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‘Where are you, so I can tell you how handsome you are?’

‘You’ll see.’

It was only a tiny blight on this day so far, that after celebrating with me when I was affirmed to be raised, Voski had disappeared an hour earlier and I didn’t know where. But I’d been so busy receiving congratulations on passing the final trial, bathing, and preparing for this ceremony, that I hadn’t had time to grow anxious. He remained close enough to speak. That was a blessing, as well.

Our range had grown. We could maintain conversation even if one of us was at the castle, and the other in the stables now. It was such a relief.

There was no distance between us. No echo. No struggle to reach my mate anymore. He had thrown his heart wide open. I was so grateful, even when that meant sharing grief. I had never felt more loved.

I blinked back tears again. I would not cry today. Today was not for grief. It was for joy. Because I was about to finally, officially become a Furyknight.

The thought stilled me. When they’d first told me I passed and sent me off to bathe for the ceremony, I’d spent the time waiting to see if anyone would rush through the door to tell me it had all been a bad joke. Or that I was being dragged back to Fyrehold.

But, no. It was really happening. I was one of them. One of us.

I wanted to bounce on my toes, but I was on stage with everyone watching. I took a deep breath and focused on the dragons. Koa and Kham were perched on the wall, in direct line of sight.

Koa kept stretching her neck, raising her head to the sky, and singing, as she fluttered her wings. The other dragons on the wall, rather than growing disgruntled, either sang with her, or gave space for her demonstrations.

Another reason happy tears pricked my throat.

In a line alongside me, three men stood. A quick glance revealed that I wasn’t the only one overcome with mingled pride and thrill.

The youngest of the three—still a teenager, I thought—openly wept, though he kept his lips tightly pursed and jaw jutted forward. I wished I could squeeze his arm and reassure him.

Voski and I recently learned the benefit of a few tears.

I blew out a breath and focused.

With the queen now seated at the side of the stage, and the three wing commanders, the highest-ranking Furyknights under Donavyn, lined up behind her throne, it must be time to start?

They leaned into each other, serious-faced. But, though our leaders looked stern, they didn’t seem worried.

Some of the cloud of darkness that had hung over the dragon keep for months had lifted in recent weeks, as the Furyknights found their new routines, the dragons thrived, and treaties between Fyrehold and Vosgaarde were negotiated successfully. Donavyn had even traveled with the queen for a short trip to meet Fyrehold’s new, young king, and sign an alliance that, upon their safe return, seemed to give every Vosgaardian in power reassurance that they could breathe easier.

The threat of war was waning.

As far as we could find, the Cruors had not made a return to power in Fyrehold. Voski had consulted with those sent to hunt what was left of the network. For a time we’d been nervous he’d be asked to travel with them. But it was agreed he was too recognizable to any in the castle, and so he stayed home.

Thank you, God.

A roar went up from the gathered Furyknights, breaking through my thoughts.

Donavyn strode onto the stage, followed by a sharply dressed royal footman, carrying a blue cushion with four shining Furyknight pins laid out.

I began to shake, and felt the rush of love and reassurance from Voski in the bond, though he didn’t speak. Donavyn received the salutes of the three wing commanders, then of the Furyknights in the arena. I snapped one arm to my chest and shouted, “General, sir!” with the others. I almost choked on the word, the pinch in my throat was so sharp.

It was happening. It was actually happening. It had taken months to heal, and more months to train, but I was finally here. And I couldn’t wait.

Donavyn bowed elegantly to the queen, who received him with a smile, then he turned to address the entire gathering.

He gave a speech that somehow lit my heart with joy, but entered my head and then disappeared. There were many words about honor, striving, strength, and humility. And I agreed with every one. But I couldn’t hold them in my head. Until at last…

“…and so, as each man and woman before me who is pinned with the sacred purpose of Furyknight can attest, today we honor our new servants. Our brothers, and sister, in arms. Our partners in purpose. And our friends. Furyknights, attend! I present you, the new members of your Furyknight family!”

The cheers squeezed a new tear from my eye. I beamed.

The chaos barely eased before the squadrons marched to the stage, and to my joy, my brothers and sister first lined up in front of me, stepping forward one by one to shout to the auditorium and welcome me among the ranks, and announce my suitability for raising.