelth grumbled, letting his deep baritone penetrate the hundreds of onlookers. She was certain that the entire camp had come to witness her arrival.

She and Talon reminded motionless, standing side by side, staring at each other as everyone around them began moving away. The rest of the world seemed to fall away when she gazed at him.

"Shall I...have someone tend to the unicorns?" she was vaguely aware of Jovari speaking with Prince Feowen.

"We will see to them shortly," came Feowen's reply. "Once our queen has been settled."

The crowd quickly cleared and Talon led her away from the camp. When it was obvious that her Queen's Guard had no intention of abandoning her to Dragonwall's king, Talon's Shields took that as their invitation to follow behind too. At her quick motioning, Feowen stepped forward and took her quarterstaff. She knew he'd guard it with his life. It felt too...obnoxious to carry it while she walked with Talon. As they walked, she felt their entourage at her back, a safe distance away to offer the appearance of privacy. But not quite.

Silence descended. The longer it stretched, the more she was at a loss for words. She'd rehearsed this speech over and over and yet, now she remembered none of what she wanted to say. Months spent apart. She couldn't think of a way to begin telling him all that had happened.

It was Talon who broke the silence. "Where are Koldis and Reyr? Where are my other pairs?" His voice was stiff, like he wasn't sure where to start and opted for a formal question. The battle playing out on his face was obvious. A male so often in control of his expression was allowing it to crumble. She could read him plainly now. He wanted to respect her decision—the decision he believed she had made.

"Koldis, Reyr and our pairs are on their way. I felt it best they travel by night and keep on foot by day to avoid detection. Reyr and Koldis agreed, as did my captain of the guard."

"Your captain of the guard," he repeated, voice flat. "Prince Feowen."

"Correct."

"So...you have made your choice then."

She stopped, the motion abrupt, and turned to face him. "And if I have? What would you say to me?"

He dropped her arm and stared at her—just stared. Then he blew out a breath and his shoulders sagged. "I would say..." His voice wavered. "I would say that I want you to be happy, Claire. That I respect your choice—respect you. If this queenship is truly what you want?" His eyes darted to her forehead, to her tiara. "It wasn't...this was not what I expected."

"And what did you expect?"

"That if you hadn't chosen me, it would have been for your family. So that you might someday return to them. But instead you..." He shook his head, motioning with his hand to her markings. See how you've changed? the gesture said. See how Spriten you've become?

Worry seeped into her. She swallowed. "Talon..." She reached up and smoothed a lock of hair that curled around his crown. His eyes closed at her touch. He shuddered. "Talon, look at me." His eyes flew open. "You are the only thing I want in this world, and all others. I would choose you over everything—I do choose you."

His eyebrows pulled together, and then understanding transformed his expression. He blinked, his surprise evident. He glanced over his shoulder to where their guards stood and then took a step closer. "Claire..." Her name was desperation on his lips.

A quiet sob broke free of her chest. She couldn't hold her emotions back any longer. To hell with her queenship. To hell with her composure. She flung herself at him and threw her arms around his neck, crushing her mouth against his. He caught her up, wrapped himself around her, holding her, kissing her back. There was nothing gentle about their mouths as he tasted her. A growl started deep in his chest, resonating. It rumbled through her, straight to her bones. His arms tightened with a fierce possessiveness that felt more dragon than human. She was almost certain he wasn't going to release her, not now, not ever. In this moment of weakness, on full display before their audience, she had given herself to him and that was that. He'd keep her captive within his arms for all of eternity.

They broke for air, gasping. His chest heaved against hers, but he didn't let her go. Instead, he turned his head, looked at her Queen's Guard and handmaidens, looked at his Shields— "You're all dismissed," he barked. It came out as more of a growl. Several of her guards, Rahlif and Gorded in particular, looked stunned to be receiving orders from someone other than their queen.

"It's..." She cleared her throat, pushing at Talon to let her down so she could stand on two feet. So she could dismiss them formally. He did not such thing. "It's all right," she managed to get out through her breathlessness. "You should all go and get settled. Verath? See that they have adequate...tents, near ours."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Verath gave a little bow of his head; she didn't miss the smile that curved his lips. He hesitated. "Also, I think..." His eyes flicked to Talon, who gave a tiny nod. "When the two of you have—erm—finished, there's a few people who would would be glad to see you." Verath bowed again, then turned on his heel, leading the others away.

She knew immediately of whom he spoke. The air whooshed out of her. "They...came? Here? To the camp?" She looked at Talon, keeping her voice low. He'd allowed that?

"They did, but not without trouble," he said, lowering her to the ground. Her brow furrowed. All sorts of theories began forming. "Desaree specifically," he added.

"Desaree?" she squeaked.

He sighed. "I never took your handmaiden for a ruler breaker, Claire. Something tells me she picked that up from you."

"Oh, no," she whispered. "What...what did she do?"

Talon sighed. Some of his happiness was replaced by wary fatigue. "She forged a letter—used my seal."

"She did not!" Her jaw dropped, mostly to hide the snicker of amusement that threatened to break free. "My Desaree? We are talking of the same person? Yes?" Talon only nodded. "Why? Just so that she could be here?"

"You have very loyal friends, Claire. As I understand it, she wanted to help in our efforts beyond what was done to brew the poison. But...her reasons weren't good enough to avoid punishment."

Claire's stomach squirmed. Forgery was treason in Dragonwall. And using the king's seal...

She tried to keep her worry at bay. She knew exactly how severe Talon could be. But, Desaree had broken the law. And yet, she felt responsible for her handmaiden, even if Desaree's decisions and actions were her own.

What would she have done, she wondered. What lengths would she have gone to get what she wanted? "You know," she said, "I probably would have done the same thing—snuck in and used your seal, your signature, if it meant getting what I wanted, even if my reasons weren't necessarily...sound."

Talon barked a laugh. "Yes, I know. I thought of you immediately, when Verath informed me of what happened. They took a ship, you know, to get here. Snuck aboard." Claire's jaw dropped. "Verath stayed with them—not to worry. It did not affect our plans. I have other Shields. Besides, I don't need fussing over. I'd have rather he stayed with them, just in case." Talon's eyes searched her face. Then he said, voice soft, "Nothing has ever stopped you from doing what you want when you put your mind to it, but something tells me you would have used a bit more logic than Desaree."

"Oh, really?" she challenged, not quite so sure. "And allowed you to leave me behind while you marched off to war? Flew off, whatever."

"Desaree is human, Claire, she has no magic."

"I...I know. I'm just saying—" She sighed. "I left the keep to help the villagers in Celenore, remember? I expressly disobeyed you when I was not supposed to, putting myself in danger."

"You had three of my Shields with you, protecting you. It is not a fair argument."

"I snuck into your tower and stole one of the queen's gowns for Saffra that night of the ball."

"Also, not the same." A smile pulled at his lips, like he was waiting for her to name each transgression, each bit of rule breaking since coming to Dragonwall. Oops.

"I listened in on a bunch of your private conversations before you knew my ability."

"Sorry, but you'll have to try harder than that."

"I defied you in the throne room the first day we ever met, even though you were a king and I was a nobody."

"Claire," he said, his scars softening, "you were never a nobody—"

"Oh, wait, I've got a good one," she said, interrupting. "I snuck through the cookery garden door and into the city, that day I was angry with you. I got myself kidnapped. Now that was a stupid decision. One I made based on pure emotion. One that put me in danger when I knew I wasn't supposed to leave the keep without guards. A rule you set in stone. Isn't a king's rule law?" This time, a wicked smile formed on her lips, because she knew she had him.

"You clever little fox," he growled, tightening his arms around her.

"And you didn't even punish me for it—but, I'm not saying you shouldn't punish Desaree."

"I already did."

"Right, like I said. I'm not saying you shouldn't. I guess I'm just saying...none of us is perfect. We all let our emotions guide us from time to time, even if it's in the wrong direction."

He huffed. "Yes, I seem to recall a certain king who strapped you to a rack when his emotions got the better of him."

"There. See? So...what was her punishment?" Somehow, even though she feared what he might say, she knew she could trust him. He wouldn't cause Desaree physical harm, even if treason was a severe punishment in Dragonwall. Perhaps he was too blinded, and it shouldn't have made her feel all warm and fuzzy, but it kind of did. Maybe their mate bond had changed the lens through which Talon regarded his kingdom, his rules. So many of their laws were archaic, after all.

The words of the king tree came back, but she pushed them away as Talon said, "Let's just say Desaree's got blisters from digging. And I didn't allow Lady Saffra to heal them."

"Blisters?" Her jaw dropped. "You had her digging pit toilets, didn't you?!" The image of Desaree on shovel duty flashed through her mind. And yet, she didn't laugh, because Desaree had never been one to shy away from work. Something told her that her friend bore the punishment nobly.

Talon shrugged. "Verath requested I go easy on her, and while I agreed, Verath's idea of easy was not my idea of easy. Like me, he's rather besotted. Something I can easily understand. Perhaps that's made me soft." He hesitated. "Has that made me soft?" There was a genuine question in his eyes. Talon, of all people. A king people were terrified of, was worried about being too soft?

She tutted. "There's nothing wrong with being a little soft, Talon. As long as you are hard where it counts." She wanted to make so much more of that statement than she did, but she kept her mouth firmly shut.

He kept an arm about her, kept her pressed against him. The rest of their entourage had long since moved off. She reached for his face again, memorizing the feel of his scars beneath her fingers, kissing him hungrily, cementing the taste of him in he memory for all of eternity.

A laugh bubbled up from her chest. Oh, gods! To be here with him in his arms! "I missed you so much," she whispered, not caring about the sob that broke free with her words. Then she buried her face in the crook of his neck, hugging him to her.

"I missed you more," he said into her hair, nuzzling her and inhaling deeply. "You smell like a Sprite." She pictured his nose crinkling at the declaration. A bark of laughter fell from her lips. It was all she could manage as she pressed herself against him.

"And for the record, Desaree isn't the only one in trouble. You've got some explaining to do, love." He kept his voice low. "But we can get to that later. For now, I just want to enjoy you all to myself. I ought to be furious that you're here. Instead, I'm irrevocably happy to see you." With that, he took her hand and pulled her away. "Oh, and in case you've forgotten, you owe me many more walks, and by my calculations, even more kisses."

She giggled. "The latter of which I will happily repay in full before we return to camp."

Their fingers threaded together before they disappeared far enough from camp to avoid prying eyes. There, she eagerly made good on her promise. So many kisses that by the end, she couldn't have counted them even if she'd wanted to.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hello Bookdragons! 

Ohh myy goshhhh, did I just bonusy-chappie-day you again? Yes, yes I did. 

I hope you're having a good week. Did you go "awwwww" when you read this chapter? Because I just finished reading through it. I wrote it maybe 2 months ago? I had to add some stuff and make some edits, but after finishing the full read through just now, I couldn't help but go, "AwWWWWWwwWwW!!!!" 

It was the reunion we were ALL waiting for. And there's still a little more to come. I promised you guys a special lovey-dovey scene with Claire and Talon, to a similar level (minus bonding) that we saw with Tamara and Byron in the last book. And it will be in the next chapter. Yay!

Hope you enjoyed this midweek bonus.

All my best,

Mel