Page 72 of Wings of Snow

“What?” I glanced toward him, the water making my movement sluggish. “No, I wasn’t. I mean, Drachu said something about taking one of his concubines to bed in fish-form, and I was curious and?—”

I stopped the moment all five of them began grinning.

Rolling my eyes, I slugged Norivun in the chest when I realized his jealousy had all been for show. “Bastard.”

He chuckled. “I apologize, my mate. But your curiosity was so evident I couldn’t help but tease. We’ve all wondered how the Lochen fuck.”

Sandus nodded. “It’s true, love. We’ve even had entire evening discussions over it.”

I snorted a laugh, just as a huge upward tunnel appeared in front of us. I could only imagine that it led to a higher floor in the castle, similar to what a staircase would have done on land. “Why not just ask the Lochen if you’re that curious?”

Sandus laughed. “And admit we have no clue? Never, love.”

I was still smiling when we drifted upward in the tunnel, having to move to the side when other Lochen, who I could only assume were servants who worked in this vast castle, swam past us. They were the first servants I’d seen in any of the Lochen king’s homes. I wondered if?—

My breath sucked in.

A pulsing sensation began in my chest. Thrumming harder, harder, harder...

I froze, my heart beating painfully with every throb.

I needed?—

No, I wanted?—

Drachu.

Find him.

I shot forward. The urge to go to my king, admire him, love him, touch him...

Ineededhim.

I swam down a hall, away from Norivun and his guards as all five of them called after me.

Since I’d banished my wings before the mistphase, my sleek form allowed me to move fast, and I followed the call deep within my blood. The call to find Drachu and stay by his side.

Yes, I need him. He’s my true king.

I rounded the final turn in the hall, and a vast room opened before me with furniture similar to what I would see on land.

The king of the Lochen lay exposed before me.

Drachu was positioned on a huge bed, two concubines with him, and if I’d had any lingering questions about how the Lochen enjoyed one another.

I didn’t anymore.

And Blessed Mother, I wanted to partake.

CHAPTER 21 - NORIVUN

Ilara floated under the doorframe that led into a chamber, and I frantically kicked to catch up. “Ilara!” I called for what felt like the hundredth time.

She didn’t stop.

“What in the bloody realm is she doing?” Nish seethed.

I had to stretch my illusion to keep her cloaked. It was difficult in the water, like having to wade through wet sand versus on land, where it was nearly effortless.