Silence stretched between us as we flew over the glimmering coastline, the cliffs of Warriath fading behind us. The air grew thicker; wilder as we entered ancient skies.
“We’ll have to lead a mission to the Fae Sanctuary,” Zander said at last. “You and I. Together.”
“And Remy,” I added, my voice edged with inevitability.
Zander’s tone darkened. “Unfortunately. But at least we know Thrall Squad will be an asset.”
I nodded. “Especially now that we have the lowborns.”
Hein began to descend then, circling slowly over the edge of a massive island, green with wild grass and edged in obsidian cliffs. He angled toward a large clearing carved in the center of the trees.
Two dragons waited there.
Siergen, smaller and coiled like a red statue.
And Kaelith.
Her wings were half-open, her violet scales catching the light like living amethyst. She didn’t roar, didn’t move.
She simplywatched.
Waiting for me.
Hein touched down with the grace of a creature born from thunder and steel, his wings folding neatly to his sides as the massive silver dragon came to rest at the edge of the clearing.
Zander didn’t dismount.
Instead, he looked back at me and gave a single, silent nod—motioning toward the dragons ahead.
I slid off Hein’s back, my boots hitting the earth softly, the air thick with something…ancient.Charged.
I didn’t ask if Zander had permission to unmount. From the way Hein remained utterly still beneath him, I guessed permission hadn’t been granted yet.
Or hadn’t been needed.
As I stepped forward, Hein slowly backed away into the shadows of the surrounding trees, leaving the clearing for what it was meant to be.
I approached the two dragons waiting in the grass and sunlight, the one who had always come when I called, even if he didn’t belong to me, and the one whodid.
Siergen stood like a sentry, all scarlet elegance, his tail curled at his side and his glowing gaze locked on me.
But Kaelith?—
She was as still as stone, every ripple of violet scale gleaming with restrained power. Her wings were half-extended, her body tense, coiled like a question that hadn’t yet been asked.
I stopped a few feet from her, heart tight in my chest.
“May I ask why I’m here?” I said aloud, not sure if it was to either dragon or myself.
Her mind entered mine like a storm sliding through a still lake.
I have fought our bond long enough, Kaelith said.I have a question for you.
My breath caught. I swallowed hard. “What is it?” I asked aloud.
Her voice vibrated through my bones.
Do you agree to share your power with me, fully? No barriers. No hesitation. It is a lifetime commitment. Your lifetime, that is. I will grace the skies long after your bones turn to dust.
