7. Clarissa
CLARISSA
T he morning air bites at my skin as I descend the grand staircase, my fingers trailing along the cool mahogany banister. Each step creaks softly beneath my feet, echoing through the cavernous stillness of Draken Manor.
I pause at the landing, my gaze drawn to the windows flanking the living room.
Outside, the world lies cloaked in a velvet hush—predawn blue stretching across the sky.
But there, on the horizon, light begins its slow ascent.
Streaks of rose and amber bloom behind the trees, painting the heavens with delicate defiance.
No matter how many mornings I witness it, the sight always steals my breath.
And yet, wonder can’t lighten the shadows in my mind.
Last night’s dream still clings to me—visceral, raw. I stood in a wasteland, the bones of our world buried beneath ash. A greenish light pulsed through storm-churned clouds, casting an eerie glow over the fallen. Deverauxs. Drakens. Alexeevs. All of them, lifeless and broken at my feet.
And from the darkness, a voice rose. Ancient. Malevolent.
“When shadows rise to claim their throne, all shall kneel before the storm. Light shall perish, hope shall die, and darkness reign beneath starless skies.”
I woke breathless, a scream caught in my throat, sweat chilling my skin. Even now, hours later, the words echo inside me. A whisper of the future—or a warning.
I push it down and force a pleasant expression as I reach the bottom of the stairs.
Nikolaas stands by the front door, luggage neatly stacked beside him. He looks up as I approach, a tired smile tugging at his lips. But it doesn’t reach his eyes. I can see the weariness in him, the weight of the responsibility that rests on his shoulders. The same unease that coils in my chest.
“Morning, little sister,” he greets, voice rough with sleep. “Off to work already?”
I nod, shifting my bag higher on my shoulder. “The gallery doesn’t sleep. Not even for the heiress of House Draken.”
He huffs a quiet laugh. “I hear you’re the one who really keeps things running over there.”
I smile, but it’s thin. Because beneath the teasing lies the ache I can’t ignore.
The truth is, I’m worried about him, about the journey he’s about to undertake. Amsterdam isn’t just another city, another stop on his endless tour of duty. It’s the home of our original clan, the birthplace of our family’s power and legacy.
“Must you go to Drakenhaven now?” I ask softly. “Can’t it wait—just a little longer?”
Nik sighs, fingers raking through his tousled blond hair. “I wish it could. But they’ve been demanding this meeting for weeks. Ever since my dragon awakened, the old guard’s been restless. They want to see for themselves. To remind us of the roots we share.”
I lower my gaze, fidgeting with the strap of my bag. “Of course.”
He continues, more animated now. “Amsterdam is just the beginning. From there, I’ll head to Stockholm. Then Oslo. The Nordic clans are watching us closely. Their support could make all the difference.”
A chill runs through me, dread blooming low in my belly. The same dread that’s haunted my dreams for weeks. I can’t hold it back anymore.
“I’m scared, Nik,” I whisper. “These visions... they’re getting worse. I see fire and ruin. I see us falling. I don’t know what it means, but it feels real. Too real. Darkness is coming for us.”
Without hesitation, he steps forward and wraps me in his arms. “I know,” he murmurs, holding me tightly. “I feel it too. But I swear, Clarissa—whatever comes, I’ll keep you safe. I will protect our clan and those whom we hold dear.”
He draws back, his hands on my shoulders, blue eyes burning with purpose. “That’s why I must go. We need to be united. We need the strength of all dragon clans, the power that flows through our veins. Only together can we face the darkness that lies ahead.”
“You’re right. We need to be ready.” I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I just hate that we finally found each other again... and now you’re leaving.”
A flicker of sorrow crosses his face. “So do I. But Rissy, you’ve become something extraordinary. You’re strong. You’re steady. You’re the heart of this family.”
He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You know what your name means, don’t you? Clarissa —the one who shines. That’s what you are to us. A light in the dark.”
Emotion swells in my chest—pride, gratitude, love. “Thank you,” I whisper. “For being the brother I always wished for, the leader our family deserves.”
Nik’s expression darkens at my words. Neither he nor I can control it. I cannot speak of one brother without conjuring the other, speak of Nik’s radiance without summoning the memory of Bram’s shadows.
He forces a grin. “You’re in charge until I get back. Try not to start a war while I’m gone?”
“No promises,” I reply, smirking.
He laughs, bending to grab his suitcase. “Honestly? I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted myself at your age. Just… try to enjoy yourself. Take a night off. Go dancing. Live a little.”
“I’ll consider it,” I say, already knowing how hollow the idea feels.
He opens the door—but pauses. One last glance. One last breath.
Nik steps back, cups my face gently, and presses his forehead to mine. “May the stars light your path, little flame.”
And then, he’s gone.