“He’s dead,” Kezra explains more bluntly.
“What the fuck are you talking about Kezra? He’s right there. Alive and well.”
I try to tune out the painful story being told again, pressing myself so deep into him I almost think we could merge into one person. I focus on the deep tenor of Daegan’s voice and the rumbling in his chest as he summarizes the story again for Raef. I tune out the details, unable to hear it again. I just want to feel him, absorb him with all of my senses.
“You fucking prick.”
Raef is mad. Madder than I’ve ever heard him. Daegan says nothing as he continues to hold me, occasionally kissing the top of my head.
“So do we just sit up here and wait until one of them flies?” Raef scoffs, anger and sarcasm tinging his words.
“It’s only a matter of time. Seems like a nice enough place to… wait. You’re all here now.”
My chest. My fucking chest. I can’t breathe.
“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me you stubborn bastard,” Raef says with anger dripping in his voice. But worse than that… I hear acceptance.
“You know why.” Daegan doesn’t sound angry or hurt or scared. He sounds like he’s accepted his fate, and he’s enjoying his last moments with his loved ones with peace and serenity. It breaks my heart even more. “Has anyone tried yet?”
“No,” Raef answers. “They’re afraid to. Much of the veil still remains.” His words are tinged with deep sorrow and less anger.
I finally pull my head away from Daegan’s chest, still holding on, but enough to look back at Raef. Our eyes lock, and our anguish mirrors each other’s.
He shakes his head, breaking eye contact, and takes a seat on the sandy hill. He looks up at the sky and exhales. “This was supposed to be the best moment of our lives,” he mumbles.
Daegan turns me around, keeping his arms around me as he guides us to the ground. He leans back on his hands and I lean against his chest. I don’t know what else to do except sit here and just be with him.
“Stupid fucking stars,” I mumble, refusing to look up at them.
But it’s hard to avoid now. The veil is dissipating more with every passing, anguished moment.
“Daegan,” I say softly, unable to muster anything more. “Do you… want to try?”
“No.” His answer is immediate. Certain. “I’m staying right here. With you.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
We watch the dragons assembling below, now illuminated by the light of the stars and the moon somewhere. I don’t care to look. I’m more spellbound by the way everything looks at night now. Bright. Glowing.
And then it happens.
With the flap of a dragon’s wings, my whole world is changed. I whip around to look at him. My heart and soul. Our eyes lock, possibly for the last time, and so many emotions flood his eyes. He looks sad, but also grateful,serene, and most of all, he looks at me with so much love that I could never possibly doubt it.
“I hope you live the best life, Elysande. Be happy, be brave, and be fierce. I’ll be waiting for you.”
He glances at Raef, his best friend, for a moment. He nods, his expression full of gratitude. “Look out for each other. Unite Everrynd.”
We both nod as my eyes well again. I don’t want to look behind me. I hold his gaze, and for a moment, I let myself hope. Maybe he got it wrong. Maybe Maethrel found a way.
But as I hear the flapping of massive wings rising on the air behind me, I somehow know.
“Goodbye, Elysande. My star.”
“I love you with my whole heart and soul, Daegan Vaelor. Always.” A chocking sound escapes me as I reach out and wrap an arm around him, lowering him to the sand.
And then I watch as the life leaves Daegan’s eyes.
His hand goes limp in mine, his strong, steady presence already gone, just like that.
