CASSIAN

It took time for Lord Cassian Alwyn to calm his heart. He sat on the rooftop with Luke as the day wasted away. Sitting by his side, Luke held his hand with zero complaints. Luke didn't ask questions. He just closed his eyes and rested his head against Cassian's shoulder. He wasn't even going to see anything Cassian didn't allow... and while Cassian focused on warming Luke's numbing digits it was in this stillness, this quietness that Cassian was overwhelmed by his feelings for Luke.

Where there used to only be the crackle of fire, Cassian could now hear the trill of piano music. It was less wildfire, now it was more like contained inside a home. A manor. Full of magic, housing magnificent creatures, and where he'd least expect it to stay burning. Cassian could smell the flowers. Could taste the sugar and cream he'd spill into his coffee.

He turned and pressed a kiss to the side of Luke's head, lingering there to smell his hair.

The scent of clean linen and lavender had the power to heal him. His sudden movement gave Luke a jump and Cassian made a small smile. Squeezing Luke's hand, Cassian said, "I'm sorry. We should get down from this roof before you freeze to death."

Without letting their hands break apart, Luke moved in front of Cassian. He had the smallest smile as he reached out to touch Cassian's cheek, rubbing the bottom of his jaw with his thumb. Cassian wanted to kiss Luke again. Being weak wasn't so bad if it was in front of Luke.

Only Luke.

"We don't have to stay here." Luke shook his head, presenting Cassian with all the comfort in the world. Just himself and a small smile. Lately, that was all it took. "If you don't want to be here, I don't want to be here either."

Cassian said nothing at first. The tip of his tongue was burning. He wanted to tell Luke, "I love you. I don't know how long I've been in love with you, but my love for you feels so much like a part of me. Without you, I forget myself. I love you and I know you fear for my life, but there is no life without you. Luke Aster. Luke Whitlock. Luke. I love you."

But Cassian didn't say that.

He took Luke's hand from his cheek and placed it over his burning heart. Cassian leaned in close, pressing his forehead to Luke's first before he kissed him and poured all his love into this kiss so they might burst with it. They stopped kissing, but Cassian couldn't bear to be apart. Everything was better with Luke right here. Cassian rubbed the back of Luke's neck and fixed his hair. He wanted to memorize every detail. He pulled Luke forward and Luke held him, wanting to be close just as much as him.

Cassian sighed. He could feel Luke's smile against his shoulder. Rubbing the back of Cassian's head, Luke whispered, "If you keep kissing me like that, I think my brain will turn to mush."

"Every now and then, it might not be so bad," Cassian said, feeling more like himself. "I promise to take care of you until you recover."

"What a gentleman." Luke laughed and as Cassian leaned back, more concern flickered across Luke's face, but Cassian just smiled. "Let's go. Let me take you home."

Luke's eyes widened. "B-but we don't ticket back to Virginia-"

"No, I mean come back to my castle." Cassian let himself laugh again, overjoyed by the man in his arms and his cuteness. He was too exhausted from today's events to pretend he wasn't insanely devoted to this human, so he let himself say exactly what he wanted. "We'll stay there tonight and figure out what to do later..."

"But how? Um, is Wales within driving distance? Or should we get tickets?"

"We'll fly."

"So, I should get tickets?"

"There's no need. I'll take us there."

#

LUKE

Logically, well not there was a lot of logic to Luke's life now that it was full of magic and monsters, but to his credit, Luke understood Cassian when he said he'd fly them to Wales that he meant that he'd do it as a dragon. Luke would ride Cassian as a dragon. Dragon Cassian. However, watching Cassian stand at the edge of the rooftop made Luke's stomach turn. He just focused on Cassian's face. That always made him feel better.

"You don't have to look so nervous," Cassian said, and Luke cracked his neck. Cassian's tone skittered down Luke's spine and curled his toes. He was still buzzing from that kiss. Luke didn't think he'd survive kisses like that all the time.

"I'm not nervous. I'm scared shitless," Luke said.

"But it's me. I'm going to keep you safe."

"I know."

"I haven't steered you wrong yet, right?"

"No," Luke said, and he knew that with his heart. "You won't drop me?" He asked just because he wanted to hear Cassian say it.

"Never," Cassian promised, hunching down, and his huge pair of black wings ripped through his clothes. Glancing around his shoulder, Cassian's eyes were ruby red and smoke seeped between his lips. "Get on my back," he said.

With a huff, Luke steeled himself, and they switched places. Luke's skin crawled as he purposely avoided looking down at the London streets. He quickly wrapped his arms around Cassian's neck, bowing his head down, pressing it against Cassian's shoulder.

"Relax," Cassian said.

"There's no world where that's going to happen."

"Then, at least remember to breathe," Cassian said, obviously having bounced back. Luke should have never taught him how to tease people. "And hold on tight."

No shit.

Heart thundering, Luke did as he was told and focused on his breathing. Heat radiated from Cassian and from underneath him, Cassian's body quickly expanded and grew, so much so Luke couldn't keep his arms around Cassian's neck and Luke was lifted off the ground. He couldn't help it. He peeked. Spikes appeared behind Luke and in front of him and Luke wrapped his arms around the closest black spike, his blood going ice cold. It was warm. Like Cassian was always warm. It was smooth and incredibly solid.

He cursed, and he hoped Cassian heard it because this dragon needed to know he was freaking out and fly accordingly. Cassian's entire body shifted and moved as he flapped his wings, the wind whirling around Luke. Instead of sticking his hand out a car window, Luke's whole body was hanging out the side and he was fighting against the force of the wind the entire time. In the back of Luke's head, he could remember Cassian telling him about flying and the thrill of feeling like he was on top of the world.

Luke lifted his head and stared out at the bursting horizon, its orange fire burning the baby blue away. Luke had to laugh. He couldn't believe it. This was his life. This was really happening, and he had to laugh. In an absolute instant, Luke understood what Cassian meant.. Right on top of the world. He watched the world go by towns, rocky coastlines, and fields and fields of greenery.

Luke was also thankful he finally heeded Cassian's advice and wore a thick wool coat. He also wore a scarf and he'd actually take three more coats. If it weren't for the fire brewing inside of Cassian's dragon form, Luke might already be encased in ice. Luke laid his forehead against the scales, soaking in his warmth. Luke ran his hand over the scales. Amazing. Smiling, Luke fondly looked up and down Cassian's body and being so happy, Cassian was born. He was incredible.

Lifting his head, Cassian roared into the sky, light pouring from his mouth. Even if fire didn't appear, it laced the surrounding sky with golden light. People on the ground might assume the clouds were full of heat lightning. Maybe that was what heat lightning was. Just dragons in the sky. Luke smiled to himself. That sounded like something his mother would've said.

Luke closed his eyes and let the heat pass through him as if he just opened the door to the oven. Cassian shifted underneath Luke and as he was shrinking, Luke held on even tighter. As he shrunk, steam billowed out from Cassian as if he was decompressing (steam pouring out of him) and Cassian was quickly disappearing from underneath Luke, and he no longer had anything to hold on to. Luke had to close his eyes, the smoke too hot to keep them open. He was only weightless a moment before Cassian had him, guiding Luke's arms back around his neck. He landed so delicately in Cassian's arms. Cassian's face was still speckled with scales, horns on his head, and bright red eyes.

Slowly, they floated like feathers back to solid ground, swirling in a way that resembled a waltz.

"Not as bad as you thought?" Cassian asked.

"No..." Luke shook his head, staring into Cassian's eyes. It was so strange to remember these eyes from the first time they met and feeling so completely different about them. "Not bad at all. I loved it."

Pulling himself up, Luke pressed his lips to Cassian's, tilting his head and kissing him again and again. Cassian's feet eventually landed, but Luke's heart was still swirling in the air. Carefully, Cassian set Luke back on the earth. Without realizing how much he was using his thighs to stay up, when Luke needed to stand on his own, Luke's legs gave out. With a laugh, Cassian was quick to catch him. "I see you don't have your sky legs yet."

"Shut up," Luke said, his blush threatening to burn his cheeks to a crisp.

He held onto Cassian's arm, letting him lead the way as Luke stumbled behind. Just ahead of them, Luke could see a castle falling to pieces. It was overgrown and its dark gray exterior that was crumbling before Luke's eyes. This looked like the last place in the world Cassian would ever live... though to be fair, he was more than a little used to having Cassian at home, living in the Whitlock manor.

They approached a decrepit bridge and if he didn't trust Cassian so much, Luke would assume Cassian was leading him into a death trap. "Do you see it?" Cassian asked and Luke did almost a full 360, trying to figure out what he was talking about. Cassian chuckled. "Eyes up, Luke."

As Cassian said it, Luke looked up and something in the air sparkled. Luke almost asked, but Cassian lifted his hand and seemed to part the air, pushing a curtain of starlight to the side and just on the other side of it, Luke faced the castle fully in-tact. Luke's jaw dropped.

Their cobble path was lit by golden lamplight towards a mass structure of stone. Suddenly Luke felt like he dropped into a fairytale, more so than when he was home with the pixies. Other than feeling under dressed, Luke also realized that Cassian might not have the title "Lord" for nothing.

"It's a glamour," Cassian explained as they passed underneath the massive archways. "Keeps unwanted visitors away. Let's them think the only thing they'll find is a bunch of mold and decay. It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing." The two-story high wooden door was already opened, welcoming them home into a well-kept courtyard, bursting with a greenery.

Luke squeezed Cassian's arms, hearing what Cassian didn't say. Not once did he bring up The Fortress Ring, but Luke could hear the loss of it. They walked through the front door and Luke had never been more overwhelmed in his life. It was somehow more beautiful inside. He thought it might be cold and dreary inside with the stone, but it was full of candlelight and the entrance was gigantic with high arched ceilings and full of antique furniture that shined alongside thriving plants and shining statues. In the middle was even a running fountain. It drew Luke in and he peeked inside, seeing the basin full of golden coins. Tall pillars of knights in suited armor stood at attention. Luke had to take a breath. He might spend hours exploring and still not see it all.

Cassian's hand suddenly wrapped around his arm, and he pulled Luke to his chest. Panic surged through Luke as Cassian glared daggers into the abyss of the castle. "What?" Luke whispered.

"Mingus didn't greet me," Cassian spoke low.

"Does he usually?"

"Every time..." Cassian's brow narrowed deeper. "Mingus lies here, but he keeps the job of sending unwanted visitors out, but... there's someone here. I can smell them. You—" he looked at Luke "—need to hide."

"I'll follow you," Luke said. He didn't need to be told twice that he was not an accessory during a fight. He was a hinderance. Sweeping Luke up, Cassian rushed up the stairs and passed hallways of doors. He halted, a hint of blush on his cheeks.

Luke's brow pinched. "What?"

"You're going to make fun of me."

"Always, but why this time?"

"The safest place I can think of is the room in the tower."

"The highest room in the tallest tower?" Luke grinned, even though he knew this was all serious. He covered his mouth with his hands, unable to hide his pleasure. "Wow. You are a dragon."

Groaning, Cassian let it go and did as he said, bringing Luke to a staircase that seemed to never end. He was dizzying, being twirled around and around like this until they reached the top and through a single door, there was a room. Luke half wondered if this was where Cassian kept his horde, but there was a huge platform bed surrounded by satin curtains with golden tassel fringe and ornate bedding, where Cassian sat him down.

Holding his shoulder, Cassian pointed a warning finger at him. "Listen to me. Do not open that door for anyone or anything but me. Keep the window locked."

Grabbing his finger, I lowered it and said, "I promise I will."

The tension didn't leave Cassian, but it was good enough for him to leave. Cassian touched Luke's cheek and kissed his forehead, breathing him in just a moment before rushing out of the room. Luke closed his eyes and took in the smell of sulfur Cassian left behind. Alone, surrounded by the quiet, Luke's anxiety bubbled up and his chest twisted. His hand gravitated to his cellphone, sending Astrid a quick text message they arrived at Cassian's home.

She replied faster than expected.

ASTRID: [His home? Like the castle?!]

ASTRID: [Not Iris's apartment?]

LUKE: [No. It's complicated. I can't really explain, but Cassian's castle is wild!! It's an actual castle. I thought it was just gonna be a fancy house.]

ASTRID: [Luke, I need to tell you this. Not to scare you, but so you're prepared.]

Luke's brow narrowed, and he shifted on top of the bed. He swallowed nervously, wondering why her tone switched to something so serious.

ASTRID: [Dragons do not bring people to their homes.]

ASTRID: [They only covet treasures.]

He read the words over and over again when another message popped up:

ASTRID: [Cassian must feel deeply for you.]

Luke closed his eyes, wishing he could push these feelings away, but his heart never gave him a choice. His fate was sealed from the moment he saw Cassian smile. Luke couldn't help himself... maybe he was the greedy one because if he was selfless, he would have never kissed Cassian and yet, now all he could think about was finding his way back to him. As much as Luke loved Cassian, he grieved for him more.

A horrible dread dripped down Luke's spine like ice water. Covering his mouth, Luke stood too suddenly, and he thought he might vomit. Luke didn't say it out loud, but he thought it, so he knew it to be true. He loved Cassian. He was in love with Cassian.

Beneath his feet, the floor rumbled, and Luke jumped up, adrenaline shooting through his veins like a lightning strike. His phone went off and Luke cursed, quickly putting it on silent. Without thinking, Luke ran to the nearest hiding spot, an armoire full of musty gowns. Swallowing his disgust, Luke crawled inside and closed the doors behind him.

Another rumble crackled, but this time creeping dangerously close. Luke held his breath, heart thumping the walls of his chest. This wasn't Cassian. Luke knew it deep down that if it was Cassian, he'd call his name. Whoever was hurrying up those stairs, busting through the door, was not Cassian. The door blew off the hinges, scattering and twisting around the floor and hitting the far wall.

Luke didn't wait. It was an armoire, not Fort Knox. He was going to be found any moment, so he took out his phone texted Cassian:

LUKE: [SOS]

The figure stalked around, flipping the bed over and knocking down a dresser. Luke dreaded what was on the other side of this thin door. Could it be a sasquatch that wasn't his biggest fan? Luke had never met a werewolf, but he'd seen pictures and they were gigantic beasts with the strength to produce as much damage as they pleased. Maybe it was a gargoyle. This was a castle, after all.

Ripping open the door, a hand grabbed Luke by his collar and flung him out onto the stone ground. His back collided with the ground, knocking all the wind out of him. Black spots trickled around the edges of his vision and just when he tried to get up, the bottom of a heel pressed down on his chest. Luke coughed, grabbing this person's ankle. They didn't budge. They only pushed him further into the ground.

"Well, well... my brother sure knows where to find interesting things..." This person, this man spoke. Luke's vision finally settled on a man with similar shapes and features as Cassian, just sharper here and there.

But the scales trailing up his edges were red.

His eyes were gold, burning as they peered right through Luke, like with this one darkened look, he could see all of Luke's past, future, and all of his secrets. Luke's heart pounded and panic set back in. He realized too late. His heart pills were back in London. They didn't grab their things. It was all so in the moment Luke didn't prepare at all. Luke could kick himself. He knew better than that.

This only made it harder to breathe. The pain was horrible enough that Luke wondered if his ribcage fractured.

"Hey handsome..." When this man, this dragon, smiled, it sent shivers down Luke's spine. "What did you do to get an aura like that?"

His extended claw reached for Luke.  

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Cassian and Luke are so similar. Lol. They're even on the same track when it comes to realizing how much they do love each other. They just have different reactions to it 😅 Are you proud of them? Or surprised by their realization? 

And we're at Cassian's castle! Did you expect to see it so soon? And we missed out on Mingus! Sorry guys. But hey at least Luke gets to meet someone from the family :) 

I hope you enjoyed the chapter! If you'd like to help support my writing, MY MATE HIS MATE AND ME has entered the Paid Program and unlocking the book would really help and show you guys are interested in my books! But again, just reading and comments mean the world to me. So thank you!