The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 74

CHAPTER 74

The kitchen was awash in the quiet hush of evening light, warm amber pooling across the stone floor as the last rays of sun disappeared behind the treetops. The hearth still breathed a low glow in the corner, casting flickers of gold across the walls.

Saphira stood at the counter, hands working steadily wrapping parcels of bread, cured meat, dried fruit, and firm wedges of cheese with practiced precision. Her rhythm was calm, purposeful. Each motion a silent tether to something solid in the midst of everything still shifting beneath her feet.

Beside her, a pair of vials clinked softly against one another as she gently tucked them into the insulated pouch Nikolas had fetched. The blood bags, cool and well–sealed, were bundled in cloth to keep the chill–Jasper’s needs, accounted for.

Nikolas moved beside her, brushing his fingers over the tied leather loops of one of the satchels. “They’ll appreciate you doing this,” he said, voice low and thoughtful. He glanced at her then, sideways, gaze soft but searching.

Saphira shrugged one shoulder, not quite meeting his eyes. “It’s not much. But they can’t afford distraction out there–not from hunger. Not when they’re near Silvermoon’s reach.”

Her voice dipped slightly. “Especially Jasper.”

Nikolas hummed, jaw flexing as he considered. “No,” he agreed. “We can’t risk him losing control. Not that close to the border.”

“Exactly.” She pressed the last parcel into place, sealing the flap of the pack.

For a moment, the quiet settled again–until Nikolas shifted, his tone gentling.

“What about you?”

Saphira paused, her hands stilling. She turned toward him slowly, tilting her head. “What about me?”

He nodded toward the doorway. “What’s your next move?”

Saphira’s gaze drifted to the window, where dusk had painted the sky in purples and fading gold. Her fingers paused over a folded wax wrap.

“I need to talk to Finn,” she said eventually. “Explain everything and clear the air, I’ve kept him in the dark longer than I meant to.”

Nikolas said nothing–just listened, the quiet support in his stance grounding her more than she expected.

“And I want to train more,” she added. “In my dragon form. Not just the flights–I want to learn what I can do. What I need to become if this turns into something… bigger.”

“It already is,” Nikolas said quietly.

“I know.” Her voice softened. “But I want to be ready. Not just surviving it. Choosing how show up in it.”

Nikolas reached out and gently touched her arm, warm and steady. “Whatever you need. I’m with you.” Then, after a pause: “But just so you know–I’ll always protect you. Even if you grow fangs and claws big enough to scare off the moon.”

She smiled despite herself, just as the sound of boots echoed in the hall.

The low hum of evening settled around the house as/Jed, Raven, and Jasper appeared in the hallway–boots soft against the worn wood, small packs slung over their shoulders. Saphira’s gaze flicked to the bags, noting how light they looked. Essentials only. Speed and stealth over comfort.

“You ready?” Nikolas asked, stepping forward, his/tone calm but threaded with the quiet authority he wore so well.

Jed nodded once, eyes steady. “Yeah. The jet’s prepped. We leave within the hour.”

Nikolas scanned the three of them, his jaw fightening subtly. “Be careful,” he said, not quite a warning—more a promise wrapped in concern. “I don’t want to be organizing another search party.”

Raven flashed a grin and stepped closer to Saphira, her eyes warm with something softer. “We’ll be careful,” she said with a wink.“We’re the ber

CHAPTER 74

Saphira managed a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Nikolas shifted his attention to Jed. “What’s the plan?”

Jed adjusted the strap across his chest, his tone businesslike. “We’ll split at the ridge. Jasper heads north. I’ll sweep west. Raven goes east–closer to Silvermoon’s border. Recon only. No contact. We regroup, share whatever we’ve found, then decide how to move.”

Nikolas gave a small nod, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t ease. “Keep me updated.”

Jed gave a half–smile and a mock salute. “Always. If Damon so much as breathes near me, you’ll be the first to know.”

Saphira stepped forward then, grabbing the neatly wrapped food bundles from the counter–ration packs lined with dried meat, bread, fruit, and Jasper’s blood bags. She handed one to each of them.

“It’s not much,” she said, voice low, “but it’ll keep you fed for a few days.”

They accepted them with murmured thanks, slipping them easily into their packs.

Raven lingered a moment longer, reaching out to give Saphira a brief, fierce hug. No words this time–just the squeeze of fingers and the weight of unspoken stay safe.

Then Raven pulled back, her voice lighter. “Thanks, Saph. I owe you a girls‘ night when we’re back.”

Saphira smiled, the curve small but real. “Deal.”

Jed clapped Jasper on the shoulder. “Alright–let’s move.”

They exchanged farewells and headed toward the front door, boots echoing softly in the corridor. Saphira and Nikolas followed them out into the night, the cool air brushing against her skin as headlights from the waiting vehicle lit the drive.

She stood beside Nikolas as they climbed into the car, the doors shutting with firm finality before it rolled away toward the distant airfield.

Saphira wrapped her arms loosely around herself, eyes on the receding taillights.

“I hope they find something,” she murmured.

Nikolas stood close, his voice quiet beside her. “Me too.”

But neither said what lingered in both of their minds: What if what they find changes everything?

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