Page 32 of Dragon King's Cursed Mate

The goddess faded away, leaving only her scent and essence of goodness and light behind her. Seraphina knew that all gods and goddesses could be light or dark or both. Sometimes, they led mortals down the right path. But Seraphina knew in her heart and soul that Goddess Elyria was pure light.

The writing on the scrolls rearranged itself into the ancient script and then faded. They had served their purpose for now. Seraphina knew they’d reveal more when the time was right. She carefully rerolled them and put them back into the box, hiding them in her tent.

Although no other person would be able to read the scrolls, they were sacred and she wanted to protect them.

She cupped a labradorite in her hands and whispered words to the stone, changing it into the form of a dragonfly, which represents her soul. Labradorite is a stone known for transformation and protection. The stone protects against dark energies, illusions, and manipulation. It’s said to hold the aurora borealis within it, as it initially looks dark gray or black but comes alive with blue, green, and gold when the light hits it. She threaded an unbreakable cord through it, so he could wear it as a man and dragon.

Dain and the brotherhood returned during the dinner hour. She knew he was tired, but needed to reveal what she’d discovered.

“Let’s talk in the temple so we won’t be overheard. I know the people are loyal to you, but the knowledge is for you and the brotherhood if you wish to share it with them.”

He looked at Kael and nodded. The two men followed Seraphina into the temple.

“Today I read the scrolls. The Goddess Elyria formed a bond between the Drakon Realm and your ancestors. Basically, Dain, your bones are the land, your heart is its heart, your pulse is the stone, and your soul is the soil. Now that Malakar has betrayed you and stolen the throne from you, the bond affects not only the land but you. Drakon Realm remembers you, its true king, but suffers because it has been broken up and the largest seat is ruled by Malakar.”

She looked at Kael and then back at Dain. Seraphina touched his face gently. “When you opened your soul to me, you opened yourself up to a lot more.”

“The curse,” Dain said, his voice hard.

“Yes, although there is more to that story that will eventually be revealed. However, you also made yourself vulnerable to the shadow and darkness created by Malakar’s corruption. You will defeat him, and when you do, the rot, if you will, will be destroyed.”

She pulled the dragonfly out of the pocket of her tunic. “Unfortunately, you are also the target of Malakar’s evil and whatever his dark sorcerer conjures up. I can protect you from that.” She held up the talisman. “Wear this. The dragonfly is a symbol of me and holds a tiny piece of my soul inside. Wear it whether you are a man or a dragon.”

Seraphina looked at Kael. “The goddess has promised a storm that will happen sooner rather than later. He’ll need you and the brotherhood to weather through it.”

“As always,” Kael said, his deep voice echoing around the temple walls, as binding as a blood oath.

“One more thing. You must look within yourself.”

Dain looked sharply at Seraphina. “What did you say?”

“I was told to give you that message. Look deep within yourself. I don’t know what you are seeking.”

He closed his eyes and nodded.

The trio left the temple, and Kael excused himself. He needed to get some sleep.

Seraphina hugged Dain tightly. “Whatever happens, I’m beside you.”

He touched her face tenderly. “I know.” He yawned loudly. “I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.” Dain kissed her cheek and walked toward his tent.

The brotherhood was gone againbefore she was awake. She remembered the spy. Focusing on the people in the group, she quickly found the person she was looking for. A woman, named Grace, had been giving information to Malakar’s spies.

Seraphina casually walked over to Grace and brushed by her. An image of a little boy and girl held in Malakar’s castle, locked in one of the rooms, filled her mind. Grace had tried to flee Wyrmhaven with her children when dragon shifters snatched her children. She kept running and found the ruins. When she returned, begging for her children, Malakar sneered at her.

“You have a choice. You can either spy on Dain or I will torture and kill your children.”

Grace bowed her head.

“Where is he hidden?”

“There is a spell. I cannot utter its name or location, My Lord. I can tell you that he has a large army of dragon shifters and other shifters. Please let me see my children to make sure they are alive and well.”

Malakar let her see into the room where they were being held. They looked as though they were being fed and didn’t seem to have injuries.

Her following report was that Dain’s group had attacked the supply train. In spite of her fear, Grace had never given Malakar any information that could hurt Dain.

Seraphina put a spell on Grace so that she could only give misleading or inconsequential information to Malakar. She decided not to tell Dain or Kael about Grace until she could figure out a way to help the woman.

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