Steady as the breeze that circled.
Smaller Wyverdraki moved all around, some flapping their wings. Some rising into the sky to tangle with one another. But the Rhamocour didn't move.
"From today until my last, you have my life," Bala whispered. "Allow me to look after our home and protect the sanctity of our forest. I am yours."
The Rhamocour's head dipped in response, a low purr emitting from her throat. Bala's hand sank onto the beast's nose, and purple fire lit up from the inside, illuminating everything in its wake. It rose up her neck to her spiked spine, then all the way down the ridge and to her tail. A warmth pulsed over Nyssa's skin at the feeling it exuded for Bala, heart bleeding with the swelling of its love.
Nyssa reached for Dorian's hand and held it so he could feel it too.
She heard him curse under his breath, and he squeezed her hand back as the feelings filled his core.
Shadows wrapped up Bala's arm, moving around and around her limb, and Nyssa watched as Bala's own phoenix marking began to glow purple on her skin. The bond of the Noctuans radiating through her. It crawled her form all the way up to her face and her eyes, and when she opened them, purple fire flashed.
The Rhamocour sank to the ground and bowed its head.
Followed by every Noctuan on the beach doing the same.
Nyssa looked around, noting the Ulframs lying down, the Noirdiem with bent front legs. Even Samar had joined them, and her glowing figure settled on her knee. Nyssa wished she could see into the trees. See if the Aberds were bowing from their places in the trees.
A screech sounded in the air. Wind knocked over them. Three sets of great wings circled over the scene, and then the enormous birds landed in the sand. The Noctuan brothers of the Aenean Orel, the Aviteths, had arrived. Almost like great ravens in appearance, they too bowed low for their new King.
Seeing Bala become crowned King by the Noctuans, seeing them accept her as their leader, had Nyssa restless and determined.
Nyssa glanced to Dorian, who nodded in response, and together, they dropped to their own knees.
The first of the Promised line to ever bow before a Venari. Nyssa and Dorian took their places behind her. Supporting her.
But Bala wasn't having it.
She turned and reached for them both, tears coming down her cheeks as she tried to keep herself together. She pulled them off the ground and into a great hug.
"Together," she managed. "We were left to save this world together." Her hands rested on theirs when they pulled away, and she squeezed their hands as she looked between them. "I cannot hold this world on my own. I need you two at my side."
"Together," Dorian promised.
The Rhamocour purred behind them, and Nyssa shifted as she had an idea. "I want to try something,” Nyssa said.
Dorian exchanged a look with Bala, who shared his curiosity. "Okay."
"Just... Count for me to keep me from falling under."
Dorian nodded.
The pair turned towards one another and held their hands together. Nyssa tried to remain relaxed as she pulled for her fire, unsure of what she was doing but knowing the two in front of her would keep her grounded.
"One," Dorian said as the ash rose on her fingertips.
She gritted her teeth, heart beginning to skip. "Two," she managed, streaks pulsing.
"Breathe," Dorian reminded her. "Hold there."
"I can’t—“ it stretched further than her elbow, and she started to shake.
"Yes, you can. Eyes on me,” Dorian said firmly.
Her gaze lifted to his, and she felt her insides calm.
"One," he repeated.
