Fisting her hand to control the tremors in her muscles, Ling advanced toward the three hooded figures. Panic darted around inside her and she struggled not to succumb to the urge.

There was no going back.

Only forward.

If she didn’t convince these pricks she was Jingzhi, everything would be over.

The middle of the three lowered his hood, regarding her with disturbingly black eyes. Which one was he? Lucy’s uncle? Nat’s dad? Or Daji’s ex-husband, who was supposed to have been destroyed…

She gulped, unsure. The guy’s skin was malformed and…peeling? Ew, gross. Gloopy black stuff oozed from the edges of what used to be human flesh. The effect warped his countenance into something unrecognizable as either human or demon.

A hybrid.

“Ling.” The male angled his head, offering something like a grin, only it was pretty twisted.

Crap. She started, ready to bolt, but the figure on the right dropped its hood, too, revealing racecar red hair.

“Nǎinai?” she squawked. “I mean, Da Xia?” Was this a trick? The exit behind her was tempting, but she refused to bolt.

“Hello, darling.” The Feilong dragon glided forward.

Ling inched one foot behind her, gauging the demon male. What was her grandmother doing with him?

“Ah, sorry.” The tall, athletic male prodded his face, snatched a handful of flesh at his jaw, and ripped it off. His body contorted at odd angles until a familiar face smiled back at her. A slender nose, sculpted cheekbones, and chiseled jaw resembling the fine-boned features of an elf.

“Zeus?” She blinked, jaw dropping, before she swung her survey to the third figure. Who in the hell was he?

“Oh, right.” Da Xia snapped her fingers and the cloak dropped to the ground, empty. “Just for show.” She winked at Ling.

“Who are you putting a show on for?” She hadn’t yet decided if they were her allies.

“The Demon Kings, of course.” Zeus swept his arm out toward the impressive fortress they stood in. “Despite the Chosen efforts, all four Demon Kings continue to thrive.”

Well, that sucked.

“We followed you here.” Zeus winked at her. “Thought you could use a little help, lovey.”

Though she squirmed inside, recalling the various reasons why she should feel humiliated around her ex-cat, it was good to see her family again. “You were the ones watching me, in the Den of Dragons, but how?”

“Darling, don’t you recall who instructed you on how to find the ‘Floating Islands?’ ” She folded her arms loosely in front of her.

“You did.” She pursed her lips and scrunched her brow. “You always told me it was the one place anyone could be safe. Oh.”

“That’s right.” Da Xia sent her a warm smile. “I knew that if you ever got into real trouble, you’d find your way to me. The Den of Dragons is my home.”

“Why didn’t you greet me?” She would’ve felt a hell of a lot better about staying there if she’d been aware of her grandmother’s connection.

“You needed to find your own path, Ling. Besides, Cao did a fine job of defending you and earning your place there. It was not for me to interfere.”

“Until now?”

“Aye.” Zeus rubbed his hands together. “When Cao went back to the mirror for a second time, we realized things were about to get out of hand. That you’d require our help. And here we are.”

“Thank you.” Confidence surged through her. She pried the shén stone from her spirit and showed it to the Feilong dragon. “Can you channel its power and put me back in my own body?”

“Indeed, I can.” She smirked at the precious gem. “We must hurry, before the Demon Kings sense our presence.” Da Xia crooked her fingers for them to follow her down another mirrored corridor that ended in a spiraling staircase. One by one, they filed up the stairs, toward the open space at the top.

A mirror just like Gen’s hung in the middle of the far wall. It was the only thing in the room.

“What now?” Ling glanced between her two companions.

“Now,” Da Xia ground with predatory intensity, “we give Jingzhi a call.”

* * *

The moment Jingzhi shifted into dragon form to strike, Cao was ready for him. Ry and Taelen erupted into their dragon shapes, too, and the chamber filled with incandescent dragon fire. Blasting everywhere.

Jingzhi was blown backward, slammed onto the ground. “You sure you wanna damage this body, Cao?” He adjusted his jaw. “Face it, there’s no way out for you. Hand over your bodies, or I’ll destroy Ling’s.” He braced one razor sharp claw at Ling’s neck. “Tick-tock, what are you going to do?”

Dammit. Cao glanced at the other two dragons. If Jingzhi killed Ling’s body, her soul would be worse off than it was in Dìyù. She might wander…forever.

If he accepted defeat, her sacrifice would be for nothing.

No good choice here.

Every which way they were screwed.

Cao heaved in a few steadying breaths and grimaced at the bright flash of light sparking into the chamber. “What the hell?”

It was a portal.

A portal to Hell, emanating from the demon mirror.

Through the murky reflection, he viewed three cloaked figures. Could they be the Demon Kings? Two must be Xiaodan and Xing, but who was the third? Couldn’t be Jingzhi, since his body was stuck in one of the chambers of Hell. Price and Daji had taken care of Dì Xīn, hadn’t they? Unless Daji’s ex hadn’t been destroyed…

An image slammed into his mind, and suddenly he didn’t view three hooded males, but rather, Ling, Da Xia, and Zeus.

Holy shit. Her guardian family had come to the rescue.

“Perfect timing, my Lords.” Jingzhi smirked into the portal. “I’ve found you new bodies. Dragons. I think you’ll be quite pleased with them.”

Jingzhi dug into his soul and produced a stone. An indigo stone. “What the fuck?”

Brilliant, Ling. The old switcheroo. He’d taught his little thief well.

Through the portal, Ling looked straight at him and opened her palm, revealing the shén stone.

His brother frowned at the rock in his grasp, then prodded his chest, as though unable to procure what he was searching for. “What the hell is this?” Jingzhi snarled, waving the jīng stone. “Where is it, huh? Where’s the shén stone?” He shot his glower to Cao, but he raised both hands.

“Don’t look at me. I didn’t steal it from you.”

“Then who the fuck…” Jingzhi glared into the portal and focused on the third figure, who lowered his hood. The image of his soul, occupied by Ling.

“You filthy bitch!” He lunged for the portal, but jolted and froze. A hazy blur formed over him.

Sheep?

Fuck, yeah. The spirit animal pinned him in place, sinking to kneel. Ah, so that was how they’d switched the rocks. Crafty little Sheep.

He stood over his brother and sighed. “This wasn’t what I wanted. I’ve always prayed for you to find repentance, brother, but I realize you won’t. I’m never going to let you get away with hurting people again. Enjoy your stay in Hell. It’s where you belong.” He wrenched the jīng stone from his brother’s grasp. Jingzhi couldn’t speak due to Sheep’s control, but the raw rage in his black depths clarified things for Cao. This creature was beyond redemption and he didn’t have to carry his burden of guilt anymore.

Ling handed the shén stone to Da Xia.

The gem glowed upon her palm and emitted a low humming while the dragon closed her eyes and whispered, “Switch.”

Ling’s body vibrated on the ground. As she went limp, Sheep released its control. Cao bent and scooped her into his arms.

On the other side of the portal, Jingzhi collapsed, the soul flopping about on the smooth dark floor. “Pathetic humans,” Jingzhi chortled. “You think this is finished? We’ll figure out another way, and then crush you to dust. Won’t we?” He glanced at his companions, but one of them tore off her cloak, revealing racecar red hair and dazzling blue eyes.

She bared her teeth, crouching low over Jingzhi. “No, we won’t.”

Her companion slashed a hand through the air, slamming the portal closed.

Holy crap, what had just happened? Cao shifted Ling in his arms and peered into her face. “Ling?” Gods, please it let be her.

She moaned, her dense lashes fluttering, revealing those gorgeous molten silver depths. “Cao?”

“That was bloody dangerous what you just did.” Relief and worry whipped through him. He tossed his head, unsure what emotion he was going to go with. “And bloody brilliant, too.”

* * *

Cao’s reprimand rang through her ears. Hell, yes, they were actually her ears. Ling tossed back her head, comforting assurance melting through her body.

My body.

Who would have dreamed she’d miss it this much?

“Don’t you ever risk yourself again,” Cao continued scolding.

“Yes, my love,” she murmured, lifting her head to grin at him. “Trust me, the only thing I’m going to do right now is take a hundred baths.” She shuddered, not sure which was worse. Being in Jingzhi’s body, or him being in hers.

“I know the feeling.” He rested his forehead against hers.

“Sorry about that.” She winced at the claw marks healing on Cao’s face. At least they wouldn’t leave scars as they healed.

“Don’t be. I’m bloody proud of you for standing up to him, and so grateful he didn’t…” Cao clamped his jaw.

Yeah, she didn’t wish to finish the concern, either.

“What was your grandmother doing on the other side?”

“She and Zeus came to help me. They’ve been watching us since we arrived in the Den of Dragons. Apparently, they live here. I had no idea.”

He whistled low. “I wonder how Jingzhi’s taking it.”

“Pretty badly, probably.” She smirked. “Without the shén stone, the Demon Kings have no power to switch souls with the living. None of them have a corporeal body anymore, so they don’t have the ability to cause harm here. What I’m curious about is how it’s possible for Dì Xīn to be alive? Price and Daji had seemed certain they’d eliminated him, completely.”

He swung his head. “What if the demon part of him was strong enough to survive? Maybe there’s still a piece of the puzzle we’re missing.”

“Right. Each of them was killed in this world but continue to exist in Dìyù as part demon. Without a method for crossing over, they’re stuck there. For now.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Ry crossed the room and hugged Ling. “We’ll give you some space to rest.”

“Thanks.” She smiled at her friend, and then at her brother, both of whom departed the cave together.

Just then, the mirror shimmered and two figures leapt through. Da Xia and Zeus? They straightened, dusted off their clothes, and waved at her and Cao.

“What did you do with Jingzhi?” She swallowed, not sure she wanted to know.

“Nothing permanent, I’m afraid.” Da Xia approached, concern furrowing her brow. “Are you all right, my dear?”

Ling bobbed her head. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for your help.” The air in the cavern suddenly grew thick and awkward.

“Of course.” Her features softened and mist formed in her eyes as she returned the shén stone to Ling. “I may have handed over your guardianship, but in many ways, you will always be my granddaughter.”

“And you will always be my…human slave?” Zeus sniggered and pawed the air. “Me-ow.”

She staggered to her feet, marched to Zeus, and slapped his cheek.

“Hey, Ling,” Cao barked.

She narrowed her eyes and grated, “He knows what that’s for.”

“Yeah, I deserve it.” The spying little rascal rubbed his jaw, grinning wickedly.

Da Xia’s arms wrapped about her, clasping her in a fierce embrace, before releasing her with a kiss pressed to her forehead. “Take care of her, Cao Guojiu.”

“I will.” He gave a solemn bow of his head.

Whistling, Zeus pried the demon mirror off the wall. “We’ll be taking this back.”

“Please do.” Cao grimaced at the mirror.

Departing the cave, the pair sauntered off, arm in arm.

Finally alone, she twisted to regard Cao. “I’m sorry you thought you had to save your brother by yourself. I wish I’d been here to help you.”

Cao raked a hand through his hair and scoffed at the ground. “I was a bloody fool for hoping he could be saved. My guilt blinded me to the truth and I placed you in danger. I can’t ask you to forgive me for that.”

“Oh, Cao.” The anguish in his words pierced through her heart. “You don’t have to. There’s nothing to forgive. You wanted to see good in him. It’s not your fault there was none left.”

He lifted those honey eyes to send her a desperate gaze. A wave of relief poured through her. It really was Cao, not Jingzhi.

Ling stepped to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his solid chest. “You’re a good man, Cao. You’ve done everything in your power, and no one will blame you for what he’s become. Let’s put it in the past. Now, can we please go get cleaned up?” She stamped down the creepy tingles on her spine. “I have to wash off this demon residue.”

“Hell, yeah.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “So do I.”

* * *

Well, that was the end of it, for now, at least. Cao sank into the heated pool, letting the warm water cleanse his body. He sensed the cuts on his cheek had healed. All traces of Jingzhi were being washed away.

For good.

Never again would he trust to hope in his brother. He’d learned the hard way some people were beyond redemption. It had almost cost him his soul and the soul of the woman he loved.

Cao slanted his admiration to Ling, who moaned beneath the spray of water. He was lucky she was so bloody brilliant. Her quick thinking had saved them.

From my mistake.

The guilt of not saving his brother now became the guilt of having put her in danger.

What would he have done if…?

No. He whipped his head and refused to contemplate any other outcome.

One thing was certain about the future. They were nowhere near defeating the evil that had overtaken the world. Not even close. Evil might have been shoved back, but it was just as strong. Just as capable of ripping away everything they cared about.

Ling had been right. Those stones were more important now than ever. Especially since the other side seemed to covet them, too.

Their powers were far more potent than either of them had guessed. Three out of eight wasn’t bloody enough. They had to secure the rest of the stones, before the demons did.

He closed his eyes and tossed back his head, soaking in the warmth. Splashing crossed his ears and Ling settled onto his lap. He pried open one eye and arched his brow at her.

“I had an idea,” she hummed, wriggling against him, the water sloshing between them.

“Yeah?” He groaned as her slickness brushed against his dick, making him hard and throbbing.

“We can’t hide here anymore. This isn’t where we’re supposed to be. My grandfather is hunting us, but I might’ve figured out how to stop him. You kind of inspired me, so…” She undulated, and he hissed in a breath.

“That’s…great…” he rasped, raw lust for her pounding through his blood. “Would you like to know what you’ve inspired me to do?”

She chirped a coy laugh. “Oh, I can tell.”

That did it. Cao seized her hips and thrust himself inside her, impaling deep into her tight pussy. She gasped in a soft cry and then mewled as he pounded upward, slamming her on top of him.

He grunted and clutched her, grazing her soft skin with his teeth, biting those curvy mounds of her breasts, and dug his fingers into the plumpness of her ass. For a few minutes, all he did was hammer himself inside her, the steady rhythm making his mind blur. Drowning away the fear and panic and awfulness of the past hours.

The torture in that hellish chamber. The terror of not knowing whether she would be okay.

He poured everything into his thrusting, demanding and unrelenting, until his body burst and his cock shot scorching white heat into her, spending everything he had.

Cao slowed, drew out the last delicious bits of bliss, and nuzzled his face into her breasts. Ling wrapped her arms around him, cradling his head in her warm embrace, and gently rode him now, her tightness enclosing him with such tenderness.

Love for this woman pulsed through his entire being. She was everything. Hope he’d dared not dream of. Affection and acceptance he hadn’t been able to give even himself. Yet she offered it to him, so freely, so selflessly.

He’d lived a thousand lifetimes, but only since meeting Ling, had he truly felt alive.

She’d taught him how to forgive, how to fight.

And how to love.

* * *

Ling groaned and tossed onto her side, squinting at the bright rays of dawn light beaming across the bed. While playing hideaway from the world in the Den of Dragons was fun, it also wasn’t practical or realistic. If the Qinglong dragons wished to come at her, then let them come. She had an entire crew of Chosen to help her fight them off, and it was time she learned to be part of the team.

This wasn’t her problem, or Cao’s. This was everyone’s problem. They were Chosen, awakened in the time of need, with the singular job of restoring balance to the world. She’d never been meant to tackle this alone.

A lesson learned a little too late, for both her and Cao.

“Hey, you okay?” Cao rubbed her back in a comforting, circular manner.

“Mmm. Yes. I’ve been thinking.”

“So have I.” He hovered above her. “Time to call in the cavalry?”

She laughed and bobbed her head. “Just don’t let Price hear you call him that.”

A grin tugged at the corners of his lips. She pressed a quick kiss to his mouth before slugging herself from bed and dressing.

“What about Taelen and Ry?” Cao shrugged a black t-shirt over his head.

“This place is good for them.” She pursed her lips, caught between wanting them close, and needing them safe. “It would be better for them to stay.”

“You’re right.” He laced his boots and donned a long leather jacket. “Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to have someone here, on the inside.”

“Although, I’d like to ask for their help in searching for the other stones. The sooner we collect them and piece them together, the more leverage we’ll have with the dragons. Even my grandfather won’t oppose us then.”

“If they can be found,” he scratched his jaw thoughtfully, “these dragons would be the ones to recover them.”

Ling slung on a leather jacket and zipped it up. Cao nodded at her from the other side of the room. Together, they marched from the cave, into the morning light, toward the main chamber.

Gen reclined on his throne, with several dragons in human form gathered in a semi-circle around him. Taelen and Ry were there, too. As she stepped forward, Gen caught her eye and inclined his head, as though he’d been expecting her.

Weird.

Then again, torch dragons were unusual beasts.

“Hey everyone.” Ling wended past the gathering and hopped onto the ledge beside Gen. “As you may have heard, we had a brush-in with several Demon Kings from Dìyù, the ones responsible for unleashing the Plague God and the Red Death. They’re the reason behind the mess our world is in right now. We fully intend to stop them, once and for all.” She straightened her shoulders, for the first time grasping this, her destiny, was clear before her. “I’m sure you’re familiar with the Legend of the Stone. Well, what you may not know is it’s not a myth. The Stone is real, albeit broken into eight pieces and lost for millennia.” She reached into her jacket pocket and produced the two fragments, holding them up for everyone to see. The egg-sized rocks warmed in her hand, emitting a calm reassurance. “But not all of it is hidden. These are two pieces, which bear the powers of the Three Treasures, shén and jīng. We have the third, the qì stone, stowed in a safe place.”

A cascading murmur crossed through the crowd. Everyone edged forward, curious and drawn by the stones. She didn’t blame them. After all, this gem was the reason dragons had come to this world. Their connection to it ran deep, in their blood and bones.

“I’ve found three pieces, but I’m afraid the other five have evaded me. I believe, because, I’m not meant to discover them. You are.”

Raised brows and low mumbles passed among them. “The five stones remaining are the Element stones. While the Three Treasures belong to humans, the Elements belong to you, the dragons. I’m convinced they’ll only reveal themselves to you.” She paused, inhaling a slow breath, and glanced once at Taelen and Ry. “Which is why I must leave you. I’m Chosen, and I belong to a different task. The Demon Kings are my responsibility to stop. Once we succeed, we’re going to need you, dragons, to convince the others not to leave. We need you here, to rebuild the Earth. This world can belong to all of us if we triumph, or none of us if we fail.”

Rolling whispers of consent ebbed through the gathering. Fists bumped chests. Heads bowed. Fire burned in their eyes.

Smiling at their sincerity, she veered toward Gen. “I’m going to leave you with this task. You know your people better than I do, and I’m confident you can locate the stones.”

He studied her with knitted brows. “Humanity may be beyond saving, even if we succeed in uniting the stones, even if it’s enough to convince my kind to stay.”

“I know.” She swallowed thickly. “Without dragons and your magic fueling our world, every bad thing in existence will consume us. We have to try, we have to fight. Even if the fight is one we might not win.”

“You’re brave, Ling.” He nodded once, eyes glinting with molten fire. “I respect that. We’ll fulfill the task you have bestowed us. We’ll unearth these stones and, perhaps, we’ll save your kind. Just don’t get your hopes up.”

He winked, and she wasn’t sure if she should be comforted, or concerned.

One never could tell with dragons.

That left one thing. She veered toward Taelen and Ry, who’d advanced to the edge of the platform.

“Are you sure we can’t come with you?” Ry pouted.

“I’m afraid so.” She leapt down and hugged her friend fiercely. “I don’t trust anyone else to keep these dragons in line.”

She flashed a grin at Taelen, who smirked back at her.

“Damn straight, sis.”