Page 129 of The Exiled Dragon

“Really now?” I laughed. “I’m in the palace, and my Dragon helps me out. I will be just fine.” My lashes brushed his neck, kissing where his scar used to be.

“Odessa can stay with us.” Melina fluttered down from the third floor. A male strolled beside her, holding similar features to Melina’s face. “This is my eldest brother, Thalamere. He’s next in line to the throne of Atlantis and very strong.” She bragged. Thalamere cleared his throat. Dressed in a dark royal suit, a necklace lay on his fluffy collar in the shape of a starfish. The necklace held a blue stone in the middle.

“Just because I am a Siren doesn’t mean I am powerless on land,” he chuckled. “Black Dragon, Odessa, the Atlantean Kingdom gives many thanks for destroying the second-in-command of the rogue army. We hope for you both to visit one day. My father, King Girard, has many gifts Dragons would find priceless.”

Creed remained expressionless, looking Thalamere in the eye. “Thank you, Prince Thalamere. That is most gracious of you.” I spoke for both of us. Creed’s tight hold let go, pulling me up to his forehead.

“Come to the tribe afterward?” His husky voice held a pleading voice. Kissing his lips, I nodded in agreement. Every few steps, Creed looked behind to ensure I was still there until his back faded down the hallway.

“She’s down this hallway, in the medical wing,” Melina chirped. As we strode down the immaculately decorated floors, Melina told exciting tales of Thalamere’s journey since receiving the necklace I was so drawn to. It let him stay out of the water for five days at a time as opposed to the twenty-four hours Sirens were originally held to. It had been a full month since receiving such a gift, traveling as far inland as he could and returning to the sea to find his mate. He had no luck finding his mate, but he said he would never give up. Thalamere had waited many years to find his mate, and his frustrations were painted on his face.

As Melina explained his desperation, being the future king of the throne gives one many magical abilities of power, strength, but most of all, possessiveness. Like Creed’s scales that rippled when angry or sexually aroused, Thalamere’s body protruded blue and green, much like Melina’s sparkles held in her cheeks.

“Sorry, brother.” Melina wrapped her arm in his. “Odessa is new, and I feel like I should explain things to her. We both grew up human. Thought this might give insight into how supernaturals have such difficulties.” Thalamere chuckled, patting Melina’s head.

“Dear sister, I could never be mad at you. I’m just happy I can assist you during this pressing time. Calista, the Sea Witch in Atlantis, continues to work daily for a stronger stone to help Sirens stay above land for longer periods. Then our armies can help aid with our new threat.”

Odessa squeezed his arm again, now passing through the medical ward. The crisp white walls gave the area a sterile feel to the atmosphere. Faes and Fairies sitting on small desks, writing on clipboards, and pulling medicine from cabinets, made everyone busy, yet hardly any rooms were filled.

“Why are they so busy?” I muttered to no one in particular. Melina’s wings fell, her voice matching her attitude. “Preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.”

At the end of the hall, Scorpia’s room door was open. Moans and cries left the door, causing my heart to break in a million pieces. Maybe I should have stopped my Dragon from destroying her mate. We could have locked him up and never released him, so she did not have to feel the pain. Rubbing my arms again, scratching like no tomorrow, my Dragon’s scales appeared where I liked to scratch. Her growls of disapproval were obviously being felt through my chest.

Thalamere growled, fins on the side of his neck stood up. The bright blue and green were reflected in the iridescent light of the room. Scorpia’s groans stopped, only light whimpering came from under the sheets. Her back was turned to us, her wings lying helplessly like wet bee’s wings on the pillows.

“Goddess,” Melina breathed, pushing me back. “Stay here,” she whispered, now holding me back with two hands. “Watch.”

Thalamere rounded the bed, the soft whimpers faded, and the sheets covering Scorpia’s face lowered. “My little Fae, what has you crying so?” Thalamere’s voice cooed, his hand brushing away her messy red hair. The tears had stopped flowing. Her body rose only to be caught by Thalamere embracing her.

There was no hesitation in any of their actions. They held onto each other. Begging for the air to refill their lungs, but afraid to because it might wake them from a dream.

“I found you.” Thalamere’s eyes blinked, filled with tears. “All this time, I finally found you, and you were right here.”

“I’m sorry,” Scorpia breathed. Her brave stance, her regal look had all faded away. Her face was pale; the shining red hair had faded considerably. Thalamere’s body stiffened, his fins from his neck slowly diminishing back into his neck. “I gave away my first kiss to someone else. Will you still have me?”

Thalamere laughed boisterously, bringing her back into his embrace, rocking her on the bed. “That is such a terrible question, my little Fae.” He moved her hair away from her neck, kissing her bare shoulder where the nightgown had fallen.

“As long as I am the last being to grace these lips, I’ll live a happy Siren.” Smiling brightly, her arms wrapped around his neck and sighed into his chest.

***

My mood had lightened considerably. The enormous bonfire in the middle of a beautifully manicured lawn now held many tents, children running, boars roasting on the fire, and enchanting music playing, causing hordes of people to dance about.

Creed held me on his lap as we sat on a nearby log. The Palace was our background while wild Shifters ran across the flower beds. It was complete chaos, but King Osirus and Queen Melina only laughed, joining the drinking, and playing with the fledglings in games.

Creed’s father had been announced as the new Alpha. Apollo was initially worried about how the tribe would react. Having a Griffon as an Alpha, he was no Dragon. Once the story of Hecate was relayed to them by Ondi, all visibly relaxed and agreed this was for the best. Obviously, seeing the wonderful blessing that Creed and I’s union had held.

Men began blowing fire from their human mouths, something they had initially lost fifty years ago and only Alpha’s could do. Some fire was so hot that the flames looked blue and red. The fledglings all gasped and laughed, seeing the amazing colors. Another male could blow ice, freezing trees in an instant.

The music played well into the night. Osirus and Melina’s hospitality helped the Dragons hold on to hope that all of Bergarian would soon be safe from the dangers of dark magic. We had won this battle, but the one to take down an evil sorcerer was our next step.

Fluffy trotted up beside my leg, nudging and licking. His playful attitude was back, but the scars from the Vampires’ fangs would always remain. The animal healer had done a wonderful job reviving him. He was on the brink of death, and the healer told us how lucky he was.

Creed’s arms were wrapped around my waist, my head falling into the crook of his neck. I’d fight for this. I’d fight for us, I’ll fight for our future, our children’s future, and for every other person in Bergarian for them to find their other half. This night, we were in our own bubble of happiness, which would be extended in the days and weeks.

“I love you, my fawn.” Creed’s lips tickled the shell of my ear.

“And I love you too, Prince Charming.” The fledglings by the fire beckoned us to follow their silly dances. Glancing at my mate beside me, I stood up, holding out my hand.

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