After two weeks, we were finally getting somewhere. I was trying to help out, but intense morning sickness often left me debilitated. I tried to hide it from Dramon, but nothing escapes him.

We got word that the Rider King we've been after was located. Rexon tells me his name is Tiron and that he has a... challenging personality. I figured as much. All of these men in power do.

I just hope Dramon doesn't think Tiron is chasing after me. I can barely keep him and Rexon separated.

The anxiety eats at me as I pace in front of my tent. I feel ready to vomit.

Tiron will be here soon. This will be the first time we speak to him. We need him badly if we want to rebuild a third clan.

Dramon tries to relax me. I enjoy his embrace for a few moments and then continue pacing. When he tugged my hand, I jumped away because I knew he was trying to get me inside to fuck the worry out of me.

I can't have sex with him now, because Dramon never stops at one round. He goes on and on for hours, and there's no time for that.

"You've got to be joking," I gape when a familiar face strolls into the camp.

I've seen this male before— well, in poor lighting, but I recognize the slight slouch in his enormous shoulders and the slur in his voice. This is the male I ran into when I was looking for the kidnapped human woman.

This can't be right. This... quirky, unnerving man can't possibly be the man Rexon recommended.

"Tiron," Rexon walks closer.

Tiron doesn't look at him, though. His eyes are locked on Dramon.

"Dramon," he says in that cool voice of his.

I look at Dramon, who looks confused.

"Yes?" he replies.

"You still owe me."

Rexon blinks, and I blink harder.

"What?" Dramon asks.

"We crossed paths when we were boys once. You were starving and stole from me."

Dramon looks irritated now. "That was decades ago. We're men now, so act like it. We have business to discuss."

Tiron scowls. "I want my goddamn sweet bread."

"Alright!" I interject. "I'm not the best baker, but I'll try my best to make you bread, Tiron."

He runs a hand through his short black hair. "You must be Venus, the sister-in-law."

Everyone jerks into silence.

"What?" Rexon speaks.

"It is a suspicion of mine," Terson says as he takes a slab of meat that's cooking over a fire and takes a bite. "My mother once mentioned being a whore for Centres. I suppose if it's true, Dramon and I are related."

"Why didn't you tell me this when we were younger?" Dramon snarls.

"Because I don't care about you, or becoming your family, or becoming royalty. I am better alone." He scans the camp and throws the bone of his meal back into the fire.

"Where's my tent? I'm bored."

I can see how disturbed Dramon feels about this whole thing. There is no way to tell that the two are actually brothers. The two look different, with Tiron's grey skin being a shade lighter, and their personalities are polar. Tiron doesn't seem to care about anything, while Dramon has to be in control of everything at all times. His family is complicated as is. He didn't need this curveball.

I finally speak up. "We didn't invite you here to vacation, Tiron. We need to discuss you—"

"My position as a Rider King. I know. I'll need to speak with you." He takes a step forward. "In private."

"Absolutely not," Dramon spits. "Are you out of your mind?"

Tiron doesn't look at him.

"It's fine," I say. "I'll call you if I need you."

"No," Dramon insists.

I rub my temples. "You'll be right outside. I'll call out if anything happens," I promise an irritated Dramon.

With that, I lead Tiron into my tent. He takes in the place, then sits on my bed like he owns it. Thankfully, Dramon is outside. If he saw this disrespect...

I focus on the matter at hand. "We're rebuilding the clans, and for some reason, Rexon wants you to be a King."

Tiron nods. "Because I'm one of the best fighters on this side of the planet."

"You also have one of the biggest egos," I chuckle.

"I will do it," he says.

"Why the change in heart? You give the impression of not being very... social."

His eyes jump to the entrance. "I need protection."

I raise an eyebrow. "You need protection?"

"No," he scoffs. "Not me. My female."

Maybe the guy isn't just quirky. He's crazy.

"I'm pretty sure Rexon would have kicked your head off your shoulders if you claimed Beysha."

He leans a little closer and lowers his voice. "You two females are not the only survivors. The female I was searching for..." he stopped. "Somewhere along driving me crazy, the female did something to me. I love her."

I want to scream, but I don't want to alert Dramon, so I bite my tongue.

"The Vanishing took all women. What are you talking about?"

"We were swimming in the Holy Lake, and she got spared for whatever reason. I have been hiding her since."

That's impossible. The Holy Lake is sacred, and people only go there to pray. Swimming in it would be disrespectful.

"We were submerged. Maybe that has something to do with it." He shrugs. "I don't know, and I don't care. I need her protected, so if joining this circus is what I must do, then I will. I can't hide her forever."

"Where is she?"

"Safely hidden until I decide this place is safe enough to relocate her."

"And she wants to be with you?"

Tiron stares at me for a minute. "I do not believe it yet, either. I am not a male that enjoys company. She irritated me at first, but you humans have a charm about you." He dips his chin. "I would die for her."

I'm exhausted. This conversation has drained me.

"Dramon," I call out.

He enters immediately, and I melt into his arms.