Happiness engulfed my being at the thought, almost dimming the burden my father’s letter had left on me. Almost.
“You were born for this, Evie… Freeing Caelisium is your destiny…”
Although I knew his words were meant to be encouraging, the weight on my shoulders seemed to double. I always knew I needed to do this for my parents, but they truly believed this was actually my destiny. The single purpose why I was born. Perhaps it was true, if I was meant to be with Braxton Skystorm, the next Devenish king. Nevertheless, I still couldn’t help feeling the pressure weigh down my soul.
There was no room for failure.
“Is everything alright? Should I not have added a chair for Braxton?” Willow asked, suddenly doubtful after seeing the change in me. “I’m sorry. I can ask Finn and Elijah to remove it. I just thought—”
“No. This is perfect, Willow. Thank you for being so thoughtful.” Taking her hand in mine, I squeezed it reassuringly, turning around to take my place. “Today is the perfect day to announce that Braxton and I are together.”
Her smile returned, glittering with joy in a way that said she might know something I didn’t.
“What is it?” I couldn’t help but ask, my eyes narrowing on her. “What are you hiding from me?”
“Nothing…” she sing-sang and turned around, almost skipping away.
Chuckling, I shook my head. She was definitely hiding something.
Smoothing the panels of my skirt that parted to show my thigh when I crossed my legs, I glanced around us, enjoying the excitement that danced in the air. Hundreds and hundreds of our people gathered about the stage, the joy spreading over them as the band’s presence enlivened the event, officially declaring it a celebration.
A true smile curved my lips, seeing enthusiasm in the faces of men, women, and children alike. Today we weren’t a race on the run. Today we weren’t hiding and blending into the land, no. Today we had a taste of what a free Caelisium might look like for us, and it was about time we had this chance.
With the thought, my gaze extended to the perimeter set along the entirety of the ancient arena where a few of the Dragons from the Sky Legion stood guard just in case Raithian returned to threaten us. Braxton had arranged for them to form a “Dragon guard” today. To be on the lookout for any danger, which made me feel more secure. Some people in the crowd lightly danced to the ambient music while the children played, and others chatted among friends.
“Kingston hasn’t arrived.” The concern in my best friend’s voice called my attention to where she stood, by my side.
“He’ll be here, Willow. I promise you he will,” I assured confidently, caressing her arm to help her relax.
Although unsure of how he felt after what transpired with Braxton last night, I knew he would not miss this day. Granted, Braxton hadn’t shared everything about their conversation—respecting Kingston’s privacy—but he’d told me enough for me to understand that my guardian needed some time to process things and compose himself.
However, Kingston had personally asked me to let him give Braxton his title today, which was an incredibly important tradition and moment for both of them. I was absolutely certain he would not miss this for anything.
Nodding, Willow took a settling breath, standing tall once more, and continued to search the skies for the man she loved. Following her lead, I glanced at the clouds, finding something I never imagined I would see. Willow, however, seemed to be expecting it. With her signal, the band’s melody increased, trumpets rising and offering a fanfare as welcome.
Gasps burst from the audience when a thunder of Dragons, headed by Tharion, flew towards us, forming a perfect V-shape in the sky—just like birds usually did.
Venom, Ardor, Knight, Spike, Athina, Fulgur, Alkor, and even Star soared over us, sweeping the arena once before returning. Two by two, the Dragons began to leave the formation, each going their own way. Spinning in the air, rising, falling, and interlacing like ribbons they flew, passing each other.
Wonder captured me whole, just as it did our people, whose eyes never once left the spectacle. Whirling around on the throne, I followed Tharion while he gave the arena one more sweep before flying straight towards us.
Suddenly, Braxton stood tall, letting us see him for the first time, and ran full force over his neck before diving off Tharion’s head. His body flipped in freefall, like he’d been sky riding his entire life, the cloak dancing behind him with the breeze. One spin, two, three, and he was coming dangerously close to the ground; he needed to catch a new Dragon soon, or…
Our people seemed to sense the same thing, because tension captured the crowd, and even the band’s tune dimmed.
Appearing out of nowhere, Ardor sliced through the air the next second, her mind-blowing speed shocking us all. Brax landed in a perfect crouch on her back.
“Yes!” I screamed, jumping to my feet as the entire arena erupted in celebration, the band perfectly increasing the beat to match the excitement. It was all planned.
Laughing, I joined the hundreds and hundreds of our people applauding the stunt while my mate continued to jump from Dragon to Dragon with stunning precision. His black and gold armor gleamed brilliantly under the sun, making him seem like a god.
A strong hand rested on my shoulder then, and I glanced behind me to find my guardian smiling at me. While he stood there, the gentle giant I had always loved, I noticed that something had changed in him. The light in his eyes told me so. Reaching for his hand, I intended to turn it and place a kiss on his scarred palm, but the smooth feel halted my breathing.
My eyes snapped to his hand to find flawless skin spreading along each finger and wrapping around the back all the way to his wrist.
His burn scars were gone.
Another round of cheers and applause erupted behind us, but I pulled my guardian’s other hand to my eyes, my thumb caressing perfectly healthy skin there too.
