The Dragon King (Death #3)

18. Calista

Chapter 18

Calista

Riviana Star didn’t feel the same as it had when I left.

Talon had been with me, and we’d made a life together in each other’s arms. Our nights were filled with passion, and our days were filled with adventure. When I stepped into my tree house, I could feel his presence everywhere, as if he were right next to me, as if he would project his mind and appear in the armchair or at the head of the dining table.

Our last conversation continued to play in my mind and made me feel guilty, as if I were the one at fault. I’d ripped him apart in retaliation for ripping me apart. My pain had nowhere to go but out, so I unleashed my destruction on the person who’d hurt me most. Since we were close to battle and all our lives could be forfeit, I should have held him close rather than pushing him away.

But I’d accepted less than what I deserved my whole life, and I wasn’t going to do it anymore. It didn’t matter how much I loved him—I wouldn’t settle for a man who found me disposable. I’d told him I loved him I don’t know how many times, and each time, he winced like he didn’t want to hear it.

It made me angry all over again.

Queen Eldinar informed her people that they would fight to save the dragons across the sea, and once her announcement was made, all other projects were halted to prepare for battle. New armor and weapons were produced, and with the exception of a few elves who would remain behind, everyone packed their belongings for the long trip.

Talon had taught me the blade several times, but I still lacked the skills that Queen Eldinar and my uncle possessed. I could hold my own for a time, but not forever, not when I wasn’t fused with a dragon. That extra strength, that aided focus, made me comparable to the other great warriors.

It took several days to prepare for departure, and on the last night, I stayed in my tree house alone, wondering if I would ever see this place again. If I chose to stay behind, no one would stop me, but I felt like my purpose was in that battle, whether I lived or died.

No matter how angry I was with Talon, I wouldn’t abandon him.

I sat at the dining table with a cup of tea, looking at the fireflies floating outside the window and bringing a glow to the canopy and the forest. The music from the Great Tree was quieter than usual, somber because of the mass exodus that was about to happen.

I should go to sleep, but I hadn’t slept well in several nights. Tonight would be no different. I would lie there and reach for someone who was gone. I would think of someone who didn’t think of me with the same desire.

The front door opened.

It was late, and I expected no visitors, especially the kind that just let themselves into my personal space without invitation. There was no danger in the forest, but I got to my feet and rounded the corner in preparation to grab my sword.

But I stilled when I saw him.

Talon.

I sucked in a deep breath that almost sounded like a gasp. I hadn’t been sure when we would see each other again, but I hadn’t expected it to happen in Riviana Star, in my tree house, at this hour.

His armor was different now, with pieces of the Black Diamonds fused into different parts, the shine distinct against the matte appearance of his chest plate and vambraces. His cape was still at his back, and the hilt of his sword was visible past his head. He stared at me from where he stood in front of the door, his eyes dark like the underworld.

I was still frozen in place, still in disbelief at his appearance, even though an entire minute had passed.

Then he walked up to me, his boots loud against the wooden floor, taking his time as he crossed the room and came up to me.

He could kiss me or strike me. I wasn’t sure which would happen.

He stared at me harder than he had before, his eyes shifting slightly between mine, a mixture of anger and desperation.

My heart raced so quickly I could feel my pulse in my neck. I felt like I was in free fall and glued in place at the same time. Even after all the harsh words that were said, I couldn’t deny that my heart beat for him as much as it always had, since the night he’d told me what had happened to his family and we’d made love in the tent, since he’d swooped down from the sky and killed General Titan with a dagger to the mouth, since he’d slept with me through the night and dropped his guard.

“I thought keeping my distance would make this easier for both of us, but it hasn’t. It’s only made it worse, and now I hate myself for the time I wasted. For the nights you could have been in my bed. For the moments we could have shared. For the love we could have had. I’m sorry that I chose wrong.”

I continued to breathe hard, surprised by all that.

“I’m sorry.”

I looked into his eyes and saw the gold flecks in his gaze, the sincerity that shone through.

“I meant what I said before. That I believe this battle will claim my life. That these final days will be our last. I know it’ll kill you—and that kills me. After everything you’ve endured and lost, you have to endure this too.”

“You aren’t going to die?—”

“But our hearts were already sewn together. I finally gave my heart to you when I slept beside you, but you had earned it long ago, so long ago I can’t recall the moment it happened. But that was the moment I couldn’t fight it anymore. I thought I would love one woman all my life…but now I love another.”

I could feel the tears burning behind my eyes, feel them try to break down the dam that kept them from the surface.

“I love you with all my heart, Calista.”

I inhaled a deep breath as the fire in my eyes started to burn hotter.

“I’ve loved you a long time—and I will love you always.”

This was what I’d wanted when I told him I loved him, to hear him say it back…and feel him say it back. All the anger and resentment I felt disappeared when his words hit me with a sincerity so potent it burned. “I love you too” The tears broke free and released from the corners of my eyes.

His hand cupped my face, and his thumbs swiped each tear away before he brought his forehead to mine and stared down at my lips. We stayed that way for a long moment, savoring the connection between our hearts and our souls.

I felt all my pains ease and my scars heal. Felt my heart calm from a raging river to a steady stream. The peace his love granted me was more profound than the serenity I found in this very forest.

He pulled away and tilted my head back to look at my lips, to rest his thumb in the corner as he continued to regard me with soft eyes. “If I were to live…” His eyes stayed on my mouth. “I would marry you…and have children with you, and we would live among dragons and elves and humans—all as equals.”

I hadn’t slept well in days and neither had he, but that didn’t stop us from spending our night together locked in the throes of passion. We’d made love before, but it was different this time. Slower. Deeper. Our eyes connected at a depth we’d never experienced before.

He was always on top of me, exerting his muscles like they never fatigued, bending me in ways he liked so we could be as close together as possible. He rocked into me with his thick arms locked behind my knees, giving me the length I could handle, his head dipped to brush his nose against mine and kiss me.

My hands planted on his chest, and I felt his heart beat steadily under the skin, felt the vibration like a drum, the source of his love. It was the first time every single barrier between us had been removed, when it was the two of us and nothing else, our hearts pure and visible on our sleeves.

It was hard to believe I’d ever hated him. That I’d wished him a violent death. Not when he’d become the love of my life, my future husband, the man who would father my children. My hand cupped his face, and I brought his mouth to mine for a kiss, our lips like clouds that came together to form a single entity. I breathed into him as I felt my chest tighten, because if he was killed in battle, I really would be ruined.

He kissed me back without breaking his pace, filling me with his size and claiming me as his, marking his territory in a deeper way than he had before.

I spoke against his mouth. “I love you.” I’d already said it to him several times before, but I wanted to say it again, to celebrate my commitment to him and hear him say it back. My fingers dug into his hair as I watched the same love burn in his eyes like a glorious sunset.

“Baby, I love you.”

It carried on until sunrise, and by then, we were spent and exhausted and fell asleep. Our rest was short-lived because we were both roused by the heat of the sun as it entered the open window.

I awoke in his arms, his head on my pillow, his eyes tired from the long night we’d had.

I kissed the corner of his mouth.

He turned into me and kissed my hairline.

“I don’t want to leave.”

Sadness crept into his gaze, a slow infection that quickly turned rampant. “Nor do I.”

“I wish we could stay like this forever.”

He held my gaze without blinking, a hint of alarm moving into his face. It disappeared quickly like it never happened, and he rolled onto his back to stretch. Then he left the bed and stood up, his back to me, his tight ass like a rock. “If only…”

When we approached the royal palace, Queen Eldinar already stood outside with my uncle, giving orders to Commander Luxe as they prepared to depart the forest…possibly forever. “Fifty of our strongest must remain behind to protect Riviana Star from outside invasion. Now that the dark elves have been defeated, I suspect the forest is safe, but we must safeguard the Great Tree.”

Commander Luxe nodded. “It saddens me that I won’t join you in battle, Your Majesty.”

She stepped forward and gave him a slight smile. “I’ve given you this task because I entrust it to no one else. You don’t need to raise your sword with me in battle to serve me—because you’re serving me in a much deeper way.”

He stared at her for seconds before he gave a slight bow. “Please return, Queen Eldinar. I speak for everyone when I say you’re the greatest ruler Riviana Star has ever known. Without you to guide us, we would be lost.”

“I appreciate your kind words. Every monarch in our history has served our people well, and I’m certain my successor, if I perish, will do the same.”

He gave her a final nod. “Fight well, Your Majesty.”

“You as well.”

He walked away and left the clearing.

Queen Eldinar turned to regard us, her eyes on Talon. “My scouts informed me of your presence in our lands. I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”

Talon stepped forward then set his pack on the ground. “I’ve come to bestow a gift upon you, Your Majesty. I hope you’ll accept it.” He kneeled down, opened the pack, and revealed an armor set that was stunning in black, reflective in the sunshine. Chunks of black were along the sides of the torso, black diamonds he’d harvested from the Arid Sands. He rose to his feet and presented the chest piece. “I had my blacksmith prepare this in our forge. The dragon scales are impenetrable.”

She stared at it for a long time before she looked at him again. “This is a kingly gift. But I can’t accept it, Death King. I will not protect my body with a dragon’s sacrifice.”

“It was not a sacrifice,” he said. “Khazmuda offered.”

“Even so?—”

“It’s a gift, Your Majesty. Khazmuda wanted to honor the sacrifices you’ve made for all dragons, including in the upcoming battle. With all due respect, your armor broke into pieces, and you nearly lost your life.” He held it up slightly higher. “Dragon scales do not break.”

She stared at it again, her eyes heavy with the weight of the gift.

“ Fleur Nia .”

She hesitated before she looked at her husband.

“Please take it.” The plea in his eyes came from the deepest part of his soul. His fear was on display, terrified of losing the woman he loved most. Emotion burned in his gaze as he silently begged her to put aside her beliefs to ensure her safety.

“Khazmuda’s scales will regrow before the battle,” Talon said. “You have not compromised him in any way. I would never allow him to be compromised.” He continued to hold up the armor. “I know black isn’t your color, but I think anyone who gazes upon Queen Eldinar of Riviana Star in midnight-black dragon scales will fear for their lives at the sight of you.”

She stared at the chest plate a moment longer before she looked at him again. “I am honored to accept your gift, Death King.”

My uncle stepped forward and gathered the pieces that Talon offered, holding it all in his big arms. “Thank you for protecting my wife.” He looked at Talon as he said it, sincerity in his hard gaze.

Talon held the look before he gave a nod.

My uncle carried it into the royal palace, where Queen Eldinar would change.

She remained where she stood and looked at Talon.

“There’s something else you need to know about the armor.”

She didn’t pursue the topic with questions. She let him answer her freely.

“Black diamonds are secured in some of the pieces. They’re rare gems that can only be found buried in the sand in the desert to the west.”

Her eyes shifted to me before she looked at him again. “Calista mentioned her time as a slave to your general. She spent ten years digging for those diamonds, and that makes it even harder to accept your gift.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “Knowing that you’re the recipient makes it worthwhile.”

She stared at me for a long time and then looked at Talon again. “What is their purpose?”

“Energy,” he said. “Even the smallest sliver houses a powerhouse of energy.”

“I don’t need it,” she said. “My endurance is much stronger than any human.”

“That’s not what it’s for,” he said. “It’s for your dragon.”

She became confused, her head tilting slightly like she’d misheard him. “State your meaning, Talon.”

He hesitated, like this conversation would be unwelcome. “Macabre only agreed to this because of his love for you. He would rather protect you in battle than let you fight without his scales, fire, and claws. And if he’s willing to do that…I suspect he’s willing to fuse with you.”

Her eyes slowly narrowed in provocation. “The very reason we march to battle is because the dark elves forced the dragons into a fuse and control their minds?—”

“Yes, forced ,” he said. “I have not forced Khazmuda into a fuse. He does it willingly, and that’s why we have such a profound relationship. He’s free to leave whenever he chooses. Calista was fused with Inferno for a short while, and then they unfused and went their separate ways. Just because dark elves decided to abuse their power doesn’t mean it’s wrong to fuse with a dragon—not if the dragon wants it.”

Her eyes were still hard in anger, clearly offended by this conversation.

“Ask Macabre to fuse—and he will.”

“I do not wish to fuse with him.”

“But I promise you, he’ll want to fuse with you,” he said. “Because you’ll have his strength and his focus, and you’ll be an unstoppable force in battle. He’s joining this battle to protect you—and this is the best way to accomplish that.”

Fire continued to dance behind her eyes. “We don’t use dragons?—”

“With all due respect, Your Majesty. You’re putting your life and the lives of your people on the line for the dragons. It’s only smart to use their powers to increase our chances of victory. I understand you have an oath—but now is the time to put that aside. It’s for the good of all of us.”

She turned quiet.

“While you use their strength, you drain their energy. Because of their size, they have infinitely more energy than we do, but it’s not unlimited. You’ll drain the storage in the diamonds first before you tap into Macabre. Depending on the length of the battle, you may not even need the diamonds, but if this battle lasts days, then you might. You said you didn’t want to use Macabre, and I’m giving you that ability. You can benefit from his powers without siphoning off his energy.”

Her anger started to dim, but her discomfort was still obvious. She looked at her husband, who had returned to stand beside her.

He held her stare, standing perfectly straight with his thick arms by his sides, looking at her like he awaited a command.

“What are your thoughts, General?”

He inhaled a slow breath as he looked at her, staring at her as a husband, not a general of her army. “I agree with the Death King. We’re the only race that’s selflessly cared for them. The least they can do is share their gift with us—just during the battle. Knowing you’ll be protected by their scales and have the power of a dragon in your veins brings me comfort.”

“It’s not about me, General. It’s about?—”

“It is about you , Fleur Nia . My obligation is to our army and our people, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I put you first always. I need you to live. I need you to return to this forest and rule for centuries. This is a temporary arrangement. The dragons know that we would never maintain the fuse against their will. They can trust us without doubt.”

She stared at him for a while before she turned back to Talon. “I still don’t like this. But I want to free those dragons bound by evil magic. I want Macabre and the others to return home and live the rest of their days in peace. I want my people to be victorious. I want you to succeed, Talon.”

I knew Talon wouldn’t have convinced her of this plan if it weren’t for my uncle. He’d abandoned his role as general of Riviana Star and turned into a concerned husband who wanted his wife to live…even if he died.

“Then speak to Macabre,” Talon said. “I’m sure he will agree, and once he does, ask him if the others will as well. Pair the dragons with your best fighters. I suspect my uncle’s army will be no hardship for you, but we’ve learned from experience that the dark elves are a serious adversary.”

We stepped out of the forest and entered the plains, the dragons sleeping in the sunshine or soaring in the skies, hunting for game.

No matter how many times I saw it, I would always enjoy it.

Queen Eldinar took the lead, protected in her black armor made of Khazmuda’s scales, looking much different than she did in her all-white armor. An image of the Great Tree had been carved into her back, surrounded by a crest of flowers. Her long hair flowed in the breeze as she moved, her blades sitting in the scabbards at her hips.

Khazmuda landed before us, aware of Talon’s presence as he drew closer. His eyes were on the queen, and he lowered his head to get a better look at her appearance. You’re a fearsome queen, Your Majesty. All your enemies will tremble before your power and might.

“Thank you, Khazmuda,” she said with a slight smile. “And thank you for such a generous gift.”

You’re welcome, Your Majesty. My duty is to protect Talon in the battle, but I hope my scales will serve you in my absence.

“I’m sure they will,” she said. “May I ask you something?”

Anything, Your Majesty.

“You don’t have to address me as such. I’m queen to the elves, but to the dragons, I’m only a friend.”

You’ll always be Queen Eldinar to me.

She smiled. “You’re sweet.”

Ask your question.

“When you and Talon fused, who suggested it?”

Neither of us.

I could hear Khazmuda’s words in my mind as they spoke. I knew Talon could as well, but my uncle was unaware of the dragon’s side of the conversation.

“Then why did you fuse?” she asked.

Talon gave an unexpected sigh.

My eyes darted to him, seeing a hint of discomfort.

Khazmuda didn’t speak. His eyes flicked to Talon.

“It’s okay,” Talon said. “You can tell her.”

Queen Eldinar turned to look at Talon before she faced Khazmuda again.

Talon suffered a fatal wound…and only a fuse would spare him certain death. The same wound on my body would be inconsequential, so I absorbed that damage so he would live.

“What kind of wound was this?”

A dagger to the heart.

I looked beside me again to Talon.

He stared straight ahead, determined not to look at anyone.

Queen Eldinar stared at him for a while. “This wound was self-inflicted…” She read between the lines, interpreted the change in the energy that surrounded us.

I looked at the side of Talon’s face.

Yes.

My heart squeezed so tight it almost burst.

“Is there a chance he did this in the hope you would fuse?”

No . He tilted his head slightly, as if put off by that question. Talon Rothschild tried to end his life because he had nothing to live for. He wanted me to let him go, but I saved him for my own selfish reasons.

Queen Eldinar gave a slight nod in understanding. “What were those reasons?”

I didn’t want to be alone…and I loved him.

“It sounds like this was during a time when you didn’t know each other well.”

We were forever bound by the events of that horrible night. It’s hard not to love someone you pity so deeply. Talon didn’t show his best characteristics during that time, but I knew they resided deep below the surface.

“And you’ve remained fused ever since?”

Yes .

“Why?”

Because I never want to be apart from him as long as I live. No distance can sever our minds. Even if we settle down with our mates and have our own hatchlings, our minds will always be connected. That relationship will never change.

“So you can honestly say that this is something you want?”

Wholeheartedly.

“And if you asked him to unfuse, do you think he would?”

Yes. Why do you ask these questions?

She was quiet for a long time. “Because I’m about to ask your kin to fuse with us, and I want to understand exactly what I’m asking before I ask it.”

As long as it’s a question and not a demand, you have nothing to fear, Your Majesty. I’m sure some will agree, while others will not. As long as their wishes are respected, there is no offense.

“This is my final question. Do you think I should ask?”

Khazmuda stared at her in silence, deep in contemplation. I don’t understand your question.

“Do you think it would be beneficial to all if I were to ask?”

Talon can surround himself with a shield of the dead to fight for him. That makes him a formidable opponent because he’s untouchable. But without it, he’s no different from General Titan or Commander Luxe. He’s skilled with the blade, but so are his opponents. But with the strength I lend him, he’s one of the greatest swordsmen who walks this earth. It’s the reason he was able to defend your tree for as long as he did before you allowed him to call upon the dead. Having others with that power, even though they still won’t match Talon, will undeniably affect the outcome of the battle. In that regard, yes, I think you should ask.

“Then I will speak to Macabre—in private. I’ll respect whatever he decides.”

He has the same love for you that I have for Talon. I know what his answer will be.

The elven army began its progression out of the forest to reach the open fields with the mountains in the distance. They had been instructed to bring only what they could carry. The horses were left behind, and they traveled on foot so their mounts wouldn’t be abandoned once they arrived at the harbor.

Queen Eldinar had been with Macabre for hours, alone in their spot on the field, her sitting on the ground as Macabre lay on the grass and faced her. From a distance, it seemed like their conversation went fine, but she wouldn’t have been there for hours if there weren’t conflict.

Talon and I sat together with Khazmuda in front of a campfire, the sun almost set over the mountains.

He sat with his arms resting on his knees, looking over the campfire to the field beyond, littered with dragons.

“They’ve been talking for a long time.”

Talon gave no reaction. “He’ll say yes.”

“I thought so too, but now I’m worried.”

“They’re probably discussing other matters. Or he was appalled by the armor.”

“I hope not…since it was freely given.”

Khazmuda closed his eyes as he grew tired, like a dog on the rug in front of the fire.

“That was nice of you to give that to her,” I said quietly. “You’ve grown so fond of each other.” I was slightly jealous, but I never allowed it to consume me. Queen Eldinar was loyal to my uncle, and now that Talon had confessed his feelings, I knew his heart belonged to me. Whatever they shared was platonic.

“It’s hard to earn my respect, but she did it without trying,” he said. “I don’t have any friends besides Khazmuda, so it’s nice to have someone.”

I felt a twinge of pain at his statement. “Are we not friends?”

A smile moved over his lips. “We are definitely not friends.” He turned to look at me, that handsome grin lighting up his face. “And I would never want to be your friend. If I had to settle for that, I would lose my fucking mind.”

He dissipated my insecurity and even made me smile.

He watched me, his smile slowly fading as he got lost in my eyes, staring at me like we were alone in the world with no one else around. Then his eyes turned sad, as they often did whenever he looked at me.

“Why do your eyes do that?”

“What?”

“Look so sad.”

His eyes flicked away, and he looked at the horizon once more, the sky already almost dark because the sun seemed to sink into the mountains as if into quicksand. “When you have something you love, you have more to lose. Plunging that dagger into my heart was easy because I had no reason to stay alive. Death was preferable to my misery. But now…my life has meaning again.”

“I think that’s a good thing, Talon.”

He didn’t say anything for a long time. “Perhaps. Just wish it’d happened sooner.”

“It happened when it was supposed to happen. You needed time to grieve. If we’d met too soon, it wouldn’t have worked.”

“I think I would have fallen in love with you at any time, under any circumstances.”

This was a side to Talon he rarely showed. He was completely open and transparent, speaking his mind rather than masking his thoughts.

“When I met Vivian…” He hesitated before he continued, because anytime he spoke of her, it was like a knife was held to his throat. “I was smitten at the sight of her. I chased her and she ran, and I liked it because no one had ever denied my pursuit. There was an attraction there and I knew she liked me, but she still did whatever she could to avoid me. I cornered her and threatened to never let her go until she told me why. I just needed a reason.” He stared at the fire as he swallowed. “That was when she told me she’d been raped…”

My heart broke for a woman I never knew. Didn’t even know what she looked like.

“It had happened recently. By her own uncle…” His mood started to darken because it still bothered him after all these years. “She was still shaken up about it and not interested in me because she knew all I wanted to do was fuck around then move on to the next girl—which was a fair assumption. And if she hadn’t been raped, she probably would have been fine with that, but she was a different person as a result.”

“What happened?”

“She assumed that would scare me off and I would leave her alone,” he said. “She thought wrong.”

Now it all made sense, the way Talon was so patient with me, the way he saw past the violence and still saw me underneath. The way he was invested in my recovery, the way he wanted to heal me.

“It was a slow beginning, but from the moment I set eyes on her, there was nobody else. I took it at her pace, showed her there was no rush to do something she didn’t want to do, and over time, she started to trust me. I fell in love with her long before I had her, so I didn’t mind the wait. I never told her because I didn’t want her to think it was some line to get her into bed. I waited until she said it first.”

It was a little painful to listen to the tale of him falling in love with someone else, but I knew it was his story, his foundation, and it would always be a part of him and, therefore, a part of us. “What happened to him?”

“The uncle?” he asked. “I killed him.”

Exactly as I expected. “Is that why…you were interested in me?”

“I think it was a part of it, yes,” he said. “I knew what Vivian had suffered, and I didn’t want you to suffer. She told me I put her back together, and I guess I wanted to do the same for you.”

“Thank you for telling me that.”

He stared at the fire. “I was a different man the night we met. I’m sure you realize that. And I hope you realize how much I’ve changed…because of you.” He turned his head to look at me, his eyes soft once more. “I sailed the seas for decades looking for a solution to my problem, when all I needed to do was find you.”

My eyes got lost in his gaze, seeing the gold flecks visible in the light of the campfire. I’d met him on a dark night in the middle of the desert, and while he was as handsome then as he was now, he did look different.

He leaned in and slid his hand into my hair, grabbing it at the back as he kissed me, giving me a slow and purposeful kiss by the firelight. His fingers fisted my hair, and he made love to my mouth with his. Ashes sparked into the night, and Khazmuda slept on, unaware of the way our hearts tangled in a knot so tight it would never come free.

I woke up at dawn.

I’d slept hard and deep throughout the night, recovering from the loss of sleep during my separation from Talon. Even though I was about to raise my sword in battle when I’d barely been in a fight, I felt no unease about it. Maybe it was because I believed Talon and Khazmuda would protect me. Or maybe it was because I was so deliriously in love I couldn’t think straight.

Maybe it was both.

I silently dressed myself and let Talon sleep alone naked in the bedroll. I stepped outside to see the sky still slightly dark from the lingering night. The sun was approaching over the horizon, the mountains a dark silhouette from the approaching sun.

Khazmuda was still at the campsite where I’d last seen him, his chin resting on his sharp talons. He opened his eyes when he heard me.

I smiled and rubbed his snout. Good morning.

Morning . He released a quiet hum like he enjoyed my touch.

I looked around the campsite, seeing the elves still asleep in their tents, waiting for their queen to tell them to march. Dragons were in the field, most of them huddled together in a pile to keep warm throughout the night.

In the far distance, I saw Queen Eldinar approaching camp with Macabre beside her, her black armor brilliant even in the dull sunrise.

I wonder what Macabre decided.

He’s agreed to the fuse.

How do you know? I turned back to look at him.

I can feel it.

Talon exited the tent a second later, fully dressed like he’d woken up shortly after I left, even though I’d moved as silently as possible. His sword was even hooked across his back, and with the sleepy look in his eyes, he was even sexier than usual. He’d entered that tent as my lover but emerged as a king, his armor unbreakable with its dragon scales. His eyes immediately went to me with a hint of affection in the look, like I was his sunrise. He came forward and, without saying a word, gave me a kiss on the mouth.

My eyes closed as I kissed him back, swept away in the simple embrace that long-term lovers exchanged. It was a greeting, not an act of lust, domestic affection my parents exchanged whenever they entered the same room together.

I thought I would never have something like that.

He turned to Khazmuda next and rested his palm against his snout for a moment, their eyes locked, an exchange of love there, a man with his dragon. Then he turned back to me. “Queen Eldinar has fused with Macabre.”

“Looks like you were right.”

“A dragon loves more deeply than other creatures,” he said. “It’s their one weakness.”

“Weakness?” I asked. “I think it’s a strength. Because if Khazmuda hadn’t saved you, you wouldn’t be here now, about to save his race.”

He gave me that signature hard stare, the kind that looked into my face endlessly.

Queen Eldinar approached our campsite, her eyes on Talon. “After much deliberation, Macabre has agreed to fuse with me. He’s spoken to the other dragons, and over half of them have offered to do the same.”

I couldn’t believe it. “I’m so happy to hear that.”

Her eyes remained on Talon. “They will only fuse with elves, not humans. So, if you have someone in your army who wishes to fuse with a dragon, that will not happen.”

“I accept his terms,” Talon said. “And that wasn’t my intention anyway. The elves are the ones who have risked their lives to help their race. You’re the only ones who’ve earned that right.”

She gave a slight nod in appreciation. “Then I will pair my best fighters with the dragons who have agreed to fuse.”

“With the exception of Inferno,” Talon said. “He’ll fuse with Calista.”

The queen studied him with her intelligent gaze as she considered the request. “If he agrees.”

“He will,” Talon insisted.

“Then we shall begin the process,” Queen Eldinar said. “And we’ll meet you at the port of Shadow Stone.”

“You can fly with us, Your Majesty,” Talon said.

“Thank you for the offer, but I stay with my people—always.”

I walked up to Inferno in the field. He was the last one to wake, like he’d been up later than the others or he was simply more tired than usual.

He opened his eyes first before he raised his head slightly. WHAT NEWS DO YOU brING?

“Macabre has agreed to fuse with Queen Eldinar. Some of the dragons have also agreed.”

THAT DOESN’T SURPRISE ME.

“I was wondering…if you’d like to fuse again.” We had been fused before because it was essential to our circumstances. We weren’t bonded the way Talon and Khazmuda were, who wanted to spend their eternal lives in each other’s company. “Talon prefers it because I’ll be safer?—”

NO EXPLANATION IS NEEDED, CALISTA. I AGREE TO THE FUSE BECAUSE I DESIRE IT. YOU’VE UNFUSED WITH ME BEFORE, AND I DON’T SEE WHY YOU WOULDN’T DO IT AGAIN.

“Of course.”

AND I WANT MY STRENGTH TO KEEP YOU ALIVE. YOU DESERVE TO LIVE A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE, CALISTA.

My eyes softened. “Thank you.” I wanted to live forever with Talon, but I would never ask Inferno or another dragon for such a gift. Now I understood why Talon’s uncle had enslaved their kind to the south, just for the immortality. And I understood why they’d enslaved the dragons with dark magic, because they never would have agreed to give such a gift.

ARE YOU READY?

“Yes.”

Inferno reached his snout toward me, pressing it against my palm. He closed his eyes.

I closed mine and felt the connection between us, an energy I couldn’t describe. It was a moment of peace before the world tumbled and I felt my feet leave the earth even when I hadn’t moved. My stomach churned before everything went still, and I opened my eyes to see that nothing had changed.

Inferno’s wild eyes stared into mine.

Everything looked the same, but I felt different. I’d forgotten this feeling, the burn in my blood and the power in my veins. While I remained who I was, I felt a burst of energy that hadn’t been there before, a strength in my muscles that defied their size.

YOU’RE FIGHTING FOR MY KIN. SHARING MY STRENGTH IS THE LEAST I CAN DO.

“I would still do it, even if you didn’t want to share.”

I KNOW. THAT’S WHAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL, CALISTA.

“I’ll never be as special as you,” I said. “Talon and I are leaving for Shadow Stone so he can prepare his army for departure. Would you like to join us or remain with the dragons and elves?”

I’LL COME WITH YOU. FROM THIS POINT ONWARD, WE SHOULD STAY TOGETHER.

“Okay. Maybe Talon can help me build a saddle. It’s kinda hard to ride you without anything to grab on to.”

I DON’T CARE TO BE SADDLED LIKE A HORSE, BUT I CAN’T REFUTE YOUR POINT. IT’S DANGEROUS FOR YOU TO RIDE ME, ESPECIALLY IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE.

“Then it’s okay if I ride on Khazmuda on the way?”

IT’S PROBABLY FOR THE BEST.

“Alright. Then let’s prepare to leave.”