Page 48 of Logan

With each flicker of her fingertips, Emily wove a complex web of interlocking surfaces, all made of the hardest material known to man.

As she worked, Emily felt a sense of awe and reverence wash over her like a tidal wave, the magnitude of what she was creating dawning upon her with a profound clarity. This was no mere barrier; it was a magical Faraday cage.

Emily poured her heart and soul into the creation of the magical fortress, knowing that she was fulfilling her destiny. As her power faded away, the spark within her died. She accepted the sacrifice. This was for her new family. For the druids and dragons.

She stepped back to behold her handiwork as the cavern transformed into a bastion of inviolable protection. She gazed at the shimmering surface of the diamond-encrusted rock as Legion pulled her away from a scythe-laden black tail.

“Logan, we need to leave!” Legion yelled as he yanked her toward the staircase.

The temple that held the dark mage was crumbling, and as Logan shifted to his human form, Lothos turned toward the shaking structure.

As Emily and the dragons raced up the stairs, the sound of an inhuman scream reverberated through the cavernous depths behind them. With each step, they scrambled upward, the urgencyof their flight lending wings to their feet as they sought to escape the monster below.

As they burst out into the open air, the scream seemed to follow them, echoing hauntingly in the crisp night air. Emily’s heart pounded in her chest as she skidded to a stop, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she surveyed their surroundings.

Before them stretched the vast expanse of the plains, the moonlight casting a ghostly pallor over the rugged terrain. Yet even in the darkness, Emily could sense the presence of danger lurking just beyond the edge of their vision.

Legion pointed to the hole in the ground. “Seal it, Emily.”

She stared at the dragon leader. “I used all my magic to create a transmutation of this size. The hole will close. It just needs a minute.

Legion glanced at Logan, and he slipped his arms around her waist. “We will have one lifetime, Legion. It is still a blessing.”

Legion nodded, but she could see the pain in his eyes.

The hole formed a thick layer of diamond before the soil covered it over, and the shaking below stopped.

Legion stared at the unmarred earth. “Geram will eventually burrow through this. A crustal cave won’t stop him for long.”

Emily shook her head. “The cave is surrounded by a diamond casing. One that shifts and replicates itself. When he blasts one layer of diamond, another forms. He will never escape.”

Legion met Emily’s gaze. “Only someone with the power of transmutation can enter or leave.”

Emily nodded. “Yes. Lothos and Geram are trapped for all time.”

CHAPTER 22

The white crystal resting on the small table was shaped into an infinity sign. It was intricately carved with a multitude of runes. Emily didn’t recognize the symbols, but thought it was breathtaking.

Logan smiled at her as she approached him. “You are so beautiful.”

She had chosen a long white dress from the clothes her druid sisters had provided for her. The lace overlay with tinted crystal beads hugged her curves and accentuated the necklace that had belonged to her mother. Mara had done her hair up with tiny wisps of baby’s breath and silver thread woven in. She had almost cried when seeing herself in the mirror.

Logan held two purple silk ribbons. They were hoping she possessed enough magic to bind her soul and extend her life, but Logan assured her he wanted the ceremony no matter what. That declaring she was his in front of the crystal meant as much to him as combining their magic. He took her hand and tied them intricately between both their wrists, binding them together. His eyes flickered with lavender fire. The emotion in them was so thick, it warped the air.

Logan’s voice echoed with that of his dragon. “Tha thu leam a-nis agus gu brath. You are mine, now, and forever.” He put his hand on the crystal. Nodding for her to do the same.

She did as instructed, feeling the power run through her. Ancient. Soothing. She could feel Logan’s dragon. It’s anticipation. It’s love. Her future.

Logan took a deep breath as the power of the crystal flowed into him. “Tha ar cumhachd, ar cridhe agus ar n-anam ar n-anum mar aon. Our power, our heart, and our soul are one.” His eyes blazed with golden flame. “Tha cridhe dragon gu brath agus bheir mi meinn dhut. A Dragon’s heart is forever, and I offer mine to you.”

Emily smiled at him before realizing he was waiting for her. “What am I supposed to do?”

Logan smiled. “You must speak your assent.”

Emily swallowed hard. “What do I say?”

“Whatever you feel.”

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