Chapter 29

MANNE

LYCAVORIAN ADHOC COMPOUND

Me? Arzoal asked the Durcunusaan officer who had approached only moments ago. Why would a Pralor wish to speak with me?

She and Helen were busy schooling the young adolescents in Aerial Wind Mechanics with Aurith and Isheeni acting as the primary examples. Using Isheeni was perfect because it was well known that she was perhaps the fastest dragon among their kind on Earth and Elear both. Her blistering speed and the exacting control of her body while flying had been learned through trial and error, crisscrossing through the narrow mountain passes on Enurrua, many times while being shot at. Aurith had taken after her mother in that regard and behind only her sister Elynth and her brother Jeth she had gained much fame with her speed and the control of her body while flying.

The Durcunusaan officer nodded her head as Helen walked up to them. “The OOD from ARC ROYAL contacted me since I am senior when Atropos is with Muton and his people. The Pralor ship arrived in orbit just a few moments ago. One of their medium cruisers I think. They specifically asked if they could send a party to the surface to meet with you. Apparently Elder Teniri is with them as well. They say it is very important.”

Arzoal looked at Helen. Sister?

Helen shrugged her slim shoulders. “Coming here unannounced is very odd. They must know Martin is not here. He would have made Delnash aware is was going to meet Yuri.” She said. “And Teniri coming without Delnash. That is what I find interesting.”

Indeed. Arzoal spoke. Arzoal looked at the Durcunusaan officer. Very well Captain. She answered. Bring them to the main gathering building. We will meet them there. When is Martin due to return?

“Queen For’mya checked in with the OOD twenty minutes ago.” She answered. “They will be arriving back on Manne by early evening.”

It is out of place to meet with them when Martin is not here. If this concerns Dragonkind then as Talon Guardians Martin and Torma both should be present. I will meet with them but inform them if it concerns Dragonkind they will need to wait until Martin returns. We will begin to head back in a few minutes. Arzoal said. I wish to finish this lesson first.

The Durcunusaan Captain nodded and turned away lifting her wrist COM to her lips as she walked.

Arzoal looked at Helen. We should have Aricia or Dysea join us sister. It would not be proper for Martin to not have ears during this meeting.

Helen nodded. “It could be about what Anja did to Daron.” She said. “Perhaps they think coming to you about it is more diplomatic.

Arzoal chuckled and nodded her head. Perhaps. But I am in complete agreement with what Anja did and I do not think they would risk the wrath of our smallest Queen so soon after she beat Lorendo with his own computer and showed them that size does not matter.

Helen smiled now as well. “Yes... there is that to consider.” She said. “And Daron’s foul stench is almost too much to bear now.”

Thankfully we do not have the sense of smell that you do. Arzoal spoke. Come... let us finish this lesson and then Isheeni and Aurith can finish their instruction for the day.

The main gathering building was the largest portable structure in the Union inventory. It could easily hold several hundred men and women and was used for many different things. Now, it was serving as the main Mess area for those who were planetside. Tables and chairs were spread all around and a large kitchen area had been cordoned off where Iama and her staff put together the meals. Since there were no cooked lunches during the day, the kitchen area was empty of staff and quiet. The doors to the portable buildings had long ago been made large enough to accommodate dragons moving through them. Almost everything in the Union was built this way now to allow for access by Dragonkind.

Teniri... this is a pleasant surprise. Arzoal spoke as she and Teniri greeted each other by the opening and touching their snouts together.

Teniri was genuinely happy to be here and to see Arzoal again. She was so majestic and confident in her mannerisms. Teniri wanted to believe that this was rubbing off on her as well. Conlar and Nekins had filled her in as they transited here to Manne and then speaking directly to the Ancient One had been an eye-opening experience to say the least. All that aside, seeing Arzoal again made her very happy.

It was a surprise for me as well... but it makes me very happy to see you Arzoal. Teniri told her.

A surprise for you? Arzoal asked looking at her. You did not arrange for this meeting?

Teniri shook her head as the smaller doors beside the main entrance opened and Aricia and Dysea entered the building holding hands. Conlar immediately stepped forward.

“We asked to speak with the Elder Mother.” Conlar declared. “No one else.”

Arzoal’s head snapped around at the obvious arrogant and insulting way he spoke and she snorted at Conlar angrily. You would do well to watch your tone when speaking to two Queens of the Lycavorian Union little man! She barked at him within Mindvoice. They do not need your permission to go anywhere!

Conlar looked taken aback by Arzoal’s reaction and he took several steps backward from the massive dragon in front of him. Arzoal was easily twice the size of any dragon he had seen on the Pralor homeworld and that alone was enough to give him pause. That he had just made her angry was equally obvious as well.

“I meant no offense.” He stammered. “It’s just that our business is with you Elder Mother Arzoal. It concerns certain events that may be happening and two of the King’s sons.”

Arzoal blinked quickly. You expect me to talk to you of the King’s children without him being present? Arzoal hissed. Without their mothers being present? You presume much Pralor.

“Indeed, you do.” Aricia spoke firmly as she and Dysea came up beside Arzoal and Helen “What is all this about Arzoal? We came as soon as you called. Why are these people here and who are you to inquire of our children from someone besides us?”

“Please I...” Conlar stammered quickly. He quickly remembered that his title and status as a Keeper of Knowledge meant nothing to these men and women for they did not know the significance of his role. Nor did Arzoal for that matter. “I meant no offense... truly. I am not known to you and I apologize for the tone of my voice. I should have introduced myself first. I am Conlar... and this is Elder Nekins of the Dragon Council on Artaaya.”

Teniri moved forward slightly. Elder Nekins and Conlar are Keepers of the Knowledge. She told them. Scholars who maintain and teach from the libraries on Artaaya.

I do not understand. Arzoal spoke again. Why would you want to speak with me? Teniri is the Senior Elder on Artaaya and my representative for Dragonkind to the Pralor people. I have already made clear to Teniri what is to happen.

That is not why we are here Arzoal. Teniri told her.

Teniri you should know that no deals or agreements will be made without Martin and Torma present. Arzoal said. They are two of the Talon Guardians of our people and Martin is King of the Union. I will make no decisions without them present.

Aricia stepped up beside Arzoal now, her azure eyes almost glowing in the dimness of the building. They were focused completely on the diminutive figure behind Nekins. The cloaked figure was remaining partially hidden in the shadows of the side wall and had made no move to reveal themselves.

“Perhaps we should ask your companion.” Aricia spoke.

Conlar stepped in front of her to try and block Aricia’s view. “Please... we only need to speak with the Elder Mother and...”

Aricia? Dysea? Arzoal questioned turning to look at Aricia.

“She is not Pralor sister.” Helen spoke now reaching up to place her hand on Arzoal’s foreleg and coming up beside Aricia and Dysea.

Arzoal turned her head and looked at the slight figure behind Nekins bulk. Who have you brought here? She demanded. Come forward now! She ordered.

“Please... we...” Conlar began again.

Dysea lifted her finger into his face quickly, silencing his words. “We do not wish to hear you speak anymore!” She snapped. “Not until your companion has revealed herself to us!”

They all heard the soft laughter from the diminutive cloaked figure and they watched as that figure moved around Nekins’s bulk to stand in front of Arzoal. Sarlana reached up and drew back the cowl of the cloak, watching as Arzoal’s flame red eyes grew wider as she gazed down at her.

“It fills me with such warmth to know that the dragon I blessed that day on Elear has grown into the powerful and influential leader that she is now.” Sarlana said softly and with obvious great affection.

Arzoal bowed her head deeply, dropping her huge flame colored body to the floor of the building instantly, surprising Helen and the others with this action. Ancient One! She gasped.

“You remember my voice Arzoal? Even after all this time?” Sarlana asked with a smile.

I will never forget your voice Ancient One. Arzoal spoke warmly. It filled me with such pride and joy to hear it that day. To know that you believed in me enough to give me your blessing. It is a day I will always remember and cherish.

Sarlana reached up and placed her hand flat on Arzoal’s muzzle, watching as her flame colored eyes closed in reverence to her. “Ah... Arzoal my child, after all you have done and experienced; all of the horrors you have led our people through, you bow your head to no one. Least of all to me.”

“Arzoal?” Helen asked softly.

Sister this is... Arzoal began to answer but Sarlana’s words stopped her.

“Please... my name is Sarlana.” She spoke turning to look at Helen, Aricia and Dysea. “And forgive Conlar; he was only trying to protect me. They are always trying to protect me.” She spoke quickly. “And no... you are correct I am not Pralor. The Lycavorian sense of smell is just as sensitive and keen as I have heard. Amazing. I am... I am Darastrixi. A dragon in your spoken language.”

Aricia, Dysea and Helen looked completely stunned at this revelation while Arzoal lifted her head high and stared down at Sarlana in shock. A dragon? Arzoal finally was able to form the words. How... how can that be?

Sarlana smiled and looked at Arzoal with blazing emerald green eyes. “You did not think that there are only Vrrarhoinpa dragons, did you? Those who walk on four legs.” She asked her with a smile. “On our planet, there are Jiilhoinpa as well. Just like me. Those of us who walk on two legs. Billions of both of us.”

“Your planet?” Helen asked.

Sarlana nodded her head looking at Helen. “Icarava is the homeworld to all Darastrixi. No matter where they may be in the universe. It is where we all come from. Where our blood calls to us from.” She said looking back to Arzoal. “Not all of us have been there... those like Arzoal and others who were part of Seed missions by the Pralor people. They have not seen their world... but it is still their home. Our home.”

“This is... that is quite a lot to take in.” Helen stammered.

Sarlana chuckled and nodded her head. “Indeed, it is.” She said in reply.

“How did... how did you not know sister?” Helen asked her.

The Ancient One never... she never showed her physical form on Elear. She stayed in one of the mountain caves and... Arzoal spoke.

“And a very damp cave it was.” Sarlana spoke with a smile and disarming humor. She felt more at peace with Arzoal and these women than she had felt in millennia. “The Darastrixi on Elear adhered to a custom dating back to the beginning of our species on Icarava. Those like me were kept apart from the others. It is not something I would have done personally... but even I must follow custom at times. I left with Teniri and the others when they departed Elear and I remained with them even as we settled on Artaaya with the Pralor refugees. Some things have changed through the millennia... but not nearly enough in my opinion.”

Ancient One you... Arzoal began.

Sarlana waved her hand quickly. “Enough with the Ancient One hofibavi!” She spat. “I will not have the Tilabil Dask who has led the Darastrixi with the ingowil and itov of a mother caring for her own children refer to me in such a way!” Sarlana smiled. “And you did it without the guidance of the Urlkrisa Mamiss. That is the best part in my opinion.” (Foolishness. Grace. Love.)

“Sarlana... perhaps we should explain to the Elder Mother and the Queens why we are here.” Conlar suggested.

Sarlana nodded her head. “I would be more than happy to answer all of the questions you have and I am sure you have many... but first...” She moved carefully in front of Aricia gazing at her very intently. She knew the Lycavorian people were instinctive and reactive. They could shift into the form of a kaldaka, and these were the foremost traits of the kaldaka Sarlana had seen. Majestic creatures that they were, they were still very cautious of others. She held out her hands to her with her palms held up. “May I... may I touch you child?” She asked.

“Why?” Aricia asked her warily.

“It is a manner of greeting among my people.” Sarlana told her. “I mean you no harm. Any of you.”

Aricia looked at her evenly, glancing at Helen and Arzoal quickly, before turning back to Sarlana. “I am... I am Aricia Leonidas.” She began to say as she lifted her hands and placed them into Sarlana’s palms. “I am...”

Aricia’s eyes went wide as Sarlana’s thumbs came up over the backs of her knuckles and grazed lightly across her skin. She felt a surge of powerful energy through her that was so very warm and inviting. She saw images flash in her mind faster than she could follow them, lights and stars and then it was all gone. Aricia stepped back quickly as Sarlana lowered her hands and Dysea reached for her quickly while her fangs and eyes changed and she snarled at Sarlana.

“Little Wolf!” Dysea exclaimed. “What did you do to her woman?”

“I am... I am fine Melda Min.” Aricia stammered as she gripped her arms. “I’m ok.”

Dysea held Aricia tightly and reached for Anja within Mindvoice. Melyanna... come to us quickly! You and Cirith both!

Dysea! What is wrong? Anja answered instantly.

Aricia is... Dysea began but Aricia squeezed her arms and shook her head.

Anja, I am fine. Aricia said looking at Dysea as she reached for her. But you and Cirith need to be here. Come quickly.

On our way. Anja replied.

Aricia turned and looked at Sarlana while still gripping Dysea’s hands. What she had felt just now had been exactly what she had felt when Andro had left her womb screaming like a banshee and entered their lives. A sense of utter happiness and joy.

“You... you are the birth mother to one of the Dahakoan Aricia Leonidas. It is a blessed honor to meet you.” Sarlana said softly as she stepped closer and bowed her head. Her emerald eyes were bright and she smiled at Aricia. “You carried him within you.”

Aricia looked at her confused. “I’m sorry I...”

“Dahakoan.” Sarlana said gently. “Dragonkin. You are mother to the older one. To the one called... to the one called Androcles.”

“Andro is my son yes.” Aricia said pulling Dysea closer to her. “He is a son to all of us.”

Sarlana nodded her head glancing at Dysea and then back to her. “Yes... I felt that. He cherishes you all, you know. His many siblings as well. Resumar and Normya from you Dysea Leonidas; Eliani and the twins from Anja; Denali, Deion and Nara, Arrarn, Bryon, Carina and Zarah. Lisisa and Yuriko. And now Fedor and Eirene. He holds all of them so very close to his heart.” Sarlana gazed at Aricia and Dysea for a long moment. “Your children... they hold no distinction between you. Any of you. You are all their mothers in their minds. That is so very fascinating. I felt his father within you. Your rumag... your mrrandii. He is so powerful... so filled with itov for all of you. Passion and purpose. His essence swirls around both of you. No doubt around all six of you. For’mya, this Anja and Cirith and... and Isabella. She is mother to the Dahakoan called Dorian. The younger one.” (Mate)

Dysea looked at Sarlana now, her own emerald colored eyes wide. “How did... how do you know their names? The names of our children.” She gasped. “Who are you?”

“I felt all of them within you.” Sarlana said looking at Aricia. “And from you I felt your love for Dysea and those you call fellow Queens. And the love you both feel for all of your children.”

“How?” Aricia rasped softly.

“I am Doraanar.” Sarlana told them.

“Prophet?” Aricia said softly.

Dysea’s emerald eyes were wide as she looked at Aricia. “Aricia how...?”

Sarlana nodded and held up her hands in front of her in the more common Darastrixi greeting manner now. “May I touch you again? Touch you both. It truly is a Darastrixi greeting. It is more common to my people and is meant in to convey friendship and openness. I am no threat to you. To any of you. We seek the same things. I know you can feel that. Please.”

Aricia glanced at Dysea and then Helen. She turned back to Sarlana and both she and Dysea lifted their hands slowly and cautiously. Sarlana smiled and stepped closer, their hands going over her chest while her own hands pressed against Aricia’s and Dysea’s breasts directly over their hearts. Sarlana leaned forward and placed her forehead to first Aricia and then to Dysea and finally back to Aricia.

“Wer tiichir ar wer Zezhuanth ekes wer dask ar wer Dahakoan.” Sarlana spoke softly looking at Aricia now. (The blessing of the Ancient to the mother of the Dragonkin)

“The blessing of the Ancient to the mother of the Dragonkin.” Aricia echoed softly her eyes going wide.

Dysea looked at her with equally wide eyes. “Aricia?” She gasped softly. “You... you understood what she said? Like before! How?”

Aricia nodded her head as she stared at Sarlana. “I don’t... I don’t know how Melda Min, but yes.” She replied. “I understood. How... how is that possible?” She asked Sarlana.

Sarlana drew her head back, her emerald eyes gazing at Aricia. “Then it is all true.” She said softly. “The legend is true.”

“Legend?” Aricia asked. “What legend?”

Sarlana nodded her head as she drew her hand back and watched as Aricia and Dysea did the same. She looked at them. “It is said... it is said that the Dahakoan will bestowed unto those who create him or her the gift of the language of the Darastrixi. The language of Zezhuanth. The language that will reside within his blood no matter his species.” She said softly. “The Lorsvek ar Sepas is alive! And it is happening now!”

“What is happening? What is this you speak of?” Helen snapped now. “Exactly who are you and what in the blazes is going on?”

Yes! Arzoal echoed. I would very much like to know what is happening as well.

Sarlana turned to Arzoal then feeling more alive than she had in millennia. “We did come to speak with you Arzoal.” She said. “This is my doing. I had Conlar and Teniri bring me here. I wanted to speak with you about this Androcles and Dorian.” She turned and glanced at Aricia and Dysea. “I only wanted knowledge of them... nothing more. I could no more do them harm than I could harm my own children. I am nothing when compared to them.” She chuckled softly and looked at them. “They could squash me like an insect and there is nothing I could do to stop them. Any of them.” Sarlana moved closer to them. “I did not know however that the mothers of three of the Dahakoan would be here. Are the others here on the planet with you as well? His Vrrarhoinpa Elynth, is her mother here with you? Dorian... and Ryner. Are their mothers here with you?”

“Isheeni is not far.” Aricia answered almost without thinking. She felt a unique sense of ease from this strange woman. An aura of peace and knowledge that she had never experienced before and it was telling. “Isheeni and I are bound together. She is Elynth’s mother and daughter to Arzoal. And Dorian’s mother will return with our mate and husband shortly.”

Sarlana looked at Arzoal with wide eyes. “You... your child is mother to a Dahakoan?”

She gasped. She turned back to Aricia. “And you are bound to the dask of this same Dahakoan? By the will of Zezhuanth this is too much.” Sarlana turned and looked Arzoal. “Tell me child, was your autnaril bound to this Androcles before he entered this life? Did he... did he project his awareness of things through his Vrrarhoinpa before he entered this life?” She insisted more persistently.

Arzoal’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at her. There are but a few outside of our families and blood that are aware of that Ancient One. How could... how could you possibly know such a thing?

Sarlana turned back to Aricia and Dysea. “And the younger one... Dorian? He bonded to his Vrrarhoinpa before he was born as well?”

Aricia nodded her head slowly. “Yes.”

Sarlana whirled on Conlar and Nekins quickly, her face animated and bright. Conlar had an expression of utter astonishment on his face at what he had just heard. “Do you wish to now tell me this is nothing more than simple coincidence Conlar my friend? That the Lorsvek ar Sepas is not happening now? As we speak?”

“I... I... no...” Conlar stammered.

“What... what is this Prophecy of Souls?” Aricia asked now. “And what does it have to do with our sons and the dragons they are bound too?”

Ancient One... perhaps now would be a good time to explain to everyone why you are here. Teniri spoke moving forward. And what it is we need.

Sarlana looked at her and nodded her head quickly. “Yes... yes of course. Of course.” She stammered the words. “Forgive me.” She motioned to the chairs around them. “May we sit... this may take some time.”

“We must wait for Melyanna.” Dysea spoke now. “And Cirith. They need to be here.”

Aricia nodded. “Isheeni as well.” She said.

Sarlana nodded her head in agreement at Aricia’s words. “Yes... I am going no where now that I have found you all here. And all of you should hear this. It will concern all of you soon. It does concern all of you. Now more than ever given how closely tied you all are. We... we should wait for their fathers and your Bella as well.”

Conlar stepped forward. “Sarlana... is that wise. To reveal who you are to so many that we do not know?”

Sarlana looked at him and smiled. She turned back to Aricia and reached out to take her hands as well as Dysea’s. They didn’t hesitate this time and Sarlana smiled warmly at them.

“We are in the presence of the mother of a Dahakoan. And soon three mothers and the fathers of two Dahakoans. Those who gave life to the ones who can wield the power of your people’s vaunted Praetorians Conlar. We are safer here than anywhere else in the galaxy don’t you think? No... it must be this way. If we are to discover what it all means then we must do so together. We all have pieces to the puzzle... and only together will they fit as one and give us understanding.” Sarlana turned back to Aricia and Dysea. “And I must try to... I must try to make amends for the sins of my people as well.

It was Arzoal who stepped forward. What... what do you mean Ancient One? She asked.

Sarlana looked at her. “A deed so vile it makes me sick to even think of it. But if there will ever be forgiveness then it must begin with me. I am the last of the Doraanar, and it falls to me.”

PRALOR CORVETTE

UPDATED DESIGNATION

SPARTAN ONE

For’mya moved down the short flight of stairs from the cockpit and into the small galley. She quickly poured herself a mug of Aricia’s coffee and made to return to the cockpit when she saw Isabella leaning against the port bulkhead door frame leading into the main gathering area of the corvette. This middle section of the ship on the on the upper deck as they were served as a small lounge. There was a large star chart table in the center of the large room, with several work stations along the bulkheads that were not occupied at the moment. The Pralor Corvette, at least this class from the VORTEX-Class Heavy Cruiser, was meant to be used for both tactical operations and transport. There were several couches along the starboard side of the ship, a four-meter-wide counter which spanned the interior bulkhead and held both types of food and drink dispensers as well as several computer consoles that could be linked to the corresponding work stations and used to display important data.

For’mya sipped her coffee as she stepped down into the area and moved to stand beside Isabella. “Bella... is everything alright?” She asked.

Isabella lifted her finger to her lips signaling her to be quiet and she motioned with her head to the opposite side of the room. For’mya’s dark eyes followed this motion and her heart slammed into her throat at what she saw.

Martin sat slouched in one of the couches, his tall, muscular body taking up nearly the entire middle portion of the couch. On his left side, Zarah was curled into a ball beside him, her face tucked neatly into the crook of his shoulder and neck with her left hand resting on her father’s chest. Martin’s left arm nearly swallowed his daughter against the side of his body and was draped over her in a very protective manner. On his right side, Lucia rested in much the same position, her head positioned on his shoulder with her right hand tightly holding Zarah’s left hand over Martin’s heart. Martin’s right arm was curled around Lucia’s shoulders in a similar fashion as Zarah but not quite so tightly. For’mya stepped closer to Isabella and slipped her arm around the waist of her fellow Queen and lover.

“Do you know how many times he fell sleep like that with his daughters in his embrace when they were growing?” Isabella whispered.

“More times than I can remember.” For’mya answered softly, her voice broken.

Isabella heard this within her voice and turned to look at her. Her hazel green eyes grew a little wider when she saw the tears that threatened to fall from For’mya’s beautiful dark brown eyes and she reached out to take her free hand and pull her close with the other. “For’mya?” She questioned.

For’mya looked at her. “I... I wish so much to give him a daughter Bella.” For’mya choked out the words.

“Oh Kinsoaurgai... you have given him a daughter! Eirene is so beautiful and she...” Isabella gasped.

“She is of Pusintin’s loins!” For’mya hissed softly. “She is beautiful and intelligent and I love her with all that I am... but she is not Martin’s daughter Bella. She is not part of him.”

Isabella took the mug from For’mya’s hand and set it aside. She pulled her out of the main area and back into the galley and looked at her. “She is just as much a part of Martin as any of our children For’mya Leonidas.” Isabella told her as she took her face in her hands and traced her thumbs along the ridge of For’mya’s elven ears in a loving manner. “She reached for and found his essence while within your womb. As did Fedor. They will forever be Martin’s children. That is what swirls within them and you should never doubt that. Ever!”

“There are times when... when I remember how I acted under that rutting monster Bella. I acted like a pomai.” For’mya choked out the words. “I did not... I did not want it... my mind screamed for it to stop but my body cried out for more. It was humiliating! My body wanted him to... to fuck me harder. To take me harder. I could not control it. I...”

“For’mya stop!” Isabella gasped. “You must let this go my love. You have no right to bear shame for this. None. You are wolf. It is... it is the way of things.”

“For so long... for so long I wanted Martin to make me like him. Like Aricia and Anja and Dysea. So I could feel what they feel. When he did... I was so happy. So free and full of new life. The only day that surpasses that is when Arrarn and then Bryon came into this world.”

“I remember.” Isabella said. “They were joyous days for all of us.”

“How can he still love me as before knowing that...,” For’mya finally broke into tears and buried her face in Isabella’s breasts. Isabella pulled her tightly to her, tears clouding her own eyes now. “How can he still love me as before knowing how I would act... how I did act under his brother?”

“He loves you more now than he did before Kinsoaurgai... he loves all of us more now, because Martin Leonidas is more than just his instincts For’mya my love. And you know that.” Isabella told her. “He is not a disgusting brute like his brother! He loves each of us from within the very deepest reaches of his heart and soul For’mya. From within a place that none of us have ever seen. A place where he holds each of us on a pedestal. He loves each of us with everything that makes him a man. Every part of him.” Isabella pulled her face away from her breasts and looked into her brown eyes. “He never wavered For’mya. His love for you, his devotion for you. Not for a single breath did he ever waver. His one purpose, our one purpose, was to return you to us where you belong. We would have scoured the entire galaxy if need be. You could have been taken by a hundred men and acted in the same fashion with each of them because of the burning of your wolf blood, and it would not have mattered to him. Or to us. You are a part of him. We are all parts of him. And we are parts of each other. We are what makes him who he is, just as he makes us who we are.” Isabella took a breath.