The Dragon and the Dreamwalker (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose

his lap behind a large wall of rock for protection. The dragon’s defeated roar and the parting of the waves could be heard as it lowered itself back down into the sea.
    He held her to his cold armored chest, her body shaking violently in his arms. He’d almost lost her today, and he couldn’t say it didn’t bother him immensely. Her own noble action of trying to save him is what almost cost her her life. He didn’t understand why she’d done it. If she truly hated him as much as she said she did, why come to his aid? Then he thought of her pleas not to drop her into the water. He should have done it. It would have been the safest thing to do. But he couldn’t. For some reason, he couldn’t release her when he knew how frightened she was. Something was changing between them, but he didn’t know what. Could their marriage mean something to either of them after all?
    A thundering of horses announced the arrival of Asad and Drake’s men. Asad spotted him through the rain, hurrying to his side while the rest of the men scoped the surroundings for the dragon.
    “I thought I told you to stay back at the castle,” ground out Drake.
    “And I thought you said you were going to take on the dragon single-handedly, my lord,” answered Asad, dismounting his horse. “I do not think ’tis a wise feat to expect your new wife to fight dragons on her honeymoon.”
    Drake was too exhausted to argue. “My sword . . . and Gollimer,” he said, trying to catch his breath.
    “Gollimer is just beyond the cliffs waiting for you. Your men are heading up to the sacrificial rock now. I’m sure they will find your sword.”
    Asad held out a hand to help Brynn to her feet. She tried to rise, but fell back weak against a rock, her black dress wet and clinging to her like a second skin. Drake couldn’t help but think she looked like a mermaid emerging from the sea. Her gown torn from the fall, one shoulder exposed, she held the essence of a virginal beauty about to be taken to her wedding bed. Her hair was loose and long. Wet rivulets clung to her shoulders and breasts. It was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Her amethyst eyes looked up at him, her lips full. He couldn’t help but think of kissing her - but he wouldn’t. Not now. Not here and like this.
    “The dragon’s gone,” she pointed out.
    “Aye.” Drake nodded in agreement. The sky cleared and the rain subsided to a light drizzle. The people of Lornoon poked their heads out of their hiding places one by one, and made their way down to meet them.
    “The dragon came back looking for her!” Hermod, the chief Elder stood there pointing a finger at Brynn.
    “That’s nonsense, old man,” said Drake, getting to his feet. “The dragon doesn’t want sacrifices.”
    “’Twill be back.” A man with broken teeth and a hand minus two fingers stuck his head out from behind the Elders. “She is the last virgin. It won’t be happy till it has her.”
     
    Brynn heard Calais’s voice and jumped up next to Drake.
    “I am not a virgin!” she yelled, then stopped when she saw the look on Drake’s face. “Or at least I won’t be a virgin after tonight.” She watched as Drake raised one brow. “After all, I am a married woman. The dragon won’t want me anymore.”
    The people of Lornoon weren’t happy to hear of her marriage. They spoke softly amongst themselves, shaking their heads. Calais watched from the back of the crowd with a smirk on his face. The Elders crossed their arms in front of them, anger and irritation showing in their eyes.
    “You have ruined our last chance to defeat the dragon,” Hermod said, looking directly at Drake. “I suppose the witch talked you into marriage only to save her life and doom ours at the same time.”
    “That’s not true.” Brynn took a step forward, but Drake pulled her back.
    “I would not have you speaking that way regarding my wife,” Drake warned them. “It was by my command alone we married.”
    “What if