TWENTY-FOUR
DRAVEN
Draven’s obsidian dragon circled the castle gardens’ ancient clearing after he killed Veyra’s dragon. His dragon’s satisfaction ran bone-deep when Veyra’s emerald form had plummeted into the volcanic ridges below, taking with her eighteen years of manipulation, murder, and twisted revenge. She’d killed his father when Draven was barely more than a boy, murdered his mother in cold blood, and today she’d tried to destroy his mate and her family.
No more.
The clearing’s familiar obsidian stones came into view, and Draven banked sharply, his powerful wings stirring the air as he touched down. Lila’s crimson dragon landed beside him, her scales still gleaming with battle-fire residue and blood.
My warrior queen.
The transformation back to his human form felt like shedding armor—bones reshaped, scales dissolved, and within moments he stood naked in the garden where their love story had truly begun. Lila materialized beside him, equally bare and bleeding from her shoulder, her green eyes bright with adrenaline and relief.
He quickly closed the distance between them. “Lila, we need to get your shoulder looked at,” he said, his voice filled with concern.
“It’s fine, Draven. It’s just a little scratch,” she replied adamantly.
“Draven, you’re alive! Thank God.” Jarek’s voice carried across the clearing as his best friend approached with Gerri, both carrying bundles of clothing.
Gerri’s eyes sparkled with unmistakable pride as she handed Lila a simple white sundress. “Nothing like a good old-fashioned dragon battle on your coronation day.”
Draven accepted the jeans and black t-shirt from Jarek, his alpha instincts still humming with protective energy. “Where’s Lila’s family?”
“Safe inside with Nyra,” Gerri replied, her tone gentling. “Lisa and Liam are recovering from their aerial adventure. Being dangled from dragon claws isn’t exactly part of a typical family outing.”
Lila’s relief flooded through their solidified mate bond as she slipped the sundress over her head. “Thank you, Gerri. For everything. If you hadn’t shot Corin?—”
“Oh, honey.” Gerri waved a dismissive hand, though her expression remained fierce. “That backstabbing little weasel was about to put a bullet in our beloved dragon king. Nobody threatens my matchmaker family and gets away with it.”
My matchmaker family.
Draven felt a surge of warmth toward the enigmatic matchmaker who’d orchestrated his and Lila’s entire love story. “You saved my life, Gerri. I won’t forget that.”
“You can repay me by making some beautiful heirs for this kingdom,” Gerri shot back with a wicked grin. “Preferably sooner rather than later. I have a reputation to maintain.”
Heat flooded Draven’s body at the thought of Lila carrying his children. His alpha nature practically purred at the idea.
“Gerri!” Lila’s cheeks burned crimson, but her laugh was pure joy.
They soon made their way back toward the ancient fountain where the coronation had taken place. Most of the crowd had dispersed during the chaos, but Lyric remained with several council members and castle staff, coordinating the cleanup with his usual efficiency.
The head councilor’s weathered face broke into a smile as he spotted them approaching. “Your Majesties.” He held out their crowns—the obsidian and gold circlet for Draven, the delicate ruby-and-crystal tiara for Lila. “I believe these belong to you.”
The weight of the crown settling on Draven’s head felt different now—not burdensome, but balanced. Beside him, Lila stood tall as Lyric placed her tiara with ceremonial precision.
“The bravery and unity you both displayed today,” Lyric said solemnly, “proves beyond doubt that our kingdom is in capable hands. The way you protected each other, protected our people—this is what true leadership looks like.”
Pride swelled in Draven as he looked at his queen. “Lila showed courage that humbled us all. She’s everything a queen should be—strong, compassionate, and fearless. Our kingdom will see a new dawn under her guidance.”
“Our guidance,” Lila corrected softly, her hand finding his. “We rule together.”
Together. Always.
“I can hardly wait to help shape this beautiful new kingdom with you both,” Lyric said warmly.
“Speaking of shaping things,” Gerri interjected, linking her arm through Lyric’s with practiced charm, “why don’t we go celebrate somewhere and let these two check on their family? I know a lovely little place that serves the most divine Sidaii wine.”
Lyric’s eyes sparkled as Gerri practically dragged him away. “It seems I have no choice in the matter.”
