Page 318 of Cursed Evermore
"And I you, my Lady. And I you."
We drew apart, and I brushed a wayward tear from my cheek.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked gently, glancing toward the door. "Lord Nightblade and the dragons await."
"I'm ready."
I looked back at Arielle as she slipped her arm through mine, her smile warm and steady. "Let's go."
I looked around the room one last time, drinking in every detail. Though I'd spent the past two weeks in Wolfe's chambers, this space had remained my sanctuary. I only prayed that when I returned, I would find my way back to myself just as the Seer had promised.
We left and headed outside, where Wolfe waited with the dragons and the Bloodsworn. Their eyes all turned toward me, and I looked back at each of them in turn, thinking about what they had come to mean to me.
Bastian, ever the guardian.
Alaric, the quiet comforter.
Garrick, the steadfast protector.
Together, they had become my shield, my circle, myfamilyin the magical realm.
And Wolfe... he was everything that bound me to them all.
Arielle slipped from my side and went to stand with Bastian. He caught her hand, his smile soft, anchoring her in the way only he could.
"Thank you," I spoke up, my gaze sweeping over all of them. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."
Alaric inclined his head, his voice low and reverent. "La níyneria, a mun dair."
By soul and blood, we are bound.The meaning rose in my mind. My chest tightened, and I pressed a hand to my heart before bowing. "La níyneria," I answered with deep reverence.
They bowed in return.
I turned toward Wolfe, and he stretched out his hand, beckoning me to go to him. I did, sliding my hand into his.
With a gentle smile, he guided me to Hedion. The dragon lowered his massive head in greeting.
"Ready to fly, Ziyka?" Wolfe whispered against my ear.
"You know I was born for this." I laughed.
"So, help me, if you fall off the damn dragon?—"
"I won't fall,my love." I used the endearment on purpose. It was the first time I'd ever called him that, and the way his body went still against mine told me exactly how deeply the words struck.
His grin cut sharp, but his eyes burned with something softer as he nodded. "Okay. Hold on tight. The magic will keep you in place, but you still have to hold on."
"I'll hold on with everything inside me," I promised, and he knew I didn't just mean the ride. It was everything. It wasus.
"I'll hold you to that, mage." Wolfe grinned back at me, then signaled to Hedion.
The dragon rumbled, a sound that vibrated through the air like distant thunder, then he swept one vast wing down. The dark membrane stretched taut, forming a slope that curved like an outstretched hand. He angled it toward me with slow, deliberate grace, lowering himself in deference, as if offering me more than just a way onto his back.
I stepped onto the leathery surface, my breath catching as it flexed beneath my boot. Wolfe's hand never left mine. He guided me higher until Hedion lifted his wing and bore me upward.
At the top, a simple leather loop had been secured along the ridge of the saddle—Wolfe's precaution, of course. I slid my foot through it, fastening myself in place, and felt the strange thrill of being claimed twice over: once by the dragon who carried me, and then by the male who would never let me fall.
Only after making sure I was secured did Wolfe leave my side to mount Pyrion.
