Page 124 of Gift from the Source
“He’s been here for me since day one. So what did you want to talk about, ol’ wise one?”
“You finally told Willow the truth.”
I clutch my chest, gasping in faux outrage.“How do you know that? You weren’t being some creepy stalker, were you?”
He hoots loudly, then plucks me painfully on my shoulder.“Vile lizard. Your connections have grown stronger and mine is growing weaker.”
I instantly stop rubbing my shoulder and look at him seriously.“What do you mean weaker? I don’t feel any different.”
“You wouldn’t notice this.”
“So what is this? Your premature goodbye?”
“No. Not yet.”
An unhappy rumble falls from my chest at that. To say I’m not excited about his inevitable departure from our lives is an understatement. I’ve claimed him, my beast has claimed him, Willow has. Hell, I think even Cas has grown to really like him.
The things he’s taught me in secret or whispered in my mind randomly have changed my whole life, it feels like. There’s so much he’s told me I can’t tell anyone else. Not yet at least. Something deep within me knows that to share what he’s told me could cause him harm. I refuse to be the cause of that.
He hasn’t shared as much about himself as I’d like, but again, whatever this is growing within me—this strange and strong primal connection from me to other creatures—knows…V is alone in this realm. Well, he is across all realms.
It’s what makes me feel so close to him.
I know what it feels like to be alone. Even though I have Willow now, I will never forget how it felt to be the only one of my kind.
“I have told you before you are still the only one of your kind. That is why you are the King of Creatures. It has been recognized and that is why your primal connection is coming through so strongly alongside your communal knowledge.”
“And I’ve told you, until you tell me why it is you claim Willow is not the same as me, then I am not the only one of my kind. Also, if that’s really the case, then why aren’t you the King of Creatures?”I ask the burning question. Since he wanted to call me out on only some of my thoughts.
“Because I am not.”
The tinge of sadness in his tone forces me to shut my mouth and I immediately feel guilty for pushing. This is obviously a touchy subject.
Clearing my throat, I reach up gently and with a forced smile I run my fingers down his wing.“Okay then. Well, if our connection is growing weaker, I vote you just go ahead and tell me everything I need to know so we can enjoy our time left together.”
“There isn’t much left for me to tell you, Draken. I know it seems I’ve handed you riddles, but that’s because you only needed a nugget of information and some guidance for everything inside of you to do the rest. You only needed to meet a creature close enough to your strength to awaken your rightful claim. Whatever questions you may have, I will gladly answer for you.”
I swallow harshly as his big eyes bore into mine. I do have one and he knows it. He knows I’ve been putting it off since the day we got to this realm, and I know he won’t answer it without my asking.
I release a deep breath and he ruffles out his wings like he can’t wait to finally hear the words.“I’m different than the guys. I know this. So is that why my power boost seems…not less, that isn’t the word I’m looking for, but it happened, then it was just done. Why?”
“You’re right. You’re not like your brothers, nor can you evolve as such. You’re a being of not one but two creators. You possess primal connections, communal knowledge, and your father’s bestowing. All of which are far more valuable to you than I will ever be.”
I want to disagree with him and I open my mouth to do so, but he plucks me again, hooting.
“When you and Willow bonded and you received your Elementra-blessed power boost, that was its limit. Your actual dragon form will grow no more. What that connection between the two of you did, though, was unlock the other abilities waiting inside of you that you received from others. You must be ready to receive such things. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. You are reaching each of those points.
“You have a primal connection to both creatures and creation because you are one of a kind. The only one. Your communal knowledge comes from all ties that you’ve had through your life. A piece of them thatyou needed latched onto your mind in different ways. The passing of that didn’t happen when you were born like a hatchling but as you’ve grown. Your father’s bestowing…I will allow him to explain.
“It is all overwhelming, young dragon, yes, but you are growing into exactly who you were always meant to be. I was only meant to be a little wind beneath your wings to get you off the ground. The rest will be all you and it will come with time.”
“V, wait!” I shout as he flies off the second he finishes his speech.
For someone claiming he wasn’t saying goodbye yet, it sure as shit felt like it.
Running my hands through my hair, I pace in a little circle. Yes, he did just answer a really important question for me, but at the same time, I still have questions. Those answers really just created more.
Not gonna lie, I’ve been trying real hard to call on my inner Willow here lately. The way she can compartmentalize issues, solve problems as they come, and for the most part, stay patient through all the shit that hits her, is something I really strive to mimic.
