Scales shimmered into existence like dawn breaking across metal—silver at the edges, deep red along the ridges, both colors layered and alive. Wings unfurled with a sound like the wind catching the trees. His tail curved along the rock, long and elegant.
And when his head lifted—
I lost my breath at how beautiful he was.
Eyes still Cole’s—still familiar, still warm, but glowing almost scarlet. “Holy—” I whispered, hand flying to my mouth. “Cole?”
The dragon lowered his head, touching his snout lightly to my chest, a careful, deliberate gesture, more tender than any kiss. Warmth washed through me. Home. That was what it felt like.
Ignatius stepped back, giving him room. “Fly,” he said with quiet pride. “Your mate will be here when you return.”
Cole spread his wings.
And leapt.
He rose in a smooth arc, slicing through the open sky, scattering snow in a sparkling spray. Sunlight struck his red-silver scales, sending shards of brilliance dancing across the clouds.
My heartbeat echoed in my ears, too full for my chest. He roared once—a sound that vibrated the mountain beneath my feet—then dove low over the ridge before spiraling upward again, testing his wings the way a newborn bird might do.
He was magnificent.
Ignatius watched with a small smile. “He is everything he was meant to become.”
“He really is,” I whispered.
Cole circled once more, a broad red-and-silver streak across the morning sky, then descended toward me. His wings flared wide as he landed, sending a gust of warm air and snow swirling around my legs. His talons dug into the stone, anchoring him with absolute precision.
He lowered his massive head toward me, exhaling a slow, steaming breath.
I stepped forward on trembling legs.
“Hey,” I whispered, touching the smooth, warm scales along his snout.
The world shifted.
Warmth burst through my palm, gentle, bright, familiar. A pulse. A recognition. And then a voice bloomed inside me.
Phoenix.
My breath hitched.
“Cole?”
The dragon’s eyes closed briefly, relief rolling from him in a wave I felt as much as heard.
I can speak to you…through the bond. Only when you touch me. You hear me?
“I do,” I whispered. “God, Cole, I do.”
Emotion surged so strongly through the connection it made my knees weak, and love, protectiveness, wonder, all braided together until I felt wrapped in him completely.
He nudged my chest gently, urging me closer.
Ride with me.
“I… Can I?” My voice wavered.
You are my mate,he said, the words resonating warm and sure inside my mind.There is nowhere safer for you than with me.
