Chapter 1

Kyra Kozelski

The tattoo on my stomach swirled with heat, and Magik shot through my veins. I stood in the doorway of one of Draven’s dens with both hands on my hips, glaring across the clearing at Jadox. Scrumptious, as always, he casually leaned against his door, bringing a steaming mug to his pillowy lips. With a little eyebrow raise, he clearly communicated his desire.

I nodded towards my den and its heap of blankets being slowly illuminated by the rising sun. Jadox winked, his thick, long lashes tormenting me. His inviting body, formed by constant training, was overflowing with masculine features that had never matched those eyelashes. Somehow, I was the lucky girl who got to kiss him every day and night.

Jadox turned and disappeared inside his hut, leaving the door wide open as was his routine invitation. Damn him and his ever-flamin’ stubbornness. Not once in the last Lunar Cycle had he slept in my bed.

I stomped through the thin layer of snow, leaving a noticeable print of my boot, brown layered on glimmering white. My breath fogged the crisp, frigid air. Maybe I’d be smarter to train with Alaska again instead of succumbing to my never-ending thirst for Jay.

I marched straight through his door, ready to gobble him up for breakfast. In fact, I was always ready to devour him thirty hours a day, seven days a week. Yet, Chocolate blocked my attempt. She pounced happily, and both her paws landed on my stomach. The silly pup knocked me straight into the ivy-covered rock wall. Laughing, I stroked a hand through her mass of brown fur and kissed her forehead.

Our dog obviously has a new favorite, I said, trying to keep a straight face.

She has good taste. Jadox’s devious look made the butterflies in my stomach erupt into dragons. Now, take off your clothes, Kyra.

No way, it’s colder than a witch’s tits in here.

And when did you last feel a pair of witch’s tits to know any better? He pulled off his shirt. Get naked. Now.

I strutted past the crackling fireplace and playfully shoved Jay onto his bed, pinning him between my legs. Jadox folded both hands behind his head and smirked, his dark eyes devouring my impatience. He belonged to me, and I belonged to… well, that was up for debate.

What are you looking at me like that for? he asked.

I bet you three cookies you’ll give in and kiss me first.

His gorgeous gaze narrowed playfully. I bet you four that you’re wrong.

We might be two bodies, but together, we were one soul. In a single sweep, he twisted my body, flipping me flat on my back against his sheets. One of his large, calloused hands cradled my neck as the other tickled a slow pattern around my Möbius Circle tattoo, strengthening the spark between us.

Somehow, I wanted him even more than yesterday. Impossible yet possible. I arched my back, moving towards him and latching my legs around his waist. Pulling him in, I smiled and licked my lips.

He growled and hovered his mouth just a bit above mine. That’s not fair, my wicked Petal; you’re too damn beautiful for your own good.

Desire surged through my veins, and I used every ounce of willpower not to kiss him first. What’s not fair is how much I care for you.

Jay groaned and planted his lips on mine. His tongue explored my mouth like it was our first, last, and only kiss. I’d never get enough of him. Our connection ran so deep that I’d suffocate without him near me.

I told you…I’d…win, I stumbled out the words between kisses.

"Mmm…is it my turn to win now?" His hand pulled up my shirt, cupping my breast.

A sigh escaped my lips, and his expression confirmed what I already knew. He’d sacrifice his life for me. But I’d never let him because a day without Jadox was meaningless, inconceivable. I’d give up everything just to keep that hint of a smile on his face.

The last few weeks in this fantasy bliss had sped by too fast, and our time to solidify a plan was running out. Now, we had to accept the responsibilities that came with our choice to Link. Our joint power brought the burden of leadership. The Draven population trusted us to keep our barrier intact. Jadox and I could achieve it as a team as long as nothing or nobody separated us.

Slow down your brain, Kyra. Just think of this, of us.

I could make a fortress out of just his kisses. My mind turned to mush again as I pressed against his firm chest. Behind us, Chocolate whined and put both front paws up on the den’s windowsill, shifting the ivy-covered stone. I kissed Jay once more, then tried to wiggle out from under his strong hold.

My dog needs me.

"You mean our dog. His lips grazed my neck, sending goosebumps down my spine. Needing more of him, all of him. What’s mine is yours. Forever and always, Jadox mumbled into my skin. I’m not the one who wanted to live in separate dens."

Landon needs me. I can’t move him in with you just after his mom died. The sharp tone made me cringe at my voice.

Jadox nodded, pulling away. Lines were etched into his skin as he sent me a message through our bond.

That’s not what I meant, Petal.

I know. I’m sorry. There’s just a lot to deal with.

I’m here for you. We’ll figure it out together.

Chocolate whined again and started pacing, then a deafening crash echoed from afar.

What the Flames? I pushed against Jadox and jumped out of his bed towards the door.

Outside, a fierce wind slapped my face. The bare trees swayed above as if a tornado was on the way, and a child screamed from somewhere further in the village. Doors swayed open and shut, smacking against all the stone dens. A pack of gorulas zoomed by, hollering and swinging from tree to tree away from the threat. Some days, I still missed Goldie, but nowhere near the ache that settled in my heart from the loss of Hallie.

It’s another avalanche, Jay said.

Not again!

Ever since I Linked with Isaac, the weather had behaved chaotically. I possessed part of his Vayu powers now without knowing how to control the Magik air vibrating within me.

I spun around to call Jadox, but he was already standing right behind me. His two tattoos blazed brightly through his shirt, the red Elidi mark contrasting with his camouflaged Draven Circle.

We can protect Draven again, just like last week. This time, you take the east. I’ll take the west.

I grabbed his hand. No, we’re stronger when we stay closer.

As we sprinted through the village, I yelled, Go inside! to any friends who bustled around their dens collecting items that were blowing away.

We tore through the forest, crunching over snow that grew deeper the further we raced. I panted as the hill sloped up toward the mountain peak. Snapping sounds grew louder like a thunderous beat from inside the earth itself and dug a hole of fear in my chest. Huffing and puffing, I prayed to the goddess above for a miracle. The rolling snow would destroy Draven’s village if we didn’t stop it.

Not another avalanche!

It’s okay, Kyra. We can do this.

It’s all my fault.

No, it’s not. Focus. We can control it again.

Jadox sped ahead to the tallest, thickest pine. He kneeled, and I knew what was expected of me without it being said. Leaping on his leg, I shoved off Jay, launching myself to the first branch. I climbed. Fast and strong. Bark scratched through my sweater, and little pine needles pierced the fabric, poking my skin. I tried to forget my fear of heights.

Jay followed. The snowfall accelerated, and the temperature dropped. Wind flurried in a frenzy, and my foot slipped on a branch. I scrambled to grab ahold of it.

Kyra! Focus!

Finally, at the top of the tree, I braced my feet and gulped down any hesitancy. Success was the only option. If I failed, all the Mystiers I had grown to love in the last few weeks would be buried in snow. Landon had to survive. Even Alaska deserved to live another day, no matter how much she resented me for Linking with her brother.

There it is. Half a mile away. Jadox pointed.

My tattoo scorched with raw power from three elements. Mine, and the two borrowed from the men Linked with my soul. Fire, earth, and air all cycloned into a mass of energy. But I didn’t know what would happen this time. Even after weeks of training with Alaska, I still didn’t fully understand this three-way Link. Apparently, no Mystier like me in history had been recorded, so I was on my own.

Wait, no, never alone. I always had Jay.

Next to me, he summoned all the fallen logs, twigs, and branches below and cast a high blockade between us and the massive wall of white. The snow rolled closer like a wave of death, swallowing anything in its path.

I released a blast of flames, but they faded before reaching the roaring snow. Waiting until it was close enough felt like torture. I drummed an insane rhythm on my thigh, then pointed both hands forward again, Magik at my fingertips. Glancing to my left, I watched Jadox’s jaw clench tight. His nervousness flooded through our bond.

Focus, Kyra. It’s almost here. Forget about me.

That’s impossible, Jay.

All of a sudden, the tsunami of snow barreled into the tree line directly in front of us. The current of snow washed in closer like a fast-rising tide. The harsh sound of trees breaking were like bones splintering and cracking, paralyzing me with uncertainty. I had caused this.

Power zapped through my tattoos and whirled forward. A roar of flames blasted into the avalanche, colliding head-on with such force that the forest floor trembled. Gorulas screeched in the distance.

With one last push, my flames barely slowed the massive incoming drift. Jadox borrowed some of my fire and shot spurts of heat from his hands, melting some of the snow.

You have to tap into your Vayu powers!

No! It’s too dangerous!

Atop the tree, I moved in front of Jadox in less than a wink, protecting him from any damage I might create. A spiral of intense heat rumbled through my core. It exploded from my hands, firing ahead. But the avalanche rolled stronger. Even combining forces with Jadox wouldn’t defeat it this time.

Kyra, use Vayu Magik now, or it’ll kill our people!

I can’t risk letting Isaac into my mind.

I braced myself for impact and held my breath.

Kyra! Do it. To save Draven! Jadox screamed, shaking my elbow from behind.

Against all my better judgment, I lowered my mental wall against the new Vayuian powers within me…and against Isaac. A stream of energy knocked me breathless. Air. Wind. Knowledge. Books. Storms. Isaac’s lips. Gray eyes. Clouds. Clarity. They all pounded straight into my chest. The added power welded to my personal enhancement, and ancient spells hummed a chant in my soul; I hoped one would work.

Tla hesdi prohib. Tla hesdi prohib. Tla hesdi prohib.

Immediately, the advancing snow stopped moments from smacking into our tree and fell to the ground in submission. I let out a huge sigh and met Jay’s wide eyes.

You did it. His teeth chattered, and his lips turned purple from the freezing temperatures.

Jay!? You don’t even have a shirt on.

Shaking, he leaned into my arms like my hug was as comfortable as a blanket near a fireplace. Warm me up?

My heartbeat returned to its natural tempo as I flared a fire bubble around us, not letting it touch the trees like last time. A forest fire would be too much to handle when we were this drained. My body relaxed into his, celebrating in the safety net of my one and only love. But a twitching sensation scratched against my senses.

You’ve been quiet for weeks, love. Have you missed me?

Isaac's voice hissed at me through the still trees for the first time since we fled the battle in Vayu. I wrenched away from Jadox’s hold.

Did you hear that? My eyes darted in each direction, wondering how close he was. Had Isaac found Draven, even through the shield?

Hear what? Jay studied my face and tucked a strand of my golden hair behind my ear. Let’s go rest. I’ll make pancakes, and you’ll eat them…naked.

But adrenaline pumped in my veins. Without a doubt, I had accidentally connected with Isaac when I used my new Vayu power. Shit. That was exactly what I had feared. He better not find us.

Rest? No way. Competing against an avalanche just amped me up. I’ve got an idea. Let’s finally settle that argument from yesterday. I scrambled over a long branch that connected to a treehouse plank. Balancing across with both arms out like an old aero glider, I shimmied across the narrow bridge, high above the forest floor.

Don’t roll your eyes at me, soldier.

You can’t even see my face, Petal.

I know you.

Fine, but then we go back to bed and finish what I started.

All you think about is me naked.

We laughed together as he raced me—from limb to limb—soaring through the morning air, high on life, and smiles spread wide. Our joy quickly replaced our fear from only minutes before.

Remember, if I win…. I struggled to project my words so he could hear them as I jumped. We leave Draven. My wind power is only putting the others at risk. I need to learn how to control new Magik somewhere else.

And if I win…. The smile in Jadox’s voice was evident, but I had to focus on my footing. We stay and build our home here and bunker down together. Forever.

You can’t keep me in a bubble, Jay. I leaped from branch to branch, closer to the finish line.

And you can’t impulsively run without a plan, Kyra.

He’s right, love. I need you safe and whole. All of us need you.

When Isaac spoke, his voice sounded like an actual whisper in the wind, which was different than when Jadox sent messages mentally through our bond. I stopped mid-stride and stumbled into a treehouse. Terrified of the controlling pull Isaac claimed over me, I wrapped my arms around the trunk and sunk down, crouching on my heels. Unsure if communicating with him in return would make it worse, I squeezed my eyes shut and gritted my teeth. Tension thrummed through my thread with Isaac.

Go away, Isaac.

I could feel his dismissal through the bond. He’d never listen to me.

Not until you fulfill your promise. And I know you want to hear the rest of my secret.

The truth wrapped tight around my gut and strangled me. I'd been clinging to the secret he had told me weeks ago, repeating it in my mind over and over again. What would it mean if he was right?

Can Jadox hear you? We’re all connected.

No, love. This is just you and me. Like it will be, eventually.

No matter how much I hated Isaac Nilson, curiosity about our three-way Link took hold.

Where are you, Isaac?

Planning our date, love.

Stop calling me that.

We belong together.

I belong to—

His chuckle rumbled through the winter breeze, making my skin crawl. I shouldn’t be contacting him or encouraging this.

Kyra? Are you okay? Panting, Jadox’s broad frame blocked out the morning sunlight for a moment as he stood in the doorway of the treehouse. I looked back, and you had disappeared. Are you hurt?

I stood, brushing off the dirt from my yoga pants. No, I’m fine. Had to pee.

You peed…out of a treehouse?

Are you judging me, macho man? I pushed against his rock-hard pecs, not making any impact.

Jay pulled me closer. You always know how to make me smile.

"Good because you always look like this." When I imitated his brooding expression, his frown only deepened.

I do not.

Somewhere below, Chocolate barked, and the sound of children laughing was music to my ears. Landon called out for Gemm, asking about waffles. I sighed and wrapped my arms around Jadox’s sturdy torso for a rare, soft moment of tranquility before everything changed again.

At least all the Mystiers still had both genders left; sons and daughters, nieces and nephews. But because of me, Landon was the only male Ordull alive on our planet.

For some reason, I believed deep in my gut that the answers to solving this crisis didn’t only lie within me. There were missing pieces of the puzzle—Isaac.

Jadox only knew half of the reason I wanted to leave Draven. President Stirk held a Cydian prisoner captive who knew information about my family. Maybe that Cydian guy knew who my real father was- my last living relative.

Hungry? Jadox took my hand in his and led me to the treehouse ladder.

You know me. I could eat all of Gemm’s eggs and bacon.

What if I’m the one cooking?

Then you better be wearing an apron only, sir. I slapped his ass just before he turned to descend the ladder.

The cacophony of a joyous village below eased my tension. I breathed in the last few hours of this peace before I left and searched all of Lodesa if I had to. At twenty-five o’clock, I’d pack the rest of my stuff to find that prisoner, whether Jay agreed to come with me or not. Isaac’s eerie whisper stabbed tiny prickles at the back of my neck again.

I’ll be waiting for you, love.

Chapter 2

Jadox

Before Kyra scaled down the treehouse ladder, I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her straight into my chest. Goddess above, she smelled so good—like hot cocoa and holly with a tinge of burning wood. Noticing the scratch along her neck, I hovered a hand over her injury and instantly healed her pain. The angry scratch mark was sealed shut in an instant.

Thank you. Her eyes seemed distant, belonging to another place. Did you get hurt too?

No, and I’m so glad Gemm figured out a way where every injury doesn’t impact one another anymore.

Yeah, you were a baby when I got my menstrual cramps. She clutched her stomach dramatically, dropping to her knees and faking death. You were like this.

I smiled. Yeah, just don’t make me live through giving birth or anything.

Her eyebrows shot up.

Anyways. I caressed her cheek. I've never been more grateful for my gift of healing than after I met you. That’s what I’m here for.

You’re passable for another thing or two. Her smile was my everything.

Just passable? I may need to practice more. Come on, this is a perfect time.

Kyra wiggled playfully against me, squirming in feigned resistance, then looked up through those long lashes. She was simply exhilarating. Intoxicating.

"Madam, I am the guardian troll of this treehouse. You shall not pass without payment."

Kyra rose on her tiptoes and lifted her chin. How much do I owe you, sir troll?

My eyes dropped to her neck, where thick swoops of her golden hair spilled over her shoulders. I’ll accept a lifetime of… servitude.

Her amber eyes narrowed in amusement as her hands began exploring my chest. Is that a proposal or a punishment, my valiant troll?

This woman had no clue of the power she held over me. She used the word proposal. I sucked in a breath, wondering if she had found the engagement ring I had tucked away. It didn’t feel too early to ask her to be my forever since we were Linked. Our souls were already forever connected.

If I was being honest, I’d have no problem staying within the borders of Draven for eternity, forming a hermit life together in some tiny forest corner where we’d rarely be bothered by another soul. Except for Chocolate, of course.

We’d have safe, peaceful days of quiet, surrounded by nature without fighting, drama, arguments, or problems. We both made a vow to ask each other before lowering our mental walls completely, so I never knew for sure how much of her thoughts and feelings she shared with me.

But what if she only cared for me because of our Link? What if our connection was capable of change once Isaac found us? It was only a matter of time. I’d rather prevent any encounter with him.

The scent of warm biscuits rising from Gemm’s den below snapped me into the present moment.

You have your thinking face on, troll. Kyra kissed my bare shoulder blade, sending tingles to my toes and a zap through my tattoo.

My Magik longed for her, reaching out at every waking moment. Even when I trained her with fighting skills, my thoughts would rush me straight back to her in bed. Day after day. Minute after minute. I needed to be inside her. The all-consuming desire exhausted me into a coma each night, but I didn’t regret a thing we had done together over the past few weeks.

I want you, Kyra, I said while running a fingertip under her jawline to her neck, massaging her skin.

You have me already, she whispered, almost as soft as the morning winter breeze blowing through the branches.

I want more of you, all of you.

I shuddered when her mouth moved to my chest while her fingers traced loops over our Linked tattoo. We were bound until death by Magik, which felt stronger than any proposal or ring.

The floorboards of the treehouse creaked as I took her in my arms again, hugging her body to my flesh. What would you say if I asked you to choose for eternity?

She froze like a statue, for only a moment, before resting her head softly on my chest. The treehouse planks creaked as she shifted even closer, wrapping her arms around my waist.

Jay, I…

Tell me what you want.

Suddenly, the freezing winter air warmed into a bubble of privacy, enveloping our bodies. Her golden tattoo glowed brightly through her sweater; I needed to see it immediately.

Her eyes turned wild as she tugged my workout pants to my ankles and dropped to her knees. Kyra slid her hands up my thigh so softly that it sent every nerve firing raging. Her mouth started on my inner thighs and slowly glided higher, higher. My breathing turned heavy in anticipation, and I memorized each of her movements. No one else would ever compare to her.

Whatever you do, don’t— I started. Oh, Divinity.

Kyra took me in her mouth. Wet. Warm. Fuck! Both my hands cradled the back of her head, just how she liked it, and her soft moan vibrated on my cock. I felt drunk. High. Delirious. She lowered her mental wall a bit, sending me her genuine feelings in spurts of ecstasy. My legs trembled, and just as I was about to pull away, she grabbed my ass with both hands and sucked deeper.

Shit, Kyra! My heartbeat slammed faster.

She looked up at me, solidifying my endless devotion to her. Her tongue swirled, torturing me into a sensation so hypnotic it felt unreal. Slowing, she moved shallow, then deep. Up and down my cock. Driving me wild again and again. My muscles flared, and I was about to burst at any moment.

Woah, Petal, slow down!

The fire gleaming in her eyes showed me the intensity was the same for her. Giving or taking, we both devoured each other. Every time. Day after day. Night after night. Goddess, this woman was my everything.

A sweet smile tugged at her lips as she pulled away and swiped off her shirt, kneeling topless in the treehouse. The curves of her breasts were perky and delicious. As she looked up at me with such love, my only option was to trust that what we had was real. Linked or not—we were meant to be.

Lifting Kyra to her feet, I pressed our chests together, her hard nipples rubbing against my skin and her hands stroking me everywhere. Fast. Slow. Tight. My head spun with raw need. She tugged off her yoga pants. No underwear. Damn.

Did you just growl at me? Her devious smirk painted a picture of perfection on her face.

What are you gonna do about it? I dipped to the treehouse floor, slowly dropping Kyra’s straddled legs on either side of my chest.

Oh, you want me to do all the work, soldier?

My cheeks hurt from the grin plastering my face from ear to ear. I nodded silently and watched her move exactly where I wanted her. The heat radiated from her skin like a drug,