Chapter 33
GAVIN
Something falls into the water that isn’t a part of the burning ship. Dragon wants to follow. The evil pirates have been destroyed. Dragon watches his companion dragon eat the big man onboard. Good. That man hurt someone Dragon loves. But who?
A pretty blonde. With a smile that lights up Dragon’s world. Or are they just a dream?
The ship crackles below. The screams have died off. Dragon can’t shake the feeling that he’s forgetting something.
A bright golden flash from below blinds him, and he bellows out his annoyance.
Dragon can’t help blowing a few more streams of fire, just for good measure.
A familiar scent floats over the burning and jogs Dragon’s memory. Sweet, delightful.
Kyler.
Oh skies, did I kill Kyler? Being Dragon nearly stole me of my purpose, but it was the only way to reach Kyler. And now—
Skies above, sea below.
Kyler floats, unmoving as a mer. His golden hair halos his head. A peaceful look rests on his face. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s just asleep, but his gills don’t flutter.
No.
I cry out. My body shifts without permission, and I plummet into the sea. I claw at the water, fighting to make it to the surface. To Kyler.
I gather him in my arms. Kyler’s skin is surprisingly warm. A glow emanates from him now that I’m closer. It’s subtle, coming from his heart.
I cling to him. “I love you, Kyler. Don’t leave me. Please.” I press my lips to his, hoping and willing fairytales to come true. That a kiss can wake him.
But nothing.
I squeeze him closer, as if I can hold him in my own soul.
I don’t know how long I cling to Kyler, refusing to give him up. My body goes numb. But then something flutters against my cheek, and I look into the face of the man I’ve lost.
Kyler’s gills work, dragging water in. Hope sparks in me.
“Kyler?” I whisper.
“Gavin?” Slowly, Kyler’s beautiful blue eyes open.
“Oh skies.” I blink, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I thought you were—” I cut myself off, unwilling to say the words.
“I’m alive?” Kyler’s voice croaks, but it’s the most magical sound in the world to me.
“You are.”
“You’re not a dream?”
I kiss him gently, pouring my heart into the action.
“You came for me.” Kyler stays in my arms, probably hurting from whatever ordeal Vex put him through while I was being stupid. Over two weeks in that captain’s torture again. But Vex is no more. I witnessed Damon eat the man right off the main deck.
“I did. Please forgive me for not coming after you sooner.”
A sob rips from Kyler, and he wraps his arms around me. “I’m sorry. I—The phoenix stone. It’s gone. It saved me.”
“You’re more important than the stone.”
“Really?”
“Skies, yes. I don’t care anymore as long as I have you.” I plant another kiss on Kyler’s lips.
“You have me,” he whispers. “I’m yours.”
“And I’m yours.”