The male reeled backwards, clutching his face. His nose had taken the brunt of the assault. Blood ran down the male’s face and between his fingers. Coal punched him again and again. Within seconds, he was a crumpled heap on the floor. The male would not be getting up any time soon. As a lesser, his healing capabilities were not as superior as the royals.

Torrent was down on one knee. His face was pale. His lips were a light shade of blue. They matched the color of his eyes. “The others are a few minutes behind.” Coal could hear the footfalls. Could hear the grunts and growls. There was a large group approaching at a speed. “You still have time to claim her.” He glanced at the human who was just a few feet away from Torrent. Her eyes were wide but she was still in the same place they had left her. He didn’t particularly want Torrent to claim this female, or any other for that matter. It wouldn’t take him overly long to recover fully though, at this stage of the game, the king was his biggest adversary. They both had their sights set on the same female. If he wanted to secure the dark haired human, his best hope was to take Torrent out of the game. He was handing the male this female on a platinum platter. “Take her.” He kept his eyes on the male who hadn’t moved a muscle.

“Don’t come near me,” her voice shook.

“Do it.” He growled as he ran downriver. There was no time to see what the male would do. Torrent could claim the light-haired female. He had time to put his scent on her. He might even be well enough to fight if a dispute broke out.

There was no one up ahead. The way the valley was designed, the best route to travel was the one he was taking right now. Coal could taste victory. He could feel it in every pore.

The female he wanted scented of a summer’s night. She had dark hair and dark eyes and had proven herself a worthy adversary.

It was dusk by the time he caught her scent and fully dark when he caught up to her. He had managed to put a few more minutes between himself and the rest. The sound of their approach became more distant. Stamina counted more than strength. As a fire prince he could outrun most.

Her scent was interesting. Different from that of a dragon female. It was not entirely unappealing. Lightly floral with citrus undertones. It reminded him of a fresh summer’s night. Or a field full of wildflowers. Wild, yes, she had a wildness about her. It intrigued him.

Coal was surprised at the speed at which she was moving. It was his understanding that human females were weak and slow. Although this one was small, she had spirit. He respected that.