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had to be Anne.” She sighed. “Like help, decent friends are so hard to find.”
    This woman sure was something.
    The door opened and someone else was deposited into the room. Probably another woman. Aside from breathing, whoever it was didn’t make a sound.
    “Please, can you switch on a light or give us a torch? We need food and water.” Julie tried again. They couldn’t see a thing. It was strange, it seemed that there were no lights on at all in this place. Not even behind the door that was currently open. The only way she knew it was open was because of a light breeze that blew in from it. Goosebumps broke out on her goosebumps. “We’re freezing our asses off in here.”
    The bully laughed. “Our males aren’t interested in that particular part of your anatomy, so I wouldn’t worry.”
    “No, please.” Julie tried as the door creaked. It clicked shut. Males . Who spoke like that? It was bizarre.
    What the hell did these people want with them?
    “Am I going crazy?” The new girl whispered. “Was I just taken by a dragon?” Another whimper that spoke of terror.

Chapter 4
     
    Blaze paced within the chamber. Tension radiated off of him. “The last of the females are secured. The hunt will begin tomorrow at noon. I hope you’re ready?” He turned his bright green eyes on Coal.
    No. Coal nodded once. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
    “Good. Nothing can go wrong. There are only five females. You have to win one of them.”
    Coal had heard this about a hundred times. Blaze was nervous. His normally together brother was falling apart. It was that important to him and to the the kingdom that he succeed. All Coal felt was extreme reluctance. “You said that if a female does not want a male that we are not to force them.”
    “I also said that you are to succeed in capturing a female for the fire tribe and that you are to win her over at all costs.”
    Coal made a noise of affirmation. He could catch one, sure, but to win one over. How the hell did he go about doing that?
    There was a knock at the door and Blaze’s gaze snapped in that direction. “It’s about time,” his brother muttered. “Enter,” he said, projecting his voice.
    Scarlet walked in. She ignored Coal completely and curtsied to his brother, their king. “Your majesty.” Her head was bowed. The female had been fire breathing mad when he’d informed her of the king’s decision. Coal was not permitted to mate with her. Not only that, he was going to have to take a human female instead. Scarlet blamed Coal even though this was the last thing that he wanted.
    “Are the humans safe?” Blaze skipped all small talk and got straight to business.
    Scarlet looked up from under her lashes. “Yes, my lord, they are secure in the moon room and will remain there for the night.”
    Blaze’s shoulders lost some of their tension. “Is Ash with them now?”
    Scarlet’s eyes widened for a second, then she looked down at her feet. “Um… no…” she shrugged. “They’re locked in.”
    Blaze locked his jaw. “They shouldn’t be alone. They might try to escape and they might hurt themselves. Did you explain to them what is happening? I’m going to assume you have given them something to eat and drink.”
    “No. I was told to ensure that they didn’t escape. They cannot escape from the moon room so all is well.” The moon room was one of the only windowless rooms in the castle.
    “You were also told to ensure that they didn’t come to harm!” Blaze boomed. “Those poor females must to scared to death.”
    “They’re fine,” Scarlet stammered. “Perfectly fine.”
    “Go back.” Blaze looked irritated. “Explain to them what is happening. Give them food and drink and anything else that they might need. I am entrusting you with this because our males might scare them. I’m relying on you and Ash to keep them safe and calm until the hunt tomorrow.”
    “They are not to be left alone. Not for a minute,” Blaze growled. “If