Rath’s case wasn’t unique. Every once in a while, a dragon discovered an existence that drew them in. Of course, in those days, a dragon was more likely to bond with a vein of minerals or a mountain range than a living creature. It spoke to how rare Ryu was, to be able to attract a dragon naturally rather than through something like the Rift.
Tate’s people changed that.
Tate, stay silent for the next little bit,Ilith ordered.
Are we in danger?
Ilith made a sound in the back of her throat that was derisive.
Right, silly me. Who would dare threaten the mighty dragon Ilith?
Despite the confidence Ilith projected, she was nervous. She was weak from her long exile and not all dragons were kind to those who trespassed in their territory. Over a thousand years had passed since her last visit to this place. That was a long time even for beings like them. She didn’t know who was in that flock or if they would see her as a threat.
A tinkling sound like wind chimes carried on the air.
Translucent beings settled in a circle around Ilith. The air chimed as they whispered among themselves. The sun caught their crystalline bodies, sending prisms of color shimmering along their sides.
The most powerful of those present lifted his head. Unlike the others he’d grown enough to retain his coloring. Gold made up his base color with iridescent greens, blues, pinks speckled throughout.
It was rare for a dragon to have that coloring and made Ilith curious as to his development.
Welcome, exiled queen.
You know who I am?Ilith hadn’t been certain anyone would still remember.
Your story is a cautionary tale. The only queen with a true name exiled to wander alone. We never thought to see you under these skies again.
Ilith lifted her gaze to the sky he mentioned, her wings burning with the desire to take flight. To soar under never ending skies and relentless tides of power.
Why have you come here?
The question shook Ilith from her fantasy.I don’t know.
The truth. Her kind believed in destiny. If she was here, according to that belief, there was a reason. Only she didn’t know what that reason could be.
His gaze shifted to Ilith’s chest where her heart rested.I can feel another’s presence in you. You’re not fully of us. This isn’t your place any longer.
That was surprising. Ilith hadn’t thought they’d be able to sense Tate and hadn’t been sure how they’d react if they did know. This place was once considered sacrosanct. Only those judged worthy could pass under these skies.
If he could pick up on Tate’s presence so easily, she’d have to revise her estimation of him. He was a lord at the very least. Not some barely evolved youngster as she’d thought.
She feels like the other wanderer who visited a small time ago,the iridescent peacock colored dragon said.
He’s talking about Ryu and Rath. This must be where they came. That’s why Rath is suddenly more powerful,Tate said suddenly.
The other dragon tilted his head.You are correct, little one.
Tate’s surprise tangled with Ilith’s own. Hearing another’s bonded was rare.
It is time for you to return,the dragon said, jarring Ilith from her thoughts.
Indignant rejection filled Ilith. She just got here, and he wanted her to leave already. Desperation bubbled. She wasn’t ready. She needed more time.
Ilith, he’s right. We left Ryu and Rath, and the others. Tate’s guilt was a sharp dagger, digging past Ilith’s defenses.
The worst part was that it wasn’t only guilt over the ones they’d left, but also over asking Ilith to return and give up everything that was here.
Ilith closed her eyes. She’d forgotten for a moment in the rush of being home why she’d ended up with Tate in the first place. Resignation filled her along with relief. Tate had taught her what sacrifice was.
