I began to lower my arms, so I could focus on Vyper next, but Draco’s nose pushed against my palm again, a small growl leaving him. He wasn’t done with me yet.
“Don’t leave me alone.”He sent the image of him in hibernation into my mind, the feeling of loneliness that engulfed him in the transformation spreading through my chest, andI understood what Luna meant about making a bond.
Draco was detached from us after changing so fully; only memories kept him by my side right now. Memories, and my physical touch. He needed a new bond to stay or he would leave, becoming a solitary Dragon. Swiftly searching behind me, my eyes connected with Willow, who was half-hiding behind her mate.
When my gaze returned to Draco, I grinned.“I have the perfect companion for you.”Excitement rushed from him and into me,confirming he loved the possibility of having a soulmate.“But you have to be extra sweet with her, okay? Help her feel safe with you, and above all, take care of her… always.”
With his nod, I turned back again.
“Willow, how was your flight with Spartan?”
Confusion wrinkled her features, but she glanced from the fully grown Draco to me. “It was okay, I suppose. He didn’t eat me, so I appreciate that.”
Deep chuckles escaped Kingston, who hugged her to his side, placing a kiss on her temple.
“Great! Then you are ready for your own soulmate…” Removing one hand from Draco’s nose, I extended it towards her, silently calling her to my side.
Willow’s eyes instantly widened. “Have you lost your mind?!”
“Why? You are a strong and determined woman, a fighter at heart. We all know that,” I admitted. “There isn’t a single warrior here who isn’t afraid of you. I think they fear you more than they do Kingston.”
Our Elevated Warriors snickered at that, nodding.
“You were born to fly a Dragon, Willow. And Draco is perfect for you. He will protect you above all. He will love you, be kind, and loyal to you as long as you love him too…”
Smiling at me, as though she completely agreed, Evie turned to face her best friend. “Your parents and brothers always dreamed of seeing you on a Dragon, remember? You told me that. They knew you were the best of them and would reach heights they never could. I know you, Willow. Deep down, you always wanted that too, but the pain held you back. This is your chance reclaim your destiny, to make their dreams and yours come true. Take it.”
Willow’s eyes glistened as she glanced from Evanna to Draco, her gaze taking in every inch of him as though wondering if she could do this after all.
We all knew she could. This was her chance to heal from the past.
Tilting his head shyly towards her, Draco whimpered, calling her to him. I offered her my hand again.
Her gaze lifted to Kingston beside her, who nodded encouragingly, believing in her too. A settling breath expanded her chest, and she slowly walked towards me, her fingers curling around mine tightly. Willow’s hand trembled in mine, which only confirmed how courageous she truly was, opening herself to change even though it scared her. Pulling her close, I brought her to Draco, placing her hand on his nose.
The moment he felt her, the warmth of her delicate touch coursed through him, engulfing him whole and spreading into me. His sharp horns instantly retracted, leaving only smooth skin, and a soft hum rumbled from his chest in contentment. Willow’s lips curved into a tentative smile in response. He already loved her.
Wonder and disbelief captured Willow’s gaze with his docile response to her, and the feel of his smooth leathery scales. She began to caress him, slowly rubbing his nose until Draco’s eyes fell closed. Another hum left him, and he lay on the ground, giving himself to her. Fully enjoying her attention, he tilted his head like a puppy would, silently asking for more.
A few tears escaped her, but Willow laughed, extending her arms to hug his jaw, her cheek resting on him.
It was done.
Draco had claimed her as his soulmate.
An image of them flying together filtered into my mind, and I nodded, giving my okay.“Be gentle with her. This is her first time,”I reminded him.
Carefully wrapping his fingers around her torso, he lifted her to his neck and then lowered his wing for Kingston to join them—having already sensed the love ties between them. That was my Draco… always the thoughtful one.
I turned around, following them as they took flight, heading straight to the opening in the mountain, another wave of cheering erupting from the spectators. One down, one to go.
When I faced Luna and Vyper, he appeared to have calmed down. Could he have connected to me at the same time Draco had?
His gaze also followed his brother and Willow, but the second his eyes fell on me, a roar erupted from his mouth, its force pushing me back.
“What the hell, Vyper?!” I roared right back, a little insulted he was behaving his way.
No longer feeling like she had to hold him, Luna turned around, flying to the honeycombs, and leaving me the mess.“Sure, leave. I got this…”
