Page 55 of The Exiled Dragon

Clara explained the entire plight from Creed’s history to mine and the impending war that would happen. Part of me felt it was my fault, being the human girl tipping the scales, but it was unavoidable, Clara kept repeating. Humans were not to be used as a food source unless they were granted permission, and I could tell you that none of us gave permission. All of us were stolen from our homes, and had a similar background. No other family to call our own, no one who would care if we were missing.

Mine was the most complicated one, with my mother being the make-shift Witch. I don’t know how much money she asked for, but I was the equivalent of a blood bag. I didn’t even know a human could turn into a Witch, but Osirus so kindly put it that there must have been Witch’s blood somewhere in her bloodline for my mother to awaken the Witch within her. When one wants something bad enough, they would give as much money as they could to get it.

Just like Creed’s voice.

Osirus, who I now found out was the King of the Golden Light Kingdom, and his mate were Faes. Beings that could hide their wings and can conceal certain powers. Melina was half Siren and half-human when she met Osirus, and when they mated her Siren heritage mixed with Osirus’ Fae genes giving her wings. Hearing that once mates were bonded, they could share each other’s qualities and abilities was the most beautiful story.

The royals continued to discuss further plans to rescue the humans that were now missing. They were hidden somewhere or dead to hide their tracks. However, if they had me, it was enough to start a war against the rogues. The Vermillion Queen was trying to prevent that, to peacefully gain her control over the citizens, but many were already tainted by their previous ruler.

“If we can find the other humans, I could heal them and get them to safety.” Clara wrote in a pocket notebook. “We just need to get some of our Wolves in there to sniff them out. Their noses are stronger than that of the Queen’s soldiers and could find them in any hidden basement or passageway.

My ears perked up. Clara could heal? Does that mean she could heal Creed? A long pause hovered across the room. Queen Melina sat beside me, rubbing my back. “Everything is going to be alright. Creed will protect you and, if he is willing, help us fight against the rogue Vampires, Witches and Sorcerers. In return, it will protect you and every human.” My faint smile returned little hope, but the queen’s unwavering look gave me a spark that wasn’t there before.

“Princess Clara?” my voice whispered. The entire table of royalty and high-ranking officers’ eyes fluttered to Creed and me. “You said you can heal people? So, you have magic too?” Clara smiled, nodding.

“Kind of. It was a gift blessed to me at birth from the gods. I’m able to heal people to a certain extent. I haven’t unlocked all of my power yet, but each day my mother helps me practice.”

“Is there a way to help Creed?” My finger grazed his throat, which continued to purr at my touch. I didn’t care about the scars. I just cared about his voice. What would he really say to me when his voice came to life? If she couldn’t help him, we would continue with our daily lives because I still would never give him up.

“Oh, Odessa,” Clara sighed heavily. “Old wounds such as Creeds would be difficult. I’ve tried to help others with old wounds such as infertility, weak hearts, and the sort, but I’m just not strong enough to penetrate before someone has had their animal to help them heal.” My heart was crushed. There was no hope at all.

“But I can try.” Clara smiled. The room fell silent as Clara approached. I went to leave Creed’s lap only for him to hold me down, his arms wrapping around my waist. I smiled at him.

Princess Clara had a peace that calmed the both of us. I felt it so clearly as she stood just inches from me. Her hand touched the scar, her forehead dropping to touch Creed’s. For a moment I felt jealous, but she was only trying to help. Even Kane was calm as a bright light shined from Clara’s forehead. As quickly as it came, it vanished. Clara only shook her head.

“Your Dragon won’t accept. He’s blocking me before I can even try.” Clara’s eyebrow furrowed. Creed rubbed his neck as I buried my nose into his chest.

“Thank you for trying, Princess Clara. We are happy, voice or not. We will always be happy together.”

Osirus chuckled in the corner, whispering to Melina, who was batting her long eyelashes at him. “Little do they know,” Osirus snorted his whisper.

“Now that the formalities are over, we must leave. We have a daughter to get back to and we need some alone time,” Kane ruffed as he pulled Clara away.

“Oh, please stay, your Highness. Tonight’s party will be huge with the Golden Light Kingdom and the future heirs of the Moon Kingdom!” Zaos arms were opened wide, ready for an embrace of acceptance.

“Thank you, but no, we have been away from Evelyn for far too long. Kane also needs to go train, or punch something. I’m not sure which.” Clara giggled.

“I was thinking, something else,” he growled in her ear.

“When will the Golden Light Kingdom see some beautiful heirs, my nephew?” Zaos nudged Osirus, who sheepishly looked at his mate.

“When I am ready!” Melina stood up. “I’ve got to learn how to manage a sword and kick some Vampire ass!”

“Language, Darling.” His hand slapped her rear with a squeal of surprise.

“Maybe I should learn how to fight too,” I whispered to Creed. He shook his head, squinting his good eye at me. He was scolding me, but I couldn’t help but push him playfully. “I can be tough. I slit a throat before!”

“Oh, I don’t think Odessa will need any training,” Osirus said. Before I could ask what he meant, Daine barged in.

“The ale has arrived!” His flamboyant appearance had the entire room laughing.

“Damn, he got out,” Lura snickered.

“Lura, that wasn’t funny. Mom had me tied up in my room for hours!” He dramatically cried as all the royalty left the room.

“Because you deserved it,” Zaos said as he walked out the door, tapping his shoulder. “I don’t want to hear any more of those outbursts around guests. Alpha Kane was going to take it out on me because I can’t keep my damn Elves behaved.” Creed growled again, gaining the attention. “Oh yes, Annabelle told me you also interrupted…” he cleared his throat, “some things. Don’t do that shit.” Zaos walked out, wiping his brow with a handkerchief from his back pocket.

Daine just shrugged his shoulders. “I was just curious.” He kicked the invisible stone in his path.

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