Page 45 of Emerald Waves
I was glad for it too. Ionus’ heart rate had increased the deeper we’d plunged. It would likely be a relief for him to reach the cave, where there were pockets of air, like the one I’d discovered when I’d emerged onto the ledge deep within the tunnel system.
I am fine, mostly,Ionus conveyed when I touched base with him again. I could feel his weariness though and knew that the pressure and cold of the depths, factors I didn’t feel in the slightest, were taking their toll on him.
Shaky and staggering, Ionus emerged beside me, doubling over and needing a moment to center himself while I looked around, immediately spotting my mate standing beside one ofthree figures I was certain I'd seen the last time I’d been here. This time I wasn’t bombarded by a horrifying disorienting level of sound. Just giggles, as a little Merdragon waved from where he clung to Emerson’s leg.
“None of you swim very well, do you?” he said. “Well, except him. Hi! He’s the one who saves all the sea creatures, Papa.”
When he spoke, he was clearly addressing the stern man whose heavy, piercing gaze tried to bore a hole through me.
“He’s also the one who stole you,” the man said, with such power in his voice that I knew exactly who it was that’d been responsible for the noises that had sent me tumbling out of my dragon form. “Something I do not take lightly. What do you have to say for yourself, protector?”
“I’m sorry,” I apologized, immediately turning away from my mate and the little one to face him, though I’d have preferred to do so with Emerson in my arms. “I believed him to be a relic. Had I known that I’d discovered your home, not an ancient temple of some sort, I never would have handled your child, let alone removed him from here. I make no excuses for what happened. It was a grave error, and I am sorry for any upset I caused to him or your family.”
“Tasi, much like your Emerson, didn’t see the danger, which is why he didn’t immediately return to us. He found your collection of creatures fascinating and spoke of several that existed in your cave that can no longer be found in the wild. He said you handled his stone form like he was precious, despite not knowing that a living being was behind it. While that does not make it okay, it has left me curious. I think it’s time we had a talk.”
Even as he spoke, I noticed the walls moving as the space expanded. Having Emerson tell me that the Merdragons turned to stone was nothing like seeing the stone give way to scales as they revealed themselves and opened the ginormous lair wewere actually standing in. When I cast a glance over at Emerson, my mate had the biggest look of awe on his face as he studied it with all the intensity I’d seen him display when he poured over his books. Then I glanced over at my brother, and the look on Ionus’ face was one he usually reserved for Odem.
It was the one that screamed ‘Holy Shit, what the hell have you gotten us into.’
Chapter Fourteen
Emerson
“Isn’t this amazing, Caro?” It was easy to forget we really weren’t welcome here when I gazed at the wonder surrounding us. “To think they’ve been here all this time.”
Mate, this isn’t a weekend retreat on a Caribbean Island.
I know but aren’t they fantastic?
We’ll see.
“I am Ionus,” Ionus respectfully bowed to Kai, “leader of the Primordial Protectors.”
Kai nodded. “Kai, Elder of the Tempest Clan. Your archivist has shared with us your desire to unite clans? Keep in mind, we’ve heard it before and our decline to join them wasn’t met with a kind response.”
Gorynych and they know I’m of their blood.
Caro didn’t respond, there wasn’t a need to, as he was likely sharing that information with Ionus.
“Your archivist is of their blood.”
“Aye, he is and one of many reasons why they must be stopped.” Ionus had that feral look in his eyes. “What they did to Emerson and the others is reprehensible. If they cannot be rehabilitated, their reign of terror will come to an end. That much I can assure you.”
“We know there are others who were cast out as my mate had been.”
“Aye,” Kai paused for a moment, his eyes fogging over, likely conversing through his link with another in his clan.
“I can assure you, we mean you no harm,” Ionus stepped forward. “Uniting of the clans is of the utmost importance. While each is strong on their own, together we make a formidable force and can help protect and ensure each clan thrives. Opening lines of communication amongst dragons and strengthening bonds is key for the inevitable fight that’s headed our way.”
“As much as I’d like to disagree,” Kai said, nodding at another nearby Merdragon. “Sadly, I have to agree with you.”
“Kai,” a familiar voice said as it peeked out from between the wall of Merdragons, “you called for…,” he paused, and his eyes widened. I did my best to jog my memory of when we had met. “Emerson?”
It took a moment to register and when it did the tears hit and I ran for him. “Aris! I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you were dead.” We hugged and he shivered in my arms as tears of joy spilled forth.
“Emerson! I did too. I’m so happy to see you.”
My love?
