Zohar double checked his defenses on the shop before he went to the bed latched and scurried his way down to ensure Lemon was alright. He’d tried to make it sound as if he hadn’t wanted to bother dismantling the bed but in truth he felt more secure her space being more hidden. And he did truly enjoy when she spent time on the bed he didn’t destroy talking with him through the night.

  No matter where she was anyone would burn before they reached her but better they couldn’t even know ho to reach her.

  The orange peachy swirls of her hair were tugged up and out of her face in a wild haphazard prison. He liked seeing all the things she did with her hair. He liked how she always looked comfortable in her robes, but his mind kept taking the fabric and swirling it in different ways that would look nice with her. He had a tailor coming the next week but his desires never seemed to dwindle as he thought of something else that would look nice with Lemon. Not that he truly knew which was why he had a list of questions and ideas to offer to the tailor an expert in a field.

  Many he knew wore cloaks like her to hide their identity while diving deeper and deeper down the black market. More well of individuals wore jewels on their clothing. He tried to remember what was considered feminine clothing. The only thing he could pull to mind was Letrissa and those worn by the Dragon’s during the ball where they did hold human forms he couldn’t imagine Lemon in the least in a gown as precious as those in everyday life. Though his mind swirled around the image too.

  Later he pinned.

  Lemon leaned back looking at the ceiling groaning and that was when she noticed him. She eased him fully. Until he saw the frown on her face as she looked him over. Zohar wondered what had her looking so concerned about his appearance.

  “You aren’t holding your form very well.” She pointed out in a contemplative murmur. Zohar glanced down at himself and grimace. He was calm yet flashing lines still did loops around his skin. He focus on them though and they sealed.

  “I plan on shifting tomorrow.” He promised her. Lemon’s eyes flicked away and she didn’t look at all reassured but she still nodded.

  Zohar normally really didn’t care if anyone feared him. Even something like acquaintances, he could handle fearing him. Lemon was different. Zohar walked over nudging her book circle wider so he could enter without disturbing it.

  He lowered to her leave and cupped her cheek. She stiffened and sucked in a breathed.

  “I won’t let anything hurt you.” He promised her. She closed her eyes and scoffed.

  “You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.” She voiced not opening her eyes. Zohar frowned.

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  “I mean what I say anything that tried to hurt you I will destroy.” He hissed out. Lemon chuckled and opened her eyes offering her hands. Zohar blinked and took her hands and stood with her.

  “That is not the same as what you said before. Still mostly unrealistic but sweet. I’m grateful.” She offered with a shrug turning and starting away from him.

  “The Tabaxi boy should be here soon with the food orders for the week.” Zohar watched her release her hair and look in the mirror head brought down for her.

  “Yes.” He agreed with her assessment.

  “I asked him to see if he could find Jolune berries. I think you’ll like them.” Lemon offered to him and he relaxed as she spoke. He liked listening to her talk about things and she always seemed willing to oblige him.

  Zohar woke the next morning and set out the things he’d lost interest in with their designated cards. It did surprise him a bit how little her minded her correction. Actually, he adored them. How they sat in the line with his own. He was constantly amazed by her. So the cards were in fact important to finish before he would duck out to shift.

  He planned on opening late. He’d convinced Lemon to enjoy time in her room today not revealing all that had happened but voicing some of his concern. She’d agreed surprisingly fast. Like she already knew. She’d offered that she’d make a list of things that might interest him during that time.

  He liked having her there.

  He liked her.

  Which was why when she stopped at the one way window her face loosing it’s color, he knew he’d destroy whatever caused her fear.

  Zohar snarled at the image of Cronlen he wasn’t at the shop but he stood at one of the exits. Instead of the normal guards Cronlen’s men stood at every exit.

  Rage tore through Zohar.

  “Zohar.” Lemon hissed the original fear gone from her voice. “Stop that.” She pushed tugging him away from the door a different sort of concern on her face and she pulled back looking shifty in stance. He didn’t like this type of shifty on her. “Shit, you’re not going to be able to hold for much longer.” She murmured considering. Looking up at the sky light aptly deducing it’s use.

  He touched his cheek and felt heat he nodded. He could leave through the sky light she was right.

  “If I head out now.” He thought out loud then he glared at the door and growled at the idea of leaving her alone now.

  “I said stop that.” She snapped at him and smacked him with the inventory list that caught fire. “Shit.” She hissed dropping it and stomping on it. She stopped and stared at it looking defeated.

  Zohar felt a hitch at that look and started toward the stairs. He’d get out right now. Though he doubted his ability to manage a partial shifting without issue. He glared at the crystal that would be useful right then.

  “Stop.” Lemon breathed following him up the stairs. Looking tire and worried but not the fear she should be at the flames leaving him. He gaped as she just made her way closer. He tried to suppress the flames. She didn’t slow. She reached up and cupped his face. “There’s no need for that, I’ll be fine just try to release everything as slowly as you can manage.” She told him her tone soft and calming tone. He tried to pull back but felt a sort of teeth pulling him in. He blinked as her eyes started to brighten slowly and then her hair.

  His flames he realized were disappearing.

  Then he remembered the part of the information that evaded him as he looked into her eyes. The group that existed within the protective boarders of Dragons, even rarer then dragons so they were very precious to call apart of a hoard. Not that they often accepted an offer to a hoard. People who could take energy into them selves and turn it into anything.

  Zohar stared down at her thinking it just fit how amazing his Lemon was.