“There are young dragons who are attempting to learn on their own how to conduct themselves in battle. They need wisdom and guidance from their elders beyond what was imprinted on them. That was how our society worked. Too many are gone, but that doesn’t mean the young should be forgotten. Or left on their own to learn what should have been taught to them.”
Benedek nodded. “I see. The young ones give you purpose.”
Szelem gave Benedek another side-eyed stare. “I have made mistakes, Benedek, thinking my age gave me wisdom and that was all I needed. I stopped being wise when I stopped learning.”
“I understand what you’re saying to me.” He did. He had learned quite a bit about himself on this journey, and part of that education was from this very dragon.
“When I awakened this evening and rose from the rich, rejuvenating soil beneath this forest, the first thing I saw were the magnificent colors overhead. It has been long since I saw in color and to see shades of red, pink and orange felt like a good omen.”
The ancient dragon looked skyward. “I believe it is a good portent.”
“After the battle with Emil and knowing what transpired with Silke and Castello, I want a day together. I don’t feel like that’s asking for a lot, just a day for the two of us to be alone and enjoy ourselves without worrying about war. That’s what I’m asking for, Szelem, a day before Lilith sends her demons to overtake the villagers.” He gave the dragon a lift of his eyebrow.
Szelem yawned. “I hope this for you,” he said. “But life doesn’t always give us what we wish for.”
Benedek scowled at him. “A little encouragement is in order.”
“I did encourage you. Do not waste your time talking to an old friend. Go find your woman and enjoy your time with her.”
Benedek thought it good advice. He dared to place his hand on the ancient dragon, right between mushrooms and moss. “Thank you again for my life,ainaakfél.”
“Before you go, take dragon blood to make you stronger.”
That was an offer given to very few people. Most Carpathian hunters were never given the opportunity, yet when he was a young man and his family had attempted to murder him, the dragon had provided blood on many occasions. Normally animal blood wasn’t sufficient to heal wounds such as the ones Benedek had sustained, but dragon blood was different. It was ancient, extremely powerful and healing.
“You humble me,” he murmured and, as respectfully as possible,took the blood the dragon offered. Szelem lifted his scales to give Benedek access to the vulnerable underside of his neck, allowing the Carpathian to take the life-giving vitality from the ancient dragon. The nutrients, plasma and platelets were superior to anything else Benedek had experienced when it came to healing. The blood also boosted his natural vitality, strength and abilities.
Are you able to meet me in the small clearing in the middle of the forest, Silke? I need you this evening.
He didn’t care if he sounded vulnerable. It was the truth. He wanted her to know she was his first thought. His first priority.
It is good to hear your voice. When you are belowground, I grieve for you. It will take a few minutes for me to get there, but I am on my way.
Her voice moving so intimately in his mind filled him with all kinds of emotion. Everything from relief to joy. He instantly felt alive. How often had he awakened and moved through the world in a gray haze? Centuries of nothing and now this wonder. This miracle. A human woman. Who would have ever known such a thing could be?
Once again murmuring his thanks, he took to the sky, seeking Silke, eager to see her. To be with her. Taste her. Claim her. He had gone in the space of a few risings from believing himself incapable of love to knowing that love truly existed. Those risings had given him more lessons than he’d experienced in the last couple of centuries. He had firmly believed that loyalty was all he would want from his lifemate. Now he knew he not only wanted her allegiance but her love.
Could she love a man like him, with all of his failings? Was that even possible? He not only wanted her to love him, he needed her to have that intense emotion for him the way he did for her. Things had changed drastically in just a short time.
I feel as if I’ve known you forever.It had to be said. She needed to know. He did feel that way, as if somewhere in time he had been with her before.
I feel the same,Silke admitted.I have no idea why I was so afraid to commit to you. Now I can’t imagine my life without you. When you’reresting in the earth, I can barely function. Intellectually, I know you’re alive and well, but my mind wants to touch yours for reassurance.
He knew that tremendous instinct was the lifemate bond. The reaction would be even more severe after the second exchange of blood—which was absolutely necessary. He didn’t like the idea of her suffering needlessly, but going into battle, he felt it imperative that he be able to bring her into his world quickly if she were to suffer a mortal wound.
I don’t like that for you. I want you with me where I know you’re safe.
As soon as the battle with Lilith is over, I will gladly go into your world.
Silke sounded and felt absolutely sincere. The truth was not only in her voice but in her mind and heart. She had made up her mind to commit to his world fully, even with the knowledge that she would leave behind the human world.
Two lessons in humility in one rising, one right after the other. First Szelem had gifted him and now Silke.
Benedek made his way to the clearing in the middle of the forest. He stood outside the small clearing, looking up at the trees. To get inside, he walked through arches formed by tall trees. The moonlight spilled through the branches to create a medley of colors. The moonlight seemed to find and illuminate several blues, vivid greens and even gold and silver rays, casting them onto the forest floor and the clearing itself. The mosaic moved with the slight breeze, creating ever-changing patterns of mesmerizing color.
The floor of the meadow was a carpet of velvet grass, cropped close to the ground. Rich beds of flowers lined the clearing, mostly white starflowers that lifted their petals toward the moon. Overhead, stars began to appear, at first faint but growing diamond-bright in the sky over the small opening in the forest.
Benedek placed a thick blanket directly in the center of the clearing. They were safe as long as they were in the ancient forest, but he wove safeguards, meticulous with each strand. He intended to spend time with Silke, concentrating on her, not their surroundings. He wanted her to not only feel safe but be safe.
