“To make those potions everyone needs?”

I blinked. “You dragons stay well-informed.”

“Dragons are telepathic with each other while in dragon form. As King, I am telepathic with my people whenever I want to be. My dragon guard can always reach me,” he smiled and tapped on his temple. “It’s convenient.”

“Huh. That would be convenient.” I looked to Tenn. “It’d be cool if we could have something like that.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Sam’s been communicating with Tegan. This tells me Braison knows something I don’t, which probably means Tegan told him while there.”

I nodded. “We’ll beat it out of them.”

Both males laughed.

Koth walked backwards to where a long log was lying on the beach. He picked up two big mason jars and came back over to hand them to us. “Elan informed me a few minutes ago he’d put these here and that I should expect your company—wait. Holy Ground. This beach is Holy Ground?”

At the same time, I flicked my magic at the sand at my feet just as Tenn did the same. The beach lit up with white-golden light. All three of us nodded in approval.

“That is good to know,” Koth said softly. “And we’re gonna pretend I knew that already.”

“Naturally.” Tenn grinned. “So do you mind if we take some of your sand?”

“Yeah, have at it.”

I bent down to scoop sand into my jar when it shot up off the ground and filled my jar. With a scowl, I glanced over to Tenn. “You do that?”

He arched one eyebrow. “Earth is my element too.”

“Oh . . . right.”

Tenn smirked and pointed to the water. “Can he breathe under water like me or is he more like a whale that has to come up for air?”

“Like you, thankfully. And he stays down there for weeks at a time, especially during the winter.” Koth sighed and there was a weight to the sound. “Issale used to be home to many water dragons, but Neka is the last of his kind.”

“Is there anything you can do about that?”

“I don’t know, Tenn. Once the Unseelies and bloodsuckers are out of our hair perhaps you and your queen of darkness can help us figure out some of our problems?”

“As soon as we possibly can.”

I pursed my lips. “I wonder if Everest knows about shifters? He’s old, right?”

“He’s scary.”

Tenn barked a laugh and then patted Koth on the back. “Thank Goddess you said it. I don’t fear many people.”

I rolled my eyes as the two of them laughed about being afraid of my soulmate. “Right, well, we’ve got the sand now. Should we head home and wake Tegan?”

“Please do.” Koth bowed his head. “But if I may make a request, please do not speak of Neka⁠—”