Page 49 of Dragon Throne: Part One

A tender but pained smile curved Imogen’s lips. “Cameron’s death was sad, but it ain’t the reason I’m here today… And I never stopped being a warrior.”

The answer confused me even more. “You didn’t stop?”

Her red curls bounced under the dim light as she shook her head. “No. In fact, I went on to become the best in the Sky Legion. Commander of the Elevated Warriors.”

“Holy Shit!” I gasped, bringing a chuckle out of her. I was definitely not expecting that, but how? “You were Kingston’s Commander?” I asked, only to see her shake her head again.

“I fought under the greatest warrior to ever exist. Fiercer than Kingston and the Elevated Warriors brought together. My role model. My friend. A father to me.” The words became heavy with love and admiration, the same brimming in her gray eyes. “And it was not the weight of his muscles what made him great, nor the lethal strike of his sword. No. He was the best of us because his true power came from his heart, and that unstoppable will to do what was right no matter the cost.”

Shifting her body on the boulder, Imogen faced me, giving me her full attention. When she took my hand in hers, my throat closed up with the fierce devotion glistening in her eyes.

“I never fought again because not being by his side felt wrong. I made this cave my home because hearing his name be dragged through the mud broke my heart a little more each day… even if it was necessary. I stopped fighting because he told me one day his son would come, and he would need me to guide him.”

Her other hand fell over mine and she firmly squeezed it.

“So, you see. I never stopped being a warrior, Braxton. I have just been waiting for you.”

Tears slid from her eyes with the revelation, and she pulled me into her arms, hugging me fiercely. My eyes stung as I embraced her too, feeling for the first time like I had a connection to the version of my father I never got to know.

Imogen hadn’t just known my father in that time, when he was the great Harbinger of Justice, she had been his commander. His right hand, his friend, and judging by her words, she knew the truth. All of it.

“When did you know I was his son?” I asked, pulling back from the hug to realize my golden-hued gaze was gone. My eyes were no longer glowing.

“You mean aside from the fact that you are the spitting image of him, darling?” Her red eyebrow lifted challengingly, making me grin. “The first thing you did when you arrived in this world was command two teenage Dragons against the Warlock King,and Azazel, to rescue the princess from his clutches. Not knowing anything about him, or Dragons, or even what you were capable of… If that doesn’t scream‘I’m the Harbinger of Justice’s son’,I honestly do not know what does.”

Our laughter mixed with the dancing sounds of the rushing water, and though it seemed like a million years ago, she was right. What the hell had I been thinking??

“Welcome back to the Skyborne Legion, Imogen Firesky.” Kingston’s voice boomed in the cave, and both Imogen and I turned to see him walking towards us. “But you can’t have my job.”

A brilliant smirk captured Imogen’s face, and her defiant brow arched at Kingston. “I could take it back in a second.” She snapped her fingers at him, surprisingly making the chief laugh. “But I got a promotion a long time ago. Khayden made me Braxton’s mentor.” Still smiling, she glanced at me again. “If you’ll have me, of course.”

It shouldn’t have surprised me that my father thought of every way possible to help me claim my place in this world. A preserved journal, disguised fighting lessons during play time, and a mentor waiting for me to find my way to her. Yet, surprise was the last of the emotions coursing through me right now. Relief was the first.

“It will be my honor.”

“Then it shall be so, honey.” She grinned at me, eyes twinkling with duty. “Your father shared with me his every revelation about the Dragons, I’ll pass everything he taught me on to you. Do you have his journal?”

“Yes,” I answered with renewed enthusiasm. “The chief gave it to me.”

“Good, you’ll need to read it cover to cover—if you haven’t done it already. Also, I’m glad to hear Kingston finally did something right.”

“I could fight you in my sleep.”

“Really? Before or after I kick your ass off theDragons’ altar?”

Chuckles left me, fully enjoying the bickering between them.

“I have been training while you cared for Dragon babes. If you think you can beat me in battle—”

“Darling, I may have been among Dragon babes, but I can fight circles around you, old man.”

“Old man? You are as old as I am!”

“Wait.” I frowned. “You are the same age as Kingston? You said you were thirty-seven.”

“You told him you were thirty-seven?” The chief snorted. “I knew one day you would lose your mind among these younglings.”

“What? I look young for my age, okay. And I most definitely look thirty-seven.Hebelieved me.” Her wide eyes met mine, seeking confirmation. “You believed me, didn’t you?” she asked, nodding for me to say yes. “I look young, darling!”

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