Page 197 of The Forbidden Dragon King
The instructor sucks in a horrified breath.
Before he can protest, however, shadows weave out of Aurelius’ wings, winding rapidly around Daire and my middles. They drag both of us up into the air.
Somehow, being held in Aurelius’ shadows is like coming home.
The shadows place Daire roughly onto Aurelius’ back and then me behind him much more gently. I loop my arms around Daire’s waist. The shadows wind around us both like a thousand scorched threads, holding us safely in place.
Daire leans forward, gripping onto Aurelius’ spines.
I let out of a whoop of joy, as Aurelius flaps his wings and rises into the air.
I can hardly catch my breath.
Is this what it feels like to fly to meet your ancestors in the moon after death?
What my parents experienced?
It’s exhilarating.
Hold on, my beautiful mates,Aurelius warns.
Then he swoops up into the storm, and I swear that the clouds break and reform just for him because he’s golden lightning and roaring thunder, and I’m the Omega who is just holding on for the fucking thrill of the ride.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Bael
Aurelius
I wanderthrough the bustling stalls and excited crowds of festivalgoers, who are dressed up in sweeping black and ash costumes. Children laugh and chase each other with dragon shaped, sparkling toys, while lovers stroll hand in hand, devouring sticky, sweet flame cakes.
Nobody is paying more attention to me than the occasional nod of their heads. It’s the first time in three years that I haven’t needed to stiffly play the part of king.
Everyone isequal in the night of shadows.
Finally, my shoulders relax on each step. A smile plays on my lips.
Silver moonlight streams over the straight road that runs through the chaotic high storied tenements. The buildings are decorated for the carnival with red and orange lights, which are strung between buildings, and dragon lanterns that flicker sparking light over the stalls and entertainers.
Ruby, jade, and pearl dragons swoop through the night sky, acting out ancient myths.
My heart is beating fast.
My eyes sting but with happiness, as well as the sense of something lost found again.
How can I have lived so long in Bael and not known how incredible the world outside the walls of my own palace is?
Howalive?
Why have I allowed my family to cage me in the Shadow Court for so long away from joy, love,my own people?
My jaw clenches.
Tomorrow, I am going to start an inquiry into how the city walls at least can be lined with silver and iron. These people are just as worthy of protection as the nobles in the palace.
The pheromones of so many other dragons swirl around me, but I’m no longer scared of my own wickedness.
I won’t give in to temptation. Nor will I force myselfto become as cold as gold. For Freya, I am going to try and be fully present tonight.
