Time seemed to freeze as Clover’s warm lips brushed against mine. Her hand slid from my armor to tangle in my hair, tugging gently, and when the initial shock wore off, I melted into the kiss. The moment was fleeting–far too brief–and when she pulled back after what felt like a single heartbeat, I instinctively leaned forward, unwilling to let it end.

  Two sets of eyes bored into us, but I didn’t care. Let them stare. I was getting kissed by a gorgeous woman. The bird’s issues could wait.

  Her laugh hummed against my lips as she kissed me again. I grinned despite the situation, our watchful audience, and the fact she’d called me an idiot just minutes ago. Giddy excitement coursed through me, and when she finally pulled back, her sigh was warm and fond.

  “You’re my idiot.”

  I shrugged, the grin still plastered on my face. “No complaints here, but do I get to know why I’m an idiot?”

  Her exasperated look was equal parts affection and frustration. “Darling, I don’t care about the snake. I care that you’ve almost been cooked alive in your armor several times today. And the closer you get to the last floor, the worse it’s going to get. I can only heal so much. If we fight, you'll be covered in blisters before the snake is finished.” She tapped my cheek with a soft huff. “I care about you.”

  Oh.

  Warmth swept through me in waves, tugging at something deep in my chest. I smiled. “I appreciate it.”

  Reluctantly, I tore my attention away from her to face our audience. My spirit hadn’t turned, but I could feel the weight of her scrutiny, drilling into me. Ignoring it for now, I focused on the phoenix.

  Desperation still shone in its gaze, and I squared my shoulders. “She’s right. My armor is a huge disadvantage. I doubt the last level is any cooler, and I, for one, really don’t want to fight with blisters on top of blisters.

  Clover’s grip on my hand tightened, and I caught the flicker of relief on her face from the corner of my eye. I couldn’t blame her. I’d been terrified when she’d nearly been eaten by those spiders, and while this wasn’t quite the same, it was still a fight where the odds weren’t in my favor.

  I’d be just as worried in her place.

  My spirit’s voice cut through my thoughts, her attention shifting to the phoenix. “Phoenixes have the power to bestow their blessings, as all spirits do. If you grant him your blessing, he will be as immune to flame as you.”

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  Now that could come in handy against the dragon!

  The phoenix dipped its head. “If you agree, I will bestow my blessing. Heat and flame will do you no harm.”

  I turned to Clover. “What do you think? I know we’re on a tight schedule with the herb, but if we can, I’d like to help.”

  She sighed, resigned affection softening her features. “You really can’t help yourself, can you? You see someone in trouble, and you have to do something. Whether it's helping a stranger save refugees or stepping in to reunite a phoenix with her eggs.” She didn’t give me a chance to speak, pressing on. “You’re a good man, and I’m not about to let you die for it.”

  She turned to the phoenix, her eyes flashing with steel. “Make us both fireproof. We’ll clear the way and deal with the snake, but you’d better back us up. We’re not risking our lives without some kind of help from you.”

  The phoenix spread its wings and launched into the air, nodding. “On my life, you will have my blessing and my aid. Is this acceptable, spirit?”

  The last question was directed to my spirit, who inclined her head. “My threat still stands: no harm shall come to my Chosen by your talons.” She paused, her gaze flicking to Clover. “Or his companion.”

  Clover chuckled. “Good to know I’m included.”

  Neither the phoenix nor my spirit responded, and with a final flash of light, the latter vanished.

  I will be watching. Be careful, my Chosen, my spirit murmured through our bond, her voice a soothing presence as familiar power hummed in my veins.

  I will. And thank you–for everything.

  We wouldn’t have stood a chance without her intervention. And now I’d even be fireproof when it came time to fight the dragon. That was a gift I’d gladly accept.

  The light faded from the room, leaving the phoenix looming overhead, anticipation radiating from it like heat. “Are you ready?” it asked.

  I glanced at Clover, offering her my hand. “I am. What about you, Sweetheart?”

  A soft flush bloomed across her cheeks, and she took my hand with a huff. “Sickly sweet nicknames already? You’re lucky I like you.”

  Her tone lacked any real bite, and I raised an eyebrow, grinning.

  “You’ve been calling me ‘Darling’ since we met. Turnabout’s fair play. Besides, we kissed–that means I get to call you sickly sweet nicknames. It’s a rule.”

  I wiggled my eyebrows, earning a laugh that chased the pink from her cheeks. Linking her arm with mine, she followed the phoenix toward the last floor. “Is that so? I’ll have to ask about these rules once we get the herb to Starkfell.” She leaned in close, her voice a teasing whisper. “One of them had better be, ‘Clover gets to chase off suitors,’ or I’ll be very displeased.”

  I snorted. “You’ll probably only have to worry about that in Dawncrest. But sure, go ahead. They’ve been bolder lately, and I’m always reluctant to literally throw them out. Something tells me you’ll show no such hesitance.”

  Her grin turned wicked as we reached the staircase. “Oh, trust me, Darling. By the time I’m done, they won’t dare lay a finger on you.”