Chapter 21
TWENTY-ONE
LILA
The crimson silk of the ceremonial dress clung to Lila’s curves like liquid fire, and its intricate golden embroidery caught the morning light peeking through the curtains of her guest suite windows.
She smoothed her hands over the fabric, marveling at how the ancient design seemed crafted specifically for her body.
She couldn’t believe that today was finally the day of the Bondfire Ritual. She also couldn’t believe that she survived one whole night away from Draven. She initially protested the ancient dragon tradition that required them to spend the night before the ritual apart as an act of sacred cleansing.
One night apart from Draven, and I feel like I’m missing a limb.
“Stop fidgeting.” Nyra’s voice carried amusement as she adjusted the dress’s elaborate collar. “You look absolutely stunning. Draven’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
“That’s what I’m worried about.” Lila looked at her reflection in the mirror—the dress transformed her into someone regal and powerful. “His appetite has been... intense since we completed the mate bond.”
Nyra laughed, her fingers working to secure the ceremonial belt around Lila’s waist. “Welcome to mated life with a dragon shifter. Max was the same way after we bonded. Still is, actually.”
The mention of Nyra’s husband sparked curiosity that had been burning in Lila ever since the Queen’s funeral. “I still can’t believe you’re like me—a hybrid who didn’t know until after mating.”
“The difference is I always suspected something was off about me.” Nyra stepped back to admire her work. “Strange dreams, unusual reactions to dragon energy. But you? Complete surprise. That must have been terrifying.”
“Terrifying and exhilarating.” Lila turned, watching the dress flow around her legs. “Speaking of surprises—what did you find in the ancestral records?”
Nyra’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Your father’s last name, Reyes, appears in the records from two centuries ago. A dragon shifter named Cormac Reyes who disappeared during the Great Migration period.”
Lila’s breath caught. “Disappeared how?”
“The records suggest he left Nova Aurora to explore other worlds—Earth among them.” Nyra pulled out an ancient leather journal. “Look at this.”
Lila accepted the worn book, her fingers tracing the faded ink. Cormac Reyes—Royal Guard, Third Division. Fascinated by portal magic and distant worlds. Her heart raced as she read further. Last known location: Earth settlement, North American continent.
“My great-great-great-grandfather was Nova Auroran?”
“More than that.” Nyra’s voice dropped to a whisper. “He was part of the king’s personal guard. Your bloodline is noble, Lila. That’s why the mate bond with Draven is so powerful—you’re not just compatible, you’re meant to lead and protect.”
The revelation sent shivers through Lila. Everything made perfect sense now—her inexplicable comfort in the castle, her natural ability to handle royal responsibilities, and the way Draven’s clutch members instinctively respected her despite their initial reservations.
I was born for this.
“How does it feel knowing you’re essentially coming home?” Nyra asked softly.
“Like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.” Lila closed the journal carefully. “But right now, I need to focus on proving I deserve to be Draven’s queen.”
“You’ve already proven that,” Nyra said firmly. “The past three days of preparation have been impressive. Your meditation skills are stronger than any dragon shifter I know.”
Lila had thrown herself into training mode with fierce determination.
Hours of breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and grounding practices—all designed to help her become the stabilizing force Draven needed during the Bondfire Ritual.
The ceremony required him to maintain dragon form and breathe sustained fire for ten uninterrupted minutes while she anchored him through their completed mate bond.
Ten minutes of pure fire control. If I falter even for a second, he could lose his control, and his fire will go out.
“What if I’m not strong enough?” The fear slipped out of her mouth.
Nyra’s hands gripped her shoulders firmly. “Lila Reyes, you stabilized a fire-mad dragon king, uncovered a conspiracy, survived an attack, and discovered your own dragon heritage—all in the span of one week. You are exactly strong enough.”
A knock interrupted them. Jarek’s voice carried through the door. “Ladies, time to go. The amphitheater awaits.”
Lila’s stomach fluttered with nervous energy, but beneath the anxiety, anticipation thrummed through her veins. Today she would stand before the entire Southern Dragon Dominion and prove she belonged at Draven’s side.
Today I become a queen.
When they descended the castle front steps, Lila felt a familiar warmth spike in her chest—Draven’s presence through their bond. His emotions flowed to her: pride, love, and absolute faith in her. The sensation steadied her racing heart.
He believes in me completely.
Jarek helped her into his vehicle. “Ready to make history, Your Future Majesty?”
“As ready as I can be.” Lila slid into the passenger seat, Nyra settling behind her.
The drive to the amphitheater passed in companionable silence. Through the windows, Lila watched Nova Aurora’s landscape blur past—volcanic ridges, crystal formations, and lush valleys that had become home in ways Earth never quite managed.
This is where I belong now. This is who I was always meant to be.
As they approached the ancient amphitheater, Lila’s breath stopped in her chest briefly. Hundreds of dragon shifters filled the stone seats, their voices creating a low rumble of anticipation.
Through their connection, she felt Draven’s presence intensify. Somewhere in the preparation chambers beneath the amphitheater, her mate was readying himself for the most important ritual of his reign.
Send me your strength, his voice whispered telepathically. I need you, my queen.
Lila closed her eyes and pushed back waves of calm, love, and unwavering support.
I’m here. We’ve got this.
The amphitheater stretched before Lila like a colosseum from ancient Earth as she walked inside the front gates and into the arena.
The crimson silk dress clung to her body like a second skin as she approached the center of the arena floor, each step deliberate despite the butterflies rioting in her stomach.
This is it. Everything comes down to the next ten minutes.
Jarek’s steady presence flanked her left side, while Nyra was to her right—both of them radiating protective energy that helped calm her nerves. The arena floor felt solid beneath her feet, the black volcanic stone polished smooth by centuries of rituals.
In front of her, waited the Ring of Fire—a perfect circle of obsidian stones that seemed to pulse with dormant magical energy. The stones were massive, each one standing nearly as tall as Lila herself, and she could feel ancient power humming through them like a heartbeat.
Those stones have witnessed countless queens prove themselves. Now it’s my turn.
Movement caught her attention from across the arena.
A tunnel opening revealed Draven striding into the sunlight, and Lila felt her heart skip.
His ceremonial suit was midnight black with silver threading that caught the light of Nova Aurora’s twin suns.
The fabric was clearly expensive—tailored to perfection across his broad shoulders and muscular frame.
He looks like a king. My king.
But it was the piercing intensity in his golden-brown eyes that made her pulse spike. He approached with that commanding stride that made crowds part instinctively. When he reached her, his large hands cupped her face with gentleness.
“You look breathtaking,” he murmured.
Before she could react, he kissed her—bold and claiming in front of the hundreds of witnesses. The crowd’s reaction was immediate. Gasps of shock from some quarters, and enthusiastic cheers from others. Lila melted into the kiss, letting herself draw strength from his unwavering confidence.
When they broke apart, she saw approval shining in his eyes. “Ready to really make them gasp, my queen?”
“With you? Always.”
Lyric Tavek stepped forward, his ceremonial robes flowing as he raised his voice to address the crowd. “Clutch members of the Southern Dragon Dominion! Today we witness the Bondfire Ritual—an ancient test that has crowned queens for over a thousand years!”
The amphitheater fell silent except for the whisper of wind through the stone seats.
“King Draven’s dragon form must sustain dragonfire within the sacred ring for ten uninterrupted minutes,” Lyric continued, his voice carrying easily through the space. “This trial symbolizes eternal endurance and divine right, powered by the stabilizing force of his mate’s love and inner strength!”
Lila’s hands trembled slightly. Ten minutes. Just ten minutes of keeping him grounded.
“Traditionally,” Lyric’s voice grew more solemn, “only dragons with pure strength of heart and an unbroken mate bond can succeed!”
From somewhere in the crowd, a honeyed voice cut through the reverent atmosphere. “Pity your weak human queen can’t help you with her inner fire!” Veyra’s words dripped with false sympathy. “You should have chosen a proper dragon queen!”
Rage flashed through Draven’s eyes, but Lila squeezed his hand. Let her talk. We know the truth.
Soon everyone will, Draven’s voice whispered telepathically. After we succeed, we’ll show them exactly what kind of queen you are.
Lila took her place at the edge of the Ring of Fire, the ceremonial stones towering around her. The ancient magic made her skin tingle with recognition—something deep in her dragon heritage responding to the sacred energy.
Just breathe. Trust the bond. Trust him. Trust yourself, she told herself.
You’re my strength, Draven’s voice murmured in her mind. Just breathe with me.
The ceremonial bell’s deep tone resonated through the amphitheater. The moment had arrived.