Free Dragon Hunter Book Two: A Dragon Shifter Serial (Dragon Hunter Chronicles 2) by Carina Wilder

beautiful silver Dragon stood before Neko, and another one stood, almost a mirror image, facing him.
    Lyre’s Dragon was blue-white, the hue of frozen glaciers. Icy cold, much like his eyes.
    A Dragon of Air, who looked like he was made from the frigidity of the farthest reaches of the sky.
    The two creatures began a silent communication, their eyes locked on one another. And in that moment, Neko recalled how Lumen had spoken to her in his déor form while she’d been on his back that morning, his thoughts penetrating her mind, speaking to her as clearly as though they’d been standing in a room, having a conversation.
    That must have been what was happening now, between the two men. Lyre’s deafness wasn’t an issue in déor form, it seemed. His mind heard as clearly as anyone’s, and Lumen’s words no doubt made their way to him just as they had to Neko’s.
    “Lyre is giving him the verse,” said Aegis quietly, confirming her thoughts. “Ancient words that will help him to find what he needs. Once Lumen learns it, it’s to him—and you, to figure out how to proceed. The other three Seekers will do their part when their time comes.”
    “I’m still a little confused. But I’ll do what I can to help,” said Neko.
    “Good.” Aegis studied her for a moment, his expression denoting a deep amusement. “You are just how he described you, you know,” he said. “When he and I were last here together.”
    “Oh? And how did he describe me?”
    “He said you were very beautiful.”
    Neko flushed at the words. Standing as she was near three outlandishly handsome men, two of whom were currently in the form of exquisite Dragons, it seemed odd that she was the one called beautiful.
    “Did he then?” she asked, looking at Lumen’s déor. “Of course, that was no doubt before he broke into my house, hid my knives and made my life generally miserable. I’m not sure he finds me so beautiful anymore.”
    “I’m sure he does . And that sounds like the sort of thing he’d do, the scoundrel,” said Aegis, letting out a quiet laugh. “Even after I warned him about women with knives.”
    Neko liked Aegis. He lacked the self-importance and seriousness of the other Dragon Guild members, seeming instead to have a genuine sense of fun. That he and Lumen seemed to be close friends was a good sign.
    After a few more minutes the two Dragons turned their way for only a moment before shifting back into their human forms. Lyre signed a few words to Lumen, who replied, “Understood. Thank you, Brother.”
    “You have what you need?” Neko asked.
    “I do. Now, let’s get a little food and then head out, shall we?” said Lumen. “I see that you two are getting to know each other, but you’ll have plenty of time to bond at a later date, assuming that neither of you gets horribly murdered in the meantime.”
    “Fine, you dull old bastard,” said Aegis. He glanced around before opening the door once again. “Let’s head in and have a drink and a nosh.”
    Lyre made a few signs with his hands when they’d stepped back into the pub, and Lumen, looking around, said, “We’re safe. No Lapsed, no Controllers.”
    They sat down at their table and Aegis signalled a barkeep over.
    “Ale all round, and steak,” he said. The man nodded silently before moving away. Neko wondered if he was a little intimidated in the presence of such men—it only made sense that any man would be.
    They chatted until the food arrived, being careful not to speak of what had occurred outside until they were certain they wouldn’t be interrupted. All four were hungry and made quick work of their meals in the meantime.
    “So, Lumen,” Aegis said when he’d eaten his fill. “Was the clue enough to work with?”
    “I don’t know,” he replied. “In all honesty, I’m as lost as before. I’m hoping that Neko can help me with it later. She’s a clever thing.”
    “I think you put far too much faith in my cleverness,” she replied. “I’m