The battle has become so intense that they’ve projected it onto the big screen at the front of the classroom. I can hear other students murmuring in appreciation and concern as they watch our forces clash. It’s down to the last six units on both sides, or at least that’s what it looks like to the casual observer.
But from the bowels of my digital fortress, I’ve hidden my last heavy weapon—a surprise I’ve been saving for exactly this moment. He launches into the air and shifts, revealing himself to be a black dragon like me. The simulated roar echoes through the speakers as he sprays acid all over the remaining troops of Azalea’s forces, the green spray dissolving everything it touches.
The green light turns on over my side with a triumphant chime, and my sister immediately hugs and kisses me. Her embrace smells like the vanilla perfume she wears, mixed with the adrenaline-sharp scent of competitive excitement.
“You sneaky bitch,” she laughs against my ear, her voice full of admiration rather than anger. “I can’t believe you hid a dragon in the basement!”
We hit the replay button and talk each other through what happened, analyzing every move and counter-move with the intensity of military strategists. Her tactical mind impresses me as always—she nearly had me beaten until that last surprise.
By the time we’re finished with our analysis, only we and the teachers remain in the room. The other students have filtered out, leaving behind the lingering scents of nervous sweat and electronic ozone. There are only three more classes left, and then I can go check on Titan.
The thought of seeing him makes my stomach clench with worry. Tomorrow’s processional hinges on his recovery, and I’m not sure what I’ll do if he can’t carry me. But first, I have to get through the rest of this day—one class at a time, one simulation at a time, one step closer to whatever tomorrow will bring.
I fly as fastas my wings can carry me across the campus to the stables, the autumn air rushing past my face and through my hair. My black membranes cut through the wind with powerful beats, each stroke driven by urgency and worry. I land with barely a sound on the packed earth outside the stable entrance, my boots hitting the ground in a controlled crouch.
I go running into the shadowed interior, the familiar scents of hay, leather, and horse surrounding me like a comforting embrace. The wooden structure creaks softly as I make my way to the back, where Titan has been recuperating. As I get closer, I slow to a walk, not wanting to startle him in his weakened state.
I approach his stall carefully and immediately see the problem—he’s not putting his full weight on his front leg. The sight makes my chest tight with sympathy and frustration. I open his stall door, the metal latch clicking softly, and he turns to look at me. I can see the sadness in his dark eyes, a deep melancholy that mirrors my own fears about tomorrow.
I don’t hesitate and move in quickly to hug him, wrapping my arms around his massive neck as far as they’ll reach. His coat is warm and soft beneath my hands, and I can feel the steady rhythm of his breathing. “Don’t worry, Titan. I’ll figure something out for tomorrow.”
He makes a series of vocalizations—deep whickers and soft snorts that seem to carry more meaning than simple horse sounds. Thecommunication feels almost like words, though I can’t explain how I understand them.
“I’m not mad if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m sad that you’re hurt.” The admission comes out thick with emotion, and I press my face against his neck, breathing in his familiar scent of warm horse and sweet hay.
“You’re getting a lot better at understanding him,” Hemlocke’s voice comes from behind me, and I turn to see him leaning casually against the stall door. His dark hair catches the afternoon light filtering through the stable windows.
“I can’t explain it. I think I can feel what he means? If that makes sense.” My arms stay wrapped around Titan’s neck, reluctant to break the connection. A soft purr escapes my lips as I hold on to him—a dragon comfort sound that seems to soothe both of us.
“I may have a solution for tomorrow,” Hemlocke says, rubbing the back of his neck in a gesture that speaks of nervousness. His usual confidence seems slightly shaken as he looks at me.
“Oh?” I release Titan reluctantly, and the war horse immediately uses his massive head to push me gently toward Hemlocke. A laugh escapes my lips at his obvious matchmaking attempt. “Okay, I’ll go listen to what he’s offering.” I laugh again before kissing Titan on his velvet-soft nose, tasting the salt of his skin. “You’re so pushy.”
Shaking my head with fond exasperation, I step out of the stall and follow Hemlocke outside. The late afternoon sun feels warm on my face after the cool shadows of the stable, and I can smell the distant scent of wood smoke from somewhere on campus.
“I don’t know how to say this, so I asked Leander to be here.” Hemlocke’s voice carries an uncertainty I’ve never heard from him before. Arching a brow, I see my nest father standing just outside the stables, his familiar presence both comforting and curious.
“You’re not going to kill Titan, are you?” Panic shoots through me like ice water, and my eyes dart between the two of them. I stop abruptly and spread my wings wide, creating a barrier between them and the stable entrance. I feel my talons extend with sharp clicks, and scales rise along my neck in an automatic defensive display.
“No, Raven, we’re not going to harm him. He’s coming to live in our territory—he’s being retired.” Leander’s voice is gentle but firm, and I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Relief floods through me, making my knees slightly weak.
“Oh, if that’s it, that’s fantastic news.” I turn to head back to Titan, wanting to share the good news with him, but Hemlocke stops me. His large hand wraps around my wrist with gentle but firm pressure.
I look down at where his hand rests on my wrist and realize exactly how small I am compared to him. His fingers easily encircle my arm, and the contact sends unexpected warmth up my skin. I look up into his eyes, noting how they’ve shifted to show the otherworldly glow of his unicorn nature.
“I’ve spoken to your birth father and nest fathers, and I would like to offer my shifted form as your mount for the processional.” He drops to one knee before me, his hand sliding from my wrist to clasp my fingers gently. The position puts him closer to my height but makes the moment feel incredibly formal and significant. “I have also asked permission to court you after your twenty-first birthday. That is, if it’s okay with you.”
My heart hammers against my ribs like a caged bird as I stare down at this beautiful man. The late afternoon light creates a halo effect around his dark hair, and his eyes burn with sincerity and hope. Black unicorns aren’t prey animals like regular horses—they have canines and are omnivores, and like dragons, they’re naturally armored. The thought of him wanting to court me makes something warm and fluttery take up residence in my chest.
I bite my bottom lip, tasting the salt of nervous excitement, and nod slowly. “I would like that very much.”
He leaps up faster than I can comprehend, his movement a blur of controlled power and joy. He scoops me up in his arms and hugs me to his chest, my feet leaving the ground entirely. We spin in a circle, and I laugh while purring up a storm—the sound vibrating through both our bodies where they’re pressed together.
It’s the first time someone has asked me what I wanted, if I would accept something. The consideration and respect in his proposal makes my dragon practically glow with satisfaction.
“Let’s get you saddled so Raven can get used to riding a unicorn,” Leander says, his voice carrying fond amusement. He pauses and grins widely. “You have no idea that you just made her childhood fantasy of riding a unicorn come true—something she’s dreamed about since she was a hatchling.”
Heat floods my cheeks as my nest father lets my secret slip, but I nod anyway, too happy to be embarrassed. The admission feels freeing rather than mortifying.
