Caden squirmed under everyone’s stare. He wasn’t that special! Iolaire was!
“Caden gives second chances,” Landry said and there was a few scatterings of applause. “And third chances, and fourth chances.” People laughed. “But the reason he does it is because he believes in the good in people. And I can honestly say, that if he hadn’t believed in the good in me, well, I’m not sure that I would have believed in it. He sees it in you and you want to see it, too. So… to Caden!”
They all raised their beers and said, “To Caden!”
Caden blushed, but headed to the stage to help Landry down. He embraced her.
“Landry,” he said in her ear, “I only ever saw what was in you all the time.”
“Thanks for helping me find it.” She held him tightly back.
They played pool and darts and ate and drank themselves silly before Rose was, once again, taking Caden by the arm and tugging him outside. Once more, they piled into the SUV and were driven off safely. Though Valerius had been afraid of what would happen with him out in public, the truth was that people were friendly, but they didn’t crowd him. They kept a respectful distance until he gestured for them to come over. So though he was the White Dragon King and Iolaire was the most approachable of the Dragon Spirits, the public didn’t take advantage of that. Or, at least, that’s what he hoped. They had seen him go after the Behemoth. They had seen the Behemoth. They might all be just a little more afraid of Shifters now.
“Where next?” Caden asked, shaking off those gloomy thoughts.
“The final place!” Rose beamed.
“Everything’s been so awesome, I can’t imagine anything better,” Caden admitted.
“Oh, I think you’ll find this the best. It might even outshine your wedding,” Rose chuckled.
“Now you’ve got me intrigued!” Caden laughed.
Simi drove them outside of the city on the winding highway, but then he was heading back towards Reach… to the Gash. Caden blinked as they parked outside of the Gash. The moment that Caden opened the door he heard music blasting from inside.
Rose took his arm and she let him inside. Caden gaped. The entirety of the Below had been transformed into a nightclub. There were flashing lights and pulse-pounding music. Every door was open. Every business was serving drinks and food free of charge. Everyone was dancing and laughing and having a spectacular time.
Rose took his arm. “The Below knows how to party better than anywhere else. Welcome to the final place, Caden!”
No Dancing
Earlier…
Valerius knew he was avoiding getting ready. His feet were bare. His chest was bare. And he was sitting by the fire, said feet and chest bathing in the warmth of the flames. Raziel had its big head on its front claws as Iolaire was staring dreamy-eyed ahead, immersed in whatever evening that Caden was having. So neither of them had the attention of their mate. Valerius wished he could pet Raziel’s head, right between its ears, as they both needed comfort. The red eyes regarded him.
It is Iolaire that enjoys being petted, Raziel muttered.
Oh, I think you would like it, too. I petted Iolaire. Ask Iolaire if I’m a good petter, Valerius teased.
I would hardly feel you through my scales, which are big and mighty and strong, Raziel insisted.
What about under your chin?
Same!
In your armpit?
SAME! You are in a strange mood, Raziel muttered and its red eyes smoldered at him.
I never thought to be married or mated, Valerius explained. And I am utterly thrilled about the prospect. It is actually hard to be away from Caden.
We will see him soon. In a few hours. Make the most of this time, Raziel advised. Things are calm. We have bested our enemies. Our friends are around us. There is good food and drink to be had.
All true. But we will have to endure it with Illarion and Mephous, Valerius chuckled.
No more little Dragon syndrome there. Not as much in any case, Raziel observed.
I know! You and Mephous played nicely together, too! Valerius chuckled more.
