Chapter 11
Mason
The pre-dawn air was crisp as Kali and I slipped out of Silvius' manor. We made our way to a secluded spot we'd discovered on the sprawling grounds, hidden from prying eyes by a cluster of ancient oaks. My heightened senses picked up the faint rustling of leaves and the distant call of a nocturnal creature retreating to its den.
I glanced down at my sister. Sometimes it was hard to reconcile this composed young woman with the frightened child I'd sworn to protect all those years ago.
Despite the early hour, Kali's dark brown eyes were alert, scanning our surroundings with the wariness that had become second nature to us both. I wished she didn't have to carry that burden, that constant vigilance. But wishes were luxuries we couldn't afford.
"Ready?" I asked. Kali nodded, her expression serious and focused.
We began with a series of stretches, a routine as familiar to us as breathing. As we moved through our warm-up, I noticed Kali's skin shimmer slightly, a telltale sign she was close to shifting. "Remember," I said softly, "we need to stay in human form for this."
Kali's brow furrowed in concentration as she fought to maintain her human appearance. "I know," she replied, her voice strained. "It's just... sometimes it feels like I could do more if I shifted."
I nodded, understanding her frustration. "That's true, but it's crucial we can defend ourselves in either form. We can't always count on having the advantage of our gargoyle strength."
"But why?" Kali pressed, a rare hint of defiance in her tone. "Shouldn't we embrace what we are?"
I paused, choosing my words carefully. "We should, and we do. But the world isn't always kind to those who are different. Sometimes, blending in is the best way to stay safe. And if we're ever in a situation where we can't shift..."
"We need to be prepared," Kali finished, her expression sobering. "I get it, Mason. I do."
I gave her a small smile, proud of her understanding. "Good. Now, let's focus on those escapes."
I demonstrated a wrist grab escape, my movements fluid despite my massive size. Kali watched intently, her eyes tracking every subtle shift of my body. There was no need for unnecessary chatter; we both understood the gravity of what we were doing.
"Your turn," I encouraged.
Kali stepped forward, her face a mask of concentration. I grasped her wrist, applying just enough pressure to make the exercise challenging. With a swift motion, she twisted her arm, breaking my grip.
"Good," I nodded. "Again."
As we repeated the drill, my thoughts wandered to the reasons behind these daily sessions. Flashes of memories threatened to surface, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the present, on the sister I'd sworn to protect.
"You're improving," I said as Kali successfully broke free once more. "But remember, in a real situation—"
"The opponent won't hold back," Kali finished, her voice quiet but firm.
I studied her face, noting the hint of frustration in her eyes. "What's on your mind, Kali?"
She hesitated, then spoke, her words careful and measured. "Sometimes I wonder... if we'll ever truly be safe. If all this training will ever be enough."
Her candor caught me off guard. Kali rarely voiced her thoughts so openly. I knelt down, bringing myself closer to her eye level. "I can't promise we'll always be safe," I admitted. "But I can promise I'll always do everything in my power to protect you."
Kali's eyes met mine, a mixture of trust and something deeper—perhaps a longing for the normal life we'd never had. "I know you will," she said softly.
I stood, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "One more run-through, then we need to head back. You've got school soon, and I can't be late for class."
As we resumed our practice, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Despite everything we'd been through, Kali's spirit remained unbroken. She was stronger than she knew, and I was determined to help her see that strength in herself.
As we finished up, I watched her gather her things, preparing for another day at Drakehaven High. Part of me wished I could be there to protect her, but I knew she needed this taste of normalcy, this chance to forge her own path.
"Have a good day at school," I said as we walked back towards the manor. "Remember—"
"Be alert, blend in, and call you if anything feels off," Kali finished, the ghost of a smile touching her lips. "I know, Mason. I'll be fine."
I nodded, trying to ignore the knot of worry in my gut. As Kali headed off to catch her bus to Drakehaven, I turned towards the Dragonne Library, steeling myself for another day of training. The path to becoming a Dragon Rider was grueling, but if it meant a better future for Kali, I'd face any challenge head-on.
???
As I approached the main path, I spotted Kane waiting at our usual meeting spot. His white hair stood out against the lush greenery, and his posture was as rigid as ever. Despite his aloof demeanor, Kane was one of the few people I trusted in this place.
"Morning," I grunted, falling into step beside him. My mind was already racing ahead to the day's training, calculating how to maximize every moment.
Kane nodded in acknowledgment. "Kali get off to school alright?"
"Yeah," I replied, grateful for his subtle way of showing he cared. Our conversation was cut short as we rounded a corner and came upon a group of other applicants heading to class. I straightened my shoulders, reminding myself that every interaction was a potential assessment. I couldn't afford to show weakness.
I thought of the prestige that came with the title “Dragon Rider,” the way it could elevate not just me, but Kali too. We'd no longer be vulnerable outcasts, but respected members of the supernatural community. The political influence alone could ensure Kali's safety in ways I'd never been able to before. With that kind of power, I could make sure no one ever threatened us again.
It wasn't just about flying on a dragon's back; it was about securing a future where Kali could thrive, where we could both finally stop looking over our shoulders. That's why every moment, every interaction mattered. I couldn't let anything stand in the way of achieving that goal.
Selena Nightshade's laughter rang out, interrupting my thoughts. The Shadow Fae was holding court with her usual clique, her blue eyes glinting with malice. As we approached, her gaze locked onto us, her smile turning venomous.
"Well, if it isn't the mute giant and his royal handler," she called out, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
I felt Kane tense beside me but kept my own face impassive. Rising to Selena's bait would only waste valuable time and energy I needed for training.
"Shouldn't you be more focused on your studies, Nightshade?" Kane's cool voice cut through the tension. "Or are you planning to ride your sister's coattails to become a Rider?"
Selena's eyes narrowed, her perfect features twisting into a scowl. Before she could retort, a new voice joined the fray.
"Now, now, children. Play nice."
Valen Beaumont sauntered up, his pale skin practically glowing in the morning light. The vampire's red eyes swept over our group, a smirk playing on his lips.
"After all," he continued, "we're all friends here, aren't we?"
The sarcasm in his tone was palpable. I suppressed a shudder, remembering the rumors of Valen's sadistic tendencies.
"Friendship is earned, Beaumont," I found myself saying, surprising even myself with the words. I rarely engaged, but I couldn't let him think I was an easy target. Any perceived weakness could be exploited later in our training.
Valen's eyebrows shot up, his smirk widening. "It speaks! And here I thought you were just Kane's oversized shadow."
I felt a low growl building in my chest but swallowed it down. Getting into a confrontation now would only cause problems and potentially jeopardize my standing in the program. I couldn't risk that, not when Kali's future depended on my success.
As we continued our walk, I noticed Zara and Finn approaching. I'd only met them a month ago when I started the application process, but they seemed decent enough. Kane hadn't warned me away from them, which was a good sign – he usually had a keen sense for which Supes to avoid.
Zara, with her short blonde hair and quick wit, fell into step beside me. Finn, tall and lanky with an easy smile, joined on her other side. While I wouldn't call us close friends, their presence was a welcome buffer against Valen's hostility.
Their chatter about the rumored new training exercise caught my attention. Every piece of information could be crucial in my preparation.
"Did you guys hear about the new training exercise they're implementing next week?" Finn asked, his eyes alight with excitement. "Apparently, it's supposed to test our ability to think on our feet in high-pressure situations."
I felt my muscles tense involuntarily. Every new challenge brought us closer to the ultimate goal, but also closer to potential failure. Failure wasn't an option, not for me, not for Kali.
"I heard it involves some kind of magical obstacle course," Zara chimed in. "Rumor has it that it'll change based on each applicant's greatest fears."
Kane's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting. That would certainly separate the wheat from the chaff."
"You think you're ready for something like that, Mason?" Finn asked, glancing up at me.
I grunted noncommittally, not wanting to reveal my thoughts. Every challenge, every test was a stepping stone. I couldn't afford to show uncertainty.
"Always the man of few words," Zara teased gently. "But seriously, I've seen you in action. You've got as good a shot as any of us at bonding with a dragon."
Her words barely registered. It wasn't about having a "shot"—it was about necessity. Becoming a Dragon Rider wasn't a choice for me; it was the only path forward.
"It's not just about physical prowess," Kane interjected. "The bond between dragon and rider is as much mental as it is physical. You need to be prepared for anything."
I nodded in agreement, thinking about the hours I'd spent not just training my body, but also studying dragon lore and meditation techniques. Every spare moment was devoted to this goal. Sleep, socializing, relaxation—all were secondary to my mission.
"Well, whatever happens," Finn said, a hint of nervousness in his voice, "I just hope I don't embarrass myself in front of the dragons. Can you imagine being rejected by every single one?"
The group fell silent for a moment, each of us contemplating that possibility. The thought of coming this far only to fail at the final hurdle was almost too much to bear.
"We've all worked hard to get here," I found myself saying, my words hanging in the air. A rare silence followed as the others turned, their expressions registering surprise at my contribution. "All we can do is give it our best and hope it's enough."
But as we approached the grand doors of the Library, I silently amended that thought. Hoping wouldn't be enough. I would succeed.
For Kali, I would become a Dragon Rider, no matter the cost. And nothing would distract me from that goal.
???
The moment we stepped into the Library's grand foyer, a commotion near the check-out desk caught my attention. My enhanced hearing picked up the sneering tone of a female voice, followed by a softer, trembling response. The scent of fear permeated the air, causing my muscles to tense instinctively.
I should keep walking. Focus on my training. On becoming a Dragon Rider. On securing Kali's future.
But then I heard it—a choked sob, quickly stifled. My feet were moving before I could stop myself.
Damn it. I knew better than to get involved. But the sound of that sob, the fear in the air—it brought back too many memories. Of Kali, trembling in my arms as we huddled in a cage. Of the weak being preyed upon by the strong, simply because they could.
I can't stand bullies. The thought pulsed through me, hot and fierce. Not after everything I've seen. Everything I've been through.
As I rounded a towering bookshelf, I saw them. Two Fae—probably applicants, judging by their attire—looming over a smaller figure. Their target was pressed against the wall, clutching a stack of books to her chest like a shield.
"Stupid human," one of the Fae spat. "You don't belong here. Go back to your pathetic little life and leave the real magic to us."
I felt a growl building in my chest. Memories of my time in the fighting pits flashed through my mind—the helplessness, the fear. No. Not again. Not if I could stop it.
"Is there a problem here?" My deep voice cut through the tension, causing all three to whirl towards me.
The Fae bullies exchanged a glance, their initial surprise quickly morphing into sneers.
"This doesn't concern you, stone-face," the taller one said, puffing out his chest. "Why don't you lumber back to whatever rock you crawled out from under?"
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to show them exactly what this 'stone-face' could do. But I couldn't risk my place in the program. Not for this. Not even to wipe those smug grins off their faces.
"I'm making it my concern," I said, my voice low and dangerous. I let a hint of my stone-like skin ripple across my forearms, a subtle reminder of what I was capable of. "Back off. Now."
The shorter Fae faltered, but his friend stood his ground. "Or what? You'll turn us into garden statues? Please. We're not scared of some overgrown pebble."
I took a step forward, using every inch of my height to loom over them. "You should be."
For a moment, tension crackled in the air. I could see the conflict in their eyes—the desire to save face warring with their growing realization of just how outmatched they were.
Finally, the taller one spat on the ground at my feet. "Whatever. She's not worth the trouble anyway."
As they skulked away, tossing venomous glares over their shoulders, I turned my attention to their victim. She was still pressed against the wall, her face hidden behind a curtain of wavy brown hair with... purple highlights?
"Are you alright?" I asked, forcing my voice to soften.
She nodded, slowly lowering the books from her chest. "Thank you," she whispered. "I—"
Her words cut off as she lifted her face to mine. Golden-brown eyes met mine from behind glasses, and suddenly, I couldn't breathe.
A scent hit me like a physical force—warm vanilla with a hint of something spicier. Familiar. So achingly familiar.
Memories crashed over me in a dizzying wave. A little girl with pigtails and a gap-toothed grin, fearlessly climbing trees in my backyard. Hushed giggles during late-night sleepovers. The ache in my chest when we had to move away, leaving behind the only real friend I'd ever had.
"Tess?" Her name left my lips in a hoarse whisper.
Her brow furrowed, confusion flickering across her features. She studied my face intently, her eyes searching. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
I felt a pang in my chest. Of course, she wouldn't recognize me right away. It had been almost two decades, and I had changed significantly. "It's me," I said softly. "Mason. Mason Sharpe."
Her eyes widened, shock replacing the confusion. She leaned in slightly, peering at me more closely. Slowly, recognition dawned in her eyes.
"Mason?" she breathed, her voice barely audible. "Is that really you?"
As I stared at her, drinking in every detail of her face, something shifted deep inside me. A primal, instinctive part of my brain roared to life, screaming a single word:
Mate.
The realization hit me like a thunderbolt, shaking me to my very core. Tess—my childhood best friend, the girl I'd left behind all those years ago—was my mate. The one person in all the world meant just for me.
My mind reeled, struggling to process this earth-shattering revelation. After everything I'd been through—the years of struggle, the constant fight for survival, the desperate attempts to protect Kali—this seemed almost too good to be true. If it hadn't been for Kane rescuing us, giving us a chance at a real life, I might never have had this moment.
The odds of finding a fated mate were slim to begin with. Most Supes went their entire lives without ever experiencing this connection. And for that mate to be human? It was almost unheard of. The statistical improbability of this moment was staggering.
Yet here she was, standing before me. Tess. My mate. A miracle I never dared to hope for.
And I had no idea what to do about it.