“Kicked their asses.”
“Looks like you’re feeling better,” I said with hot tears in my throat.
“I won’t be moving for a week, but at least I’m not dead anymore.”
“You were never dead,” Mom said gently.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I saw Riviana, but she told me to go back. Or maybe that was a dream…not really sure.”
My father stared down at him, his expression indecipherable.
“So…it’s done?” he asked. “No more demons and war?”
“It’s done,” I said. “Now we can go fishing and hiking like a normal brother and sister.”
He gave a weak smile. “Sounds good to me. Or maybe we can race our dragons. That’d be fun.”
“No dragon racing,” my father said quietly.
Hawk gave a slight shake of his head that clearly said, “Yeah, whatever.”
My father and I said goodbye to Viper before he left.
Scion stood in the courtyard with his pack hooked to the saddle and waited for him to climb up his side so they could disembark.
My father clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re a brave young man, and I appreciate all the courage you’ve shown the Southern Isles. If you ever call for our aid, we will answer with our dragons, navy, and allies.”
Viper nodded. “I appreciate that, King Talon.”
My father smiled slightly. “I’ve decided to step down from the position and give it to someone more worthy.”
My eyebrows lifted because this hadn’t been expressed to me prior.
“Lily and I haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet, but I’d like her to take my place as Queen of the Southern Isles and Protector of Free Dragons,” he said. “And I know she’ll honor the call.”
Viper switched his gaze to me, smiling slightly, like he knew we were about to have a fun conversation after he departed. “I can’t think of anyone better for the position.” Viper shook my father’s hand then turned to me.
My father silently excused himself and crossed the courtyard to where the cemetery was. He took a seat on the bench and waited until our conversation was concluded.
When it was just the two of us, Viper dropped his smile. “I’m glad everything worked out in the end—and we’re both still alive.”
“Yeah, we’re very fortunate.”
“First time I’ve witnessed you in battle. Very impressed.”
“Well, thank you. But I can’t take all the credit. Most of it isthe strength Callum gave me, strength I still have even though the Covenant has been destroyed. I don’t really understand it.”
“Because you’re meant to keep it,” he said. “That’s what I think.”
I didn’t know what to say to that.
He turned serious, staring at me for a while. “I wish you two an eternity of happiness.”
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“I mean it. He’s a decent guy. A lot easier to see now that he’s not the god of the underworld.”
“Yeah,” I said. “So this might be the last time we see each other.”
