“What if I’m not strong enough?” The fear slipped out of her mouth.
Nyra’s hands gripped her shoulders firmly. “Lila Reyes, you stabilized a fire-mad dragon king, uncovered a conspiracy, survived an attack, and discovered your own dragon heritage—all in the span of one week. You are exactly strong enough.”
A knock interrupted them. Jarek’s voice carried through the door. “Ladies, time to go. The amphitheater awaits.”
Lila’s stomach fluttered with nervous energy, but beneath the anxiety, anticipation thrummed through her veins. Today shewould stand before the entire Southern Dragon Dominion and prove she belonged at Draven’s side.
Today I become a queen.
When they descended the castle front steps, Lila felt a familiar warmth spike in her chest—Draven’s presence through their bond. His emotions flowed to her: pride, love, and absolute faith in her. The sensation steadied her racing heart.
He believes in me completely.
Jarek helped her into his vehicle. “Ready to make history, Your Future Majesty?”
“As ready as I can be.” Lila slid into the passenger seat, Nyra settling behind her.
The drive to the amphitheater passed in companionable silence. Through the windows, Lila watched Nova Aurora’s landscape blur past—volcanic ridges, crystal formations, and lush valleys that had become home in ways Earth never quite managed.
This is where I belong now. This is who I was always meant to be.
As they approached the ancient amphitheater, Lila’s breath stopped in her chest briefly. Hundreds of dragon shifters filled the stone seats, their voices creating a low rumble of anticipation.
Through their connection, she felt Draven’s presence intensify. Somewhere in the preparation chambers beneath the amphitheater, her mate was readying himself for the most important ritual of his reign.
Send me your strength,his voice whispered telepathically.I need you, my queen.
Lila closed her eyes and pushed back waves of calm, love, and unwavering support.
I’m here. We’ve got this.
The amphitheater stretched before Lila like a colosseum from ancient Earth as she walked inside the front gates and into the arena. The crimson silk dress clung to her body like a second skin as she approached the center of the arena floor, each step deliberate despite the butterflies rioting in her stomach.
This is it. Everything comes down to the next ten minutes.
Jarek’s steady presence flanked her left side, while Nyra was to her right—both of them radiating protective energy that helped calm her nerves. The arena floor felt solid beneath her feet, the black volcanic stone polished smooth by centuries of rituals.
In front of her, waited the Ring of Fire—a perfect circle of obsidian stones that seemed to pulse with dormant magical energy. The stones were massive, each one standing nearly as tall as Lila herself, and she could feel ancient power humming through them like a heartbeat.
Those stones have witnessed countless queens prove themselves. Now it’s my turn.
Movement caught her attention from across the arena. A tunnel opening revealed Draven striding into the sunlight, and Lila felt her heart skip. His ceremonial suit was midnight black with silver threading that caught the light of Nova Aurora’s twin suns. The fabric was clearly expensive—tailored to perfection across his broad shoulders and muscular frame.
He looks like a king. My king.
But it was the piercing intensity in his golden-brown eyes that made her pulse spike. He approached with that commanding stride that made crowds part instinctively. When he reached her, his large hands cupped her face with gentleness.
“You look breathtaking,” he murmured.
Before she could react, he kissed her—bold and claiming in front of the hundreds of witnesses. The crowd’s reaction was immediate. Gasps of shock from some quarters, and enthusiasticcheers from others. Lila melted into the kiss, letting herself draw strength from his unwavering confidence.
When they broke apart, she saw approval shining in his eyes. “Ready to really make them gasp, my queen?”
“With you? Always.”
Lyric Tavek stepped forward, his ceremonial robes flowing as he raised his voice to address the crowd. “Clutch members of the Southern Dragon Dominion! Today we witness the Bondfire Ritual—an ancient test that has crowned queens for over a thousand years!”
The amphitheater fell silent except for the whisper of wind through the stone seats.
