"Aurelia?" My mother's soft voice dances in my head. "Is everything all right?"
I smile. "Who do you think is faster? Corvex or Seraxes?"
Mischief twinkles in her grey eyes. "I suppose there's only one way to find out."
And just like that, we're zipping across the sky. Corvex might have Seraxes beat on size, but Seraxes is built for speed. Just like me, she is far too stubborn to lose. I make myself smaller, pressing my chest against her scales and allow her to spear toward the rocky mountain top.
The sun blazes and I can't help but wonder if my father is watching as my mother and I race before the city wakes. The urge to have him walking amongst us is stronger than normal. Despite the impossibility, I'm grateful he led me here. He led me home. He led me to my mother.
Seraxes slices through the dawn, her scales shimmering with a blueish purple tint. She's a magnificent creature. With ease, she pulls out in front of Corvex and crosses over the peak of the tallest mountain before zipping back toward Fendruil.
As soon as Seraxes' claws touch the platform, I slide off and land on my feet. She snorts, blowing my hair across my face.
"Watch it, Seraxes," I mumble, pushing my long locks behind me. "Did you see?" I point to my boots. "I landed upright this time!"
She thrusts her muzzle against my hand.
"Are you looking for a treat? I'm afraid I only brought one."
But she's not sniffing me. She pushes my hand upward, as if she's wanting me to pet her. Seraxes isn't an affection dragon, but I take a chance and run my gloved hand across her snout.She closes her eyes, allowing me to rub her. Willing to press my luck, I lower my forehead and rest against her head. She doesn't draw away. For a quiet moment, we allow ourselves to breathe together.
"Thank you, Seraxes," I whisper, opening my eyes to look at her. She's already watching me, a twinkle in her eye.
Beating wings flap toward us and Seraxes pulls back to watch Corvex thud to the ground. With an annoyed huff, she trots inside the stable and finds her way to her pen.
"It seems we've discovered Seraxes is indeed faster than her brother." My mother slides down Corvex who quickly follows after his younger sister, as if to give her a piece of his mind. Sylvane tugs her gloves from her hands and grins.
"She might be small, but she's competitive."
"That she is," Sylvane bobs her head. "I can't begin to tell you how incredibly proud I am seeing you and Seraxes bonding." She reaches me and places her hands on either of my shoulders. "You two have come alive. Your partnership is beautiful."
"I think she's coming around to liking me," I chuckle.
"I would say so," she agrees. "I'm famished. How would you feel about having breakfast with me?"
"I'd love that."
We start up the hill back to the main gate to return to Stelara.
"How are you feeling about returning to Tronovia?" she asks.
"I'm feeling a lot of different emotions," I admit and feel a bit of treachery seep into my heart. "I love Tronovia. It's beautiful and the people welcomed me with open arms."
"But?"
"I feel obligated to stay here. This is where you are. Now that I've found you – found my family – I'm not sure I want to leave."
"Aurelia," Sylvane grabs my wrist and turns me to face her. "You may be a Basilius, but you're also a Sol, and soon to be Harland. You have many homes. Don't limit yourself to bestuck in one place because you feel some familial obligation to do so." Her palm cups my cheek. "You remind me so much of your father. Headstrong, empathetic to the needs and wants of others, and an immense sense of duty and loyalty to your family. I told you before, you will never be alone. No matter where you go, no matter what the future holds, I will be there."
I wrap my arms around her, and she tugs me flush against her. When I was a little girl, I craved this kind of love from Keres. She never deprived me of expensive gifts, beautiful dresses, or courtly gossip, but she wasn't someone to show her love physically. I can clearly remember being hugged a handful of times throughout my life. I didn't entirely realize what I was missing until I met Sylvane. It's like all the missing pieces of my life fell into place the first time she hugged me. Now, I feel safe when I'm with her. I don't need to earn her love, she offers it to me freely. Without realizing she's done it, she's healed the younger version of me. I will forever be grateful for her.
She doesn't move until I pull away first. I hadn't noticed I was crying until her thumb sweeps across one cheek and then the second.
"Everything will be all right, Aurelia."
I hope she's right.
"What would you say if I asked you to travel north with me on a slight detour on our way to Tronovia?" she asks, releasing me when my hands drop.
