The Matchmaker - The Arrax Saga Book 1 Chapter 149

Nikolas stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding, the kind that settled nerves and sparked motion. “Jasper, take lead. I want eyes on the rest of the Silvermoon pack. No movement goes unnoticed.”

Jasper nodded without hesitation, already turning to gather the warriors. His stride was purposeful, his expression grim, he knew what was at stake.

Nikolas turned to the witches nearby, his tone shifting just slightly, respectful but firm. “Keep monitoring the perimeter. If there’s even a flicker of magic, I want to know.”

The witches bowed their heads in acknowledgment, their hands already lifting as murmured incantations filled the air. Threads of energy shimmered faintly around them as they began reinforcing the wards.

Then Nikolas turned to the rest of the group, his gaze sweeping over each face. “Stay sharp. Be ready to move at a moment’s notice.”

Saphira watched him, her chest tightening with quiet pride. *This is why they follow him. Not just for strength, but for steadiness.*

His eyes softened as they landed on Amara. “You should rest.”

Amara blinked, visibly surprised by the gentleness in his voice. Finn stepped beside her, placing a steadying hand on her back. “Thank you,” he said quietly, and Amara echoed it, her voice fragile but sincere.

Then Amara turned to Saphira, her eyes glistening. “Thank you for protecting me.”

Saphira opened her arms without hesitation, and Amara stepped into them, hugging her tightly. Saphira held her close, her hand resting lightly on Amara’s back. *She’s safe. For now. But this isn’t over.*

Finn gave Saphira a grateful nod, then guided Amara away, his arm wrapped protectively around her. One by one, the others began to disperse. The tension lingered, but the urgency had shifted, now it was about recovery, readiness, and quiet vigilance.

Nikolas waited until the last of them had gone before turning to Saphira. His brow furrowed, concern etched into every line of his face. “Are you hurt? I saw you get hit.”

Saphira blinked, then instinctively ran her hands over her sides, her back, her arms. No bruises. No cuts. No burns. Her skin was untouched, but the memory of pain still echoed in her bones. *I felt it. I know I did.*

“That’s strange,” Nikolas murmured, his eyes scanning her as if he didn’t trust what he wasn’t seeing.

Saphira reached inward. *‘Vaelora? Are you okay?’*

Her dragon’s voice came, thoughtful and quiet. *‘I’m not sure. I felt the impact. But now… there’s nothing. No pain. No trace.’*

Saphira relayed it to Nikolas. “Vaelora doesn’t feel anything either. Maybe it wasn’t a lasting blast. It was meant for Amara, not me.”

Nikolas nodded slowly, but his eyes lingered on her a moment longer, as if trying to read something deeper. Then he reached for her hand. “Let’s go inside.”

They walked back into the pack house, the warmth of the interior wrapping around them like a balm. The flicker of torches gave way to the soft glow of lanterns, and the quiet hum of safety returned.

When they reached their room, Saphira sank onto the edge of the bed, exhaling deeply. Her shoulders dropped, the adrenaline finally ebbing.

Nikolas knelt in front of her, his hands resting gently on her knees. “You were brave,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I underestimated you.”

Saphira gave him a crooked smile, her voice teasing. “I knew I could do it. Told you so.”

He laughed, then pulled her close, arms wrapping around her as their lips met, slow, passionate, full of everything they hadn’t said. The moment stretched, quiet and fierce, until they finally pulled apart, breathless and steady.

Saphira leaned her forehead against his, her voice low. “Vaelora said something weird.”

Nikolas raised a brow. “What?”

“She said we had to protect Amara and the baby.”

Nikolas stilled, his breath catching. “You think…?”

“I don’t know,” Saphira said, her voice thoughtful. “But could she still be pregnant? How good are our dragons at sensing these things?”

Nikolas sat back slightly, brows furrowed in thought. “I’ve never experienced it myself. But dragons can detect more than most species. It’s possible.”

He glanced toward the window, where the moonlight spilled across the floor. “I could shift. See if Vorthar senses anything. We could ask Raven to help too.”

Saphira nodded slowly. “Let’s let Amara and Finn rest first. Then we’ll find out.”

Nikolas squeezed her hand. “Together.”

Saphira leaned into him, her heart steady, her mind already turning toward what came next. *Whatever it is, we’ll face it side by side.*

Morning light filtered through the curtains, soft and golden, casting gentle warmth across the room. Saphira sat on the edge of the bed, braiding her hair with quick, practiced fingers. Her body ached faintly from the night before, but her mind was already moving.

Nikolas pulled on his shirt, fastening the last clasp before turning to her. “I’ll ask Finn and Amara to meet us after breakfast,” he said. “I want to check in with Jasper and the witches first.”

Saphira looked up, her hair falling over her shoulder. “I want to come with you. I need to hear what’s happening firsthand.”

Nikolas studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Let’s move.”

They dressed quickly, the quiet between them filled with shared purpose. Saphira slipped on her boots, buckled her belt, and followed Nikolas out into the corridor. The pack house was stirring, voices low, footsteps purposeful, the tension still lingering like smoke.

As they approached the office, Nikolas glanced sideways. “Jasper and the witches are waiting. They’ve got updates.”

Saphira nodded, her jaw tight. *Let’s see what the night brought.*

Inside the office, Jasper stood near the window, arms crossed, eyes sharp. Three witches sat nearby, their expressions focused, tired but alert. Saphira and Nikolas took seats across from them, the air thick with expectation.

Jasper spoke first. “Lupus looked frantic. Pacing. Talking to someone, maybe one of his own, maybe through a link. I couldn’t get close enough to hear, but it wasn’t calm. They haven’t left, though. Which means they’re either waiting… or calling for backup.”

Saphira’s fingers curled around the edge of her seat. *Of course he wouldn’t give up that easily.*

One of the witches leaned forward, her voice low. “There’s no movement anywhere else. But the spell has increased. It’s stronger now. More layered.”

Nikolas nodded, absorbing it. “Thank you. Rotate out. Get some rest. Jasper, tag Sam in. You need sleep too.”

Jasper hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll brief him before I go.”

The witches stood, murmuring to one another as they left the room, their steps slow but purposeful. Jasper followed, already pulling out his phone to contact Sam.

Saphira exhaled, her shoulders loosening slightly. “That’s good. We’ve got eyes and magic covered. Now it’s time to sort Amara.”

Nikolas looked at her, his expression steady. “Let’s find out what Vaelora sensed. And if she was right… we’ll make sure Amara knows the truth.”