I didn’t know Braxton that well, or Maximus at all, but I knew enough about both to know they were strong, dominant, and hugely protective of their mates. I mean, Louis was another prime example—his mate was one of the strongest magic users in the world, rivaling him for power at times, and he still couldn’t quell his protective instincts.
They protected us because they loved us. I’d never doubted that about Asher, and he was actually really good at walking the line between protecting and smothering. But if this dragon believed they would have hindered us long enough to cost us the battle, then I was sure they would have. We knew the gods were to be free at any moment. Maybe she really had no choice…
How dangerous is this journey?
We dipped down then, like she was banking to come in for a landing.
It’s most certainly going to be the most dangerous thing you’ll ever do. But it’s the only shot we have. I’ve followed every possible path, looked into all the futures. This is our one chance.
She spiraled further, dropping much faster now, and I fell silent, trying to piece it all together in my head. I had no idea how she’d managed to block Asher from me, since all I’d read about these sorts of bonds had them beyond most magical manipulation. Original magic was clearly the exception, but I wasn’t sure she’d done the right thing blocking him out. Asher was powerful in his own right now, and I knew he wouldn’t rest until he tracked me down.
Will you allow me to explain this to Asher? It’s better for the world if he doesn’t lose his shit. I doubt he could get here in time to stop us, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
I thought she was going to ignore me. There was no reply for so long.
I will give you all a chance to say goodbye as soon as we reach our destination. It will be no more than a minute, because the moment we step into the path, we’ll be cut from the mortal world. And we must step onto the path right as the first beam of sunlight strikes the land.
About half of what she said made sense to me. I mean, I understood the words, but I didn’t have the context to truly get it. No doubt I’d find out soon enough. It sounded like this path was close, and I was really starting to hate that word.Path.It reminded me of my tiny fairy friend. For a second, I wished Mab was here, but she’d told me she couldn’t be part of this journey, for whatever reason. So I’d just have to be content with her soul-sister, the other obscure, riddle-talking, original-magic-bearing, dragon.
My stomach twirled as the dragon went into a death spin, plummeting us to the ground. I held on best I could, within the confines of her giant claws that covered most of my body, and then it was over. I could hear the gush of wind as her wings slowed, lowering us the last few feet to what I assumed was the ground.
When I was released, I pulled my power around me, cushioning my fall, but it was only a couple of feet. I landed smoothly, straightening and testing out all my limbs. Everything was in working order.
The golden dragon stood tall, towering what felt like miles above me. It was still dark, very dark and cold, wherever we were, but I could see her just fine. She emitted her own glow that was unlike anything I’d ever seen. The closest was probably Asher and his mother when they were powered up, but it still wasn’t quite the same.
Original magic is beyond all other. There are not many of us that can draw from that well, not directly.
She shifted to the side, just a single step, and I could see two prone bodies.Jessa!
I rushed over and knelt beside two faces that were almost identical.
Are they okay?
They were breathing and their faces looked relaxed.
The dragon nodded, her huge head slow as it moved up and down.Yes. They’re not as strong as you. They won’t wake until I allow them to.
I blinked at her.And when will you allow them to?
She almost looked shamed as she tilted her head. I mean, I wasn’t totally sure what shame looked like on a dragon face, so maybe I was more sensing the emotion.
Jessa will be upset with me.She keened in my mind.The same way you are. It hurts me when she’s angry, as she is my twin soul.
I didn’t know the full story of Jessa and her dragon, but I knew it had been something that broke Jessa’s heart. Whatever she’d gone through, it seemed her dragon felt the same way. Some of my annoyance at the scaly beast faded and I let out a sigh. The queen’s intentions were good … actions sloppy, but a good heart should always be rewarded.
She was trying to save the world.
I let my anger go.
Standing, I took a step toward her, placing my hand gently onto her leg.Wake them. Jessa will understand, and I’m sure it’s not long until this sunrise that you require to take the path.
Her huge eyes stared into mine, and I almost flinched away, because they were so all-seeing, powerful and scary in their intensity. Under that though, there was a well of kindness brimming in the depths.
You have a soul built of strength and magic, Maddison James. I’m not surprised you were chosen for this task. You will be our greatest asset in this war.
For some unknown, probably stupid reason, I was fighting tears. To have someone acknowledge that maybe I wasn’t a complete screw-up …shit. I shouldn’t need that reassurance, but I loved that she’d freely given it.
Thank you.
