Down—down below is frightening. A crack within the lands so wide, deep and long that there’s no end to the vista swallowing the ground whole.
Gulping, I shout to the wind, “What is that?”
“The void, Little Human. The sea flows and Oriel’s people play.”
“Oriel?” The word is not one I have heard before. Not even in the fae texts.
“We climb,”Saff continues her straightforward instructions.
Her voice is a quick shot through my head, and I tighten my grip as we do just that, arrowing into the sky.
Closing my eyes to the suns until we level out again, I find us tunnelling through the mountains I’d seen from a distance before.
“Rest.” The idea is not accompanied by its usual strength, but a slow, breathy exhale from my dragon intimate.
Concern for the creature underneath me fills me with dread.
We land near the mountains, close to the sea, Saff finding a smooth, flat rock only accessible by air.
As soon as she’s on her feet, she crumbles. Quickly sliding down her back, I make my way to her slowly blinking, glowing eyes and place my hands on her scales, offering some form of ease.
“What’s happening?” I ask in haste.
“Too much flying,”she gruffs breathily.
“What?” The statement confuses me.Aren’t Dragons made to fly?I question my own knowledge about dragons from the texts I’ve read.
“My fire. It builds for my egg. Drains my body. Need release,”she continues, her words coming slowly.
“What can I do? It’s safe to release some of your fire here.” I point to the seascape before us, and she puffs smoke.
Even the thought of seeing that much fire terrifies me, but Saff won’t use it on me.
“No. Need fire for egg. So tired,”she says as she lays still on the ground.
“Oh, Saff.” My hands rub along her nose, and she closes her eyes. Through her release of memories, I remember her mate and the egg they created—a mate she loved with her whole heart, a mate she still mourns, an egg she is dying to find.
Her only mission is to find her egg and keep her fire safe for the baby dragon within, but that simple act seems to be putting a strain on her body.
Thinking of mates, the picture of a radiant fae prince enters my vision, and our tether strums a melodic, melancholy tune. With distance,it has grown quieter, letting me fight its constant pull towards my fae male.
I cannot imagine life without the bond—without Rivern—but I do not know if it is just of the Goddess’s making, or something my heart truly desires.
The pain I felt before finding Saff was excruciating—not the slow slipping into the abyss I am used to, but a snap of a tether running loose, faith misplaced,love lost.A feeling worse than death, I imagine.
Remembering, my whole body wants to cave in on itself.
Doubt is becoming a friend I am not sure I enjoy the company of, but it is a necessary companion, no less. Especially in this new life.
I want more clarity around my feelings for Rivern without the bond dictating them. With a shattered heart, the task does not prove fruitful.
Giving Saff time to rest, I find myself gravitating towards the endless sea rising from the cliff face we have landed on. Swiping at the hair tickling my face, I stare at the wide expanse before me. I can go anywhere or stay here, in these lands. The choice is now mine.
I have a friend now. Yes, she is a dragon, but companionship is companionship.
Maybe, once we collect her young and save my people, we can leave this place.
Argus stretches his long neck, bobbing it as if in agreement. I scoff. “Of course, the dragon likes the idea of spreading its wings. Don’t you have memories to be battling?” And at that, Argus huffs and plonks himself in front of my chest’s cave of secrets.
