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‘Thank you for not giving up on me.’

‘You are my purpose, Voski. I’ll never give up on you.’

He said the words so simply. Had stated them before. But this was the first time I didn’t just dismiss it out of hand. Instead, I examined it closely. Actually let myself consider what he meant.

‘You mean, I’m one of your purposes, right?’

Kham blew out, his breath blasting on either side of my body. ‘No, Voski. I mean you are my purpose.’

‘But… Koa… the herd…’

‘They are my partners. My family. They share my journey. Only you are the reason for it.’

I gaped, stepping back so I could meet his eyes. He gave a disgruntled snort because I’d stopped scratching his eye ridges, but he turned his head to the side to meet my gaze gently.

‘Kham… that’s not possible. God didn’t make a dragon for the sole purpose of—'

‘I will achieve many things in this life, Voski. But I was made for you. I was grown for you. I was equipped to help you. And I was sent to find you when the time was right. I will remain at your side. When I determine a step, it is taken in consideration of what is best for you. That will not change until the day the Creator has chosen that one or both of us will pass into the next life.’

I was horrified. ‘But… why?!’

Kham tilted his head. ‘Because you are the child of the Most High. You are necessary. And your purpose requires what only I can give to it. Voski, is it possible you haven’t understood this truth before now?’

I spluttered. ‘I knew we were made for each other. I knew we were made to work and serve together, and we’re bonded—of course, you’re my purpose too. But—’

‘No, no.’ He shook his head like a dog shaking off tension. ‘Your primary purpose stands there with my mate. She is the other half of your heart.’

‘But Koa is yours!’

‘Certainly. Yet, Koa and I are dragons. We are far more… unified. Our pieces fit naturally. Our desires are molded as a unit. We are here for the two of you—and we will always assist you, in lockstep with each other. This is a beautiful thing—and joyous to me. Why do you stare like I’ve frightened you?’

‘Because I’m not… you shouldn’t… You’re so much more than me!’

Kham huffed, his breath fluttering grass and skittering leaves at my feet. ‘Speak to me when you’ve become a father. I think you will understand better, then.’

‘But—’

‘Do you expect me to argue with the Creator on His purpose for me, Voski?’

‘No! But—’

‘Do you think I’ll change course now?’

I just stared. He shook his head again, then nudged my belly hard enough to send me back a steadying step.

‘Enjoy what is given to you. Appreciate it. Use it—do not deny it. Denying a gift from the Creator suggests He was foolish to give it to you. I don’t believe you wish to do that.’

My jaw dropped as that nugget of truth landed in my chest. But Grace and Koa were now making their way toward us. We both stopped talking to face them. I assumed Kham did as I did, examining the bond, measuring his mate for her well-being, and assessing what was needed.

Grace’s tears were real, but her smile beamed.

And when she made it to me, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into my chest.

As the dragons slipped off into the trees together, Grace and I just held each other.

I let her weep until there was a stain on my jacket. I didn’t let her go. Because, while no tears left my eyes, I felt the ache. I felt the joy. And, just like Grace, I felt the overwhelming relief of being there, alone, with no risk of human eyes on us.

Finally, we could move without scrutiny. Speak without couching our words. And rest without fear of an assassin in the dark.