She’s planning something. I can feel it.
Through their strengthened bond, Draven sensed Lila’s mixture of nervousness and determination. She’d stepped into the role of future queen with grace, but the weight of scrutiny was taking its toll.
“You did perfectly,” he murmured against her ear. “Three more days, and you’ll be officially recognized as my queen.”
“And then we expose Veyra?”
“Then we expose Veyra,” he confirmed. “At the Bondfire Ritual, in front of the entire kingdom. She won’t be able to escape justice.”
The hall slowly emptied, leaving them alone with the lingering scent of funeral flowers and the weight of momentous change.
TWENTY-ONE
LILA
The crimson silk of the ceremonial dress clung to Lila’s curves like liquid fire, and its intricate golden embroidery caught the morning light peeking through the curtains of her guest suite windows. She smoothed her hands over the fabric, marveling at how the ancient design seemed crafted specifically for her body.
She couldn’t believe that today was finally the day of the Bondfire Ritual. She also couldn’t believe that she survived one whole night away from Draven. She initially protested the ancient dragon tradition that required them to spend the night before the ritual apart as an act of sacred cleansing.
One night apart from Draven, and I feel like I’m missing a limb.
“Stop fidgeting.” Nyra’s voice carried amusement as she adjusted the dress’s elaborate collar. “You look absolutely stunning. Draven’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
“That’s what I’m worried about.” Lila looked at her reflection in the mirror—the dress transformed her into someone regal and powerful. “His appetite has been... intense since we completed the mate bond.”
Nyra laughed, her fingers working to secure the ceremonial belt around Lila’s waist. “Welcome to mated life with a dragon shifter. Max was the same way after we bonded. Still is, actually.”
The mention of Nyra’s husband sparked curiosity that had been burning in Lila ever since the Queen’s funeral. “I still can’t believe you’re like me—a hybrid who didn’t know until after mating.”
“The difference is I always suspected something was off about me.” Nyra stepped back to admire her work. “Strange dreams, unusual reactions to dragon energy. But you? Complete surprise. That must have been terrifying.”
“Terrifying and exhilarating.” Lila turned, watching the dress flow around her legs. “Speaking of surprises—what did you find in the ancestral records?”
Nyra’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Your father’s last name, Reyes, appears in the records from two centuries ago. A dragon shifter named Cormac Reyes who disappeared during the Great Migration period.”
Lila’s breath caught. “Disappeared how?”
“The records suggest he left Nova Aurora to explore other worlds—Earth among them.” Nyra pulled out an ancient leather journal. “Look at this.”
Lila accepted the worn book, her fingers tracing the faded ink.Cormac Reyes—Royal Guard, Third Division. Fascinated by portal magic and distant worlds.Her heart raced as she read further.Last known location: Earth settlement, North American continent.
“My great-great-great-grandfather was Nova Auroran?”
“More than that.” Nyra’s voice dropped to a whisper. “He was part of the king’s personal guard. Your bloodline is noble, Lila. That’s why the mate bond with Draven is so powerful—you’re not just compatible, you’re meant to lead and protect.”
The revelation sent shivers through Lila. Everything made perfect sense now—her inexplicable comfort in the castle, her natural ability to handle royal responsibilities, and the way Draven’s clutch members instinctively respected her despite their initial reservations.
I was born for this.
“How does it feel knowing you’re essentially coming home?” Nyra asked softly.
“Like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.” Lila closed the journal carefully. “But right now, I need to focus on proving I deserve to be Draven’s queen.”
“You’ve already proven that,” Nyra said firmly. “The past three days of preparation have been impressive. Your meditation skills are stronger than any dragon shifter I know.”
Lila had thrown herself into training mode with fierce determination. Hours of breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and grounding practices—all designed to help her become the stabilizing force Draven needed during the Bondfire Ritual. The ceremony required him to maintain dragon form and breathe sustained fire for ten uninterrupted minutes while she anchored him through their completed mate bond.
Ten minutes of pure fire control. If I falter even for a second, he could lose his control, and his fire will go out.
