“You’re late, and you know I don’t like that. Now, we are running behind. You will have to speed through two of your readings to get back on track. You know where to go, now get.”

Bowing her head slightly, the young woman made her way up to the throne. It didn’t matter that this was a mansion and that they were essentially the ballroom of the building. There was always a throne somewhere for the Elder Master to sit upon, as was his right.

Finding her spot to the right of the throne, Nia nestled herself on the voluminous pillows and waited. People paraded in and out, and she read the cards or told them their futures.

All of her words were carefully controlled and tight. She wouldn’t risk angering the man seated beside her. It was no secret that Damien wanted her – had wanted her for a while. She had yet to be of age for him to stake a legal claim on her. Now she was at risk.

Unless someone else stepped in.

Still remembering her encounter with the dragon from earlier, Nia was nervous about it. Her mind whirred over the thoughts of someone that could come to do them harm. This wasn’t the place. The Conclave was supposed to be the one place where violence wasn’t permitted without just cause.

Yet, she knew that the person she ran into earlier wouldn’t abide by these rules. She didn’t want to cause a scene, but she needed to tell them all that someone dangerous was around. She didn’t even know that dragon’s name. Sometimes Nia cursed herself and her gift for this very reason.

As she struggled internally to deal with the fall-out of everything she had seen, a body shifted in front of her. Someone else was coming to get their fortune told, and she wished she had a chance to tell Damien what she saw. At least, then, she wouldn’t have to worry in silence.

“Nia, this is Orion. He is a special guest from the Council. He has asked that you read his fortune if you are up for it. My dear, do you think you can do this now, or would you like a rest?” Damien’s voice was gentle and coaxing. She wouldn’t refuse this one request.

“Now is fine, Master. Please, have a seat, Orion.”

Lifting her eyes from the ground, Nia stared at the man before extending her hand.

And she was gone.

For the first time, she could appraise him without it seeming strange. He was powerfully built. His arms held muscles that bulged from beneath his tight tee, belying exactly how much stronger he was. The grunge print on the shirt spoke of some old-school grunge rock band that she’d heard of in passing. His warm chocolate brown eyes held darkness in them that drew her in. The depth and cleverness behind them made her want to keep staring at them in hopes of finding more. Of what, she didn’t know.

Her capacity for thought eluded her at the moment. Of course, it didn’t help his black hair was worn short and neatly trimmed. Nor that his bronze skin glistened in the lights of the Conclave.

When he gripped her hand, everything made more sense. It was him. Her him (or was she his? The two different things felt the same). She got that much in an instant. From the moment their skin touched, she felt a warmth encroach upon her. Lights danced behind her eyes as she stared at him. He was strong and protective, and she saw how quickly he could rip his enemies to pieces. The beautiful golden scales are covered in blood. But, more than that, she saw their future.

Her world stopped moving for a moment as if he was all she could focus on. Licking her suddenly dry lips, Nia couldn’t pull her eyes away. The very thought of this man, Orion, had her almost struggling to remember to breathe and grateful that she was sitting down. He was perfect for her, bearing traits that she wanted in a man, and she wondered, for a moment, if he felt the same.

The gaze he gave her was similar to the one that Damien had done countless times, but for some reason, it didn’t bother her now.

Tarot wasn’t something that everyone could do as it wasn’t understood. Before she could lay out the first of three cards, Orion spoke. Most were happy with three. There was a lot that one could learn from such a draw, especially if it’s meant to tell a short future.

“Just tell me the fortune for today. As we will be here a week, I just wish to know what shall entertain my time today. There will be time for more readings as the week progresses.”

His voice was like warm, rich chocolate, and it made her shiver with need. She was fighting hard not to moan wantonly at just his voice alone.

Nia might be innocent in the ways of intimacy, but she wasn’t naive. Orion was like sex walking; she only hoped that her visions were correct. That he was the one to show her passions she only dreamed of.

“Understood, M’Lord.” was the soft reply from Nia.