Draco, p.14
Draco, page 14
A sword formed in Draco’s hand, identical to the one Movar had just retrieved. Cole stumbled into the room, falling beside Jemma. “Where is that spineless prick, Allorin?”
Jemma tried to lift her arm, but her body was like a rock. “Adara infused me with her magic. He is powerful, but he doesn’t have access to the mage temple yet. He needs a key. It’s connected to one of the circles we are yet to retrieve.”
Cole nodded toward Draco. “Who conjured Draco’s sword?”
Jemma focused on the men. “Allorin did. I guess he doesn’t want Movar telling the other darks about his power or his intentions.”
Cole touched Jemma’s arm, sending a pulse of magic into her body. She moved his hand away.
“Stop it. Between Draco, Adara and you infusing me, I’m starting to feel like a human battery.”
Cole huffed. “You aren’t human, or none of us would be able to share our magic with you.”
Jemma pulled herself to a sitting position as Draco deflected Movar’s attack. Steel slid against steel as sparks ignited between the blades. “I’m sorry, Cole. I know you were trying to help.”
Cole kept his eyes on Draco. “No need to apologize. It’s what family does.” He frowned. “Draco is holding back. He is an expert swordsman.”
Her heart clenched at the simple, sincere words. Her curse was gone. She had a mate and budding friendships with her fellow druids. She had a family again. A gift she never expected. Her mind touched that of the man she loved.
Movar is not the man you knew growing up. Release his soul, so he may be returned to his brother. He can only seek redemption in death, now.
Thank you, my love. Draco swung his sword, then turned the other way so his back was to Movar. When the dark raised his sword to stab Draco in the back, Draco thrust behind him, impaling Movar. The steel blade slid through the dark dragon’s heart.
“No!” he gasped as his blade tumbled from his fingers to wrap around the hilt embedded in his chest. Movar slid from the blade to his knees.
Draco dropped the blade before both disappeared. “I wish you peace in the next life, my brother.”
Movar’s arm reached toward Draco as he fell to his back and his eyes closed.
Draco moved to Jemma’s side. “I think we have had enough adventure for today. Let’s return to our home.”
She allowed him to pull her into his arms. “That sounds like the best idea I have heard all day.”
He scooped her into his arms. “Are you strong enough to fly?”
Her eyes lit with excitement. “I will always be strong enough for that.”
He chuckled as Cole stood. “Do you mind laying Movar to rest? I must see to my woman.”
Cole nodded. “Of course.”
He strode from the mansion with her in his arms. Before he put her down, she put her hand on his arm.
“There is something I need to do. We need Cireda’s tablet.”
CHAPTER 26
Jemma stood looking over the plains in Scotland. When she had explained what she had learned about the mage temple and Allorin’s intention to unlock it for his own use, the dragons were unanimous in their belief she must use the tablet one last time.
Cole was almost excited about taking the trip when Legion asked him to accompany them. She secretly thought he was hoping that Allorin made an appearance. He was quite pissed Allorin eluded him a second time and was looking forward to seeing the dark mage again.
Her gaze roamed over the rolling hills, dotted with boulders. The landscape reminded her of the temple and its surrounding foliage, but that realm wasn’t real and nothing grew beyond the temple walls. Until returned to this realm it was a pretty picture and nothing more. The druids were concerned with their failed attempts to reach Adara. For the first time since Mara had emerged, she ignored the Seers call. “Is this it?”
Draco nodded. “This was where the battle between the mage Geram and his brethren took place. It was thousands of years ago, so any structures built by the ancient mages have been lost to antiquity.”
She accessed the secular knowledge in her mind. She had all the information Allorin did, but she had the druid half as well. He saw only part of the picture. She scanned the horizon for any marks that were similar to the map in her mind. Spotting an outcropping of boulders, she headed toward them. “This should be close enough.”
Cole followed behind her and Draco, scanning the empty plain. “Close enough to what?”
She stopped before the cluster of stones. “This marks the entrance to Geram’s temple.”
Draco raised an eyebrow. “You mean it used to?”
Jemma held out her hands. “The entrance was hidden by the druids when the war started. They feared a mage would seek this power if the battle didn’t go in their favor. I can enter the cavern that hides the temple.”
Cole glanced around. “How?”
Power radiated from Jemma’s body as she recited the words in her mind. “Power of old, we seek thy guidance. The temple of Geram is sought by that which you fear. We have come to release Cerida’s power one last time. To strengthen your wards and ensure this power remains lost. Allow us passage to bestow the tablet upon you.”
The ground shook beneath their feet as steps formed in the grass, before lowering into the ground. Jemma held her arm out, stopping the dragons from entering the forming staircase. “Wait. We have not been granted entry yet. The wards are still in place.”
Draco glanced at Cole. “I don’t feel anything.”
Jemma lowered her arm. “This magic was shrouded from all, including the dragons. A dark might seek this power as well and that cannot happen.” She felt the call of her ancient druid sisters. “We can enter.”
She led them down hundreds of stairs. Sweat beaded her temple when she reached the bottom of the cavern. They walked forward in complete darkness, but she saw every rocky crag. The quiet was unnerving, and it took her a moment to figure out why. There was no sound. No wind. Not even a cricket or rodent. Nothing lived within the cavern as if it too, were in a different realm. Part of her wished that were true. Then it would be truly safe, but the temple of Geram was built in ancient times, and it was built on these very plains.
They stopped in front of the temple. It was simple in construction, and had a peaceful quality, unbefitting the power it contained.
Cole frowned. “That’s it? It looks more like a stone hut.”
The carved out rock and circular stone work were less than exciting, but Jemma felt the wards protecting it. No power leaked from the strangely constructed temple. “It was built a long time ago. Maybe this was posh back in the day.”
Draco shook his head. “Considering the power Geram wielded. He could have built something like a pyramid if he chose.”
Jemma glanced at him. “I think you are right. He was concealing his power for some reason. Maybe because he realized the other mages would fear him.” She pointed at the pack on Cole’s back. “Place the tablet on the ground in front of me. Not too close to the temple.”
Cole put Cerida’s tablet at Jemma’s feet. She knelt before it, placing her hands on the stone scripture. “Cerida, you infused this stone to protect your daughter. She has been restored. Release it now to protect this temple. All will be lost if Geram sees the light once more.”
The tablet heated in her hands before the stone broke apart and the dust swirled in the air before her. It attacked the temple, circling around the power in an unseen battle as the earth shook and pebbles reigned down from the cavern ceiling.
Jemma backed away. “It’s done. We have to get to the top quickly. The cavern is about to close. If we are sealed inside, we will never get out.”
Draco scooped her into his arms as he, and Cole raced up the stairs. She had no idea dragons could run that fast in human form, but the stairs were dissolving behind them as they reached the top. They all fell to the grass as the staircase disappeared and the shaking stopped.
When they looked back at the ground, it was as it had been when they arrived, with no sign that anything had occurred.
She crossed her legs on the moist ground. “Well, that was exciting.”
Draco stood, holding his hand out to Jemma. “Will that ensure Allorin cannot enter?”
“Only a druid can break the spell I have placed upon the temple. There are several layers of magic. I simply added another.”
Cole rubbed his chin. “But it is all druid magic? A druid could unravel the wards.”
Jemma scrolled through the knowledge in her head. “Due to the nature of the wards, I think it would take more than one druid. You need specific powers to unravel each magical lock.”
Draco took her hand. “Good. I want to return to our home. Our family is preparing our mating ceremony and I don’t wish to keep them waiting.”
Cole laughed. “The family is eager? I think your dragon is prancing around like a fledgling with a new ribbon.”
Draco smiled. “I admit to some enthusiasm.”
Jemma took his hand as they walked toward the sea. “You played with ribbons?”
Draco’s smile was sad and hopeful. “Our mothers’ would give us pieces of silk when we were learning to fly. We tied the material to our claws when we flew with our father. Whoever created the best wind ribbon was the winner.”
Jemma touched her chest with her hand. “That is a beautiful story.”
Draco turned to Cole. “It is something I have not thought about in thousands of years.”
Cole glanced at the clouds in the sky above them. “It has been so long since we were here. Perhaps being so close to our birthplace has made us nostalgic.”
Jemma glanced around. “You were born close to here?”
Draco pointed to the south. “It was several leagues away, but for a dragon, a few minutes in the air.”
She stopped. “Did you want to visit?”
Draco smiled. “Our home is no longer there. We had to destroy the settlement we grew up in when we made the move to the United States. It now looks very much like the plain you stand upon.”
She placed her hand on his chest. “I’m sorry.”
Draco kissed her forehead. “Don’t be. We kept the only thing we needed to survive.”
“What was that?” she asked.
They both turned when Cole answered. “Hope.”
EPILOGUE
Jemma stood in front of the small table with the antique carved crystal. Her heart raced as she wet her lips. The white dress Natalie had given her clung to her hips, giving her a womanly figure for the first time in years. It was simple, yet she had never felt so beautiful.
You are the most beautiful woman in the world. Draco’s words moved inside her mind like a caress.
Draco held two red silk ribbons loosely in his hands. He kissed her before taking her hand and tying them intricately between both their wrists. His eyes flickered with crystalline fire. His love, his commitment, so thick, it warped the surrounding air. Draco’s voice echoed with that of his dragon. “Tha thu leam a-nis agus gu brath. You are mine, now and forever.” He put his hand on the crystal, waiting for Jemma to follow.
She lay her palm to the crystal, as warmth traveled up her arm. Ancient. Powerful. Draco’s dragon reached for her, circling her heart, taking up permanent residence. Love. Conviction. Unity.
Draco’s eyes flared as the power of the crystal flowed into him. “Tha ar cumhachd, ar cridhe agus ar n-anam ar n-anum mar aon. Our power, our heart, and our soul are one.” His breath heated the surrounding air. “Tha cridhe dragon gu brath agus bheir mi meinn dhut. A dragon’s heart is forever and I offer mine to you.”
Jemma swallowed the joy in her heart. Worried her emotions would get the better of her. “Draco Rule, you’re the partner in life I never dared hope for. You have given me a family and a future I didn’t believe possible. If we have eternity together, I will ask for more. I love you and look forward to the memories we will create.” The crystal hummed as the carved runes glowed and pulsed. White threads of power latched onto their souls, weaving them irrevocably together.
She was inside Draco’s mind when her magic spiked. She couldn’t tell where her magic ended, and his began. The two powerful energies collided in a spectrum of color before weaving into ribbons of multicolored light. The crystal enhanced their bond as if they were one being intertwined with love, magic, and security. A single unit of power locked together for all time.
It wasn’t just Draco’s power; it was the power of all the dragons. The consciousness of the dragon species, their magic, was tied to her and Draco. Her knowledge was now their knowledge. A secular clan with the singular purpose of protecting its own and humanity. They were the light in the darkness, protecting the innocent from the dark mage and his dragons.
He kissed her before he led her to the table full of fruit, baked goods, chocolate, and slices of meat. He hadn’t forgotten her love of food, and he appreciated it as much as she did. His first thought was always of her. And his last words always ‘I love you.’
She cherished every second she had with him. She moaned as she bit into the decadent chocolate. She didn’t recognize the name, but the entire Rule clan was intent on having her try every sweet on the planet to discern what she liked. While she knew they were enjoying the tasting process as much as she was, it was fun to have a family. To enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
She hugged Draco again, because she still couldn’t believe he was hers.
“I am the lucky one,” he said, smiling down at her.
Her arms moved to his chest. “Why didn’t Cole come to the ceremony?”
“He sends his sincere apologies. When Mara asked him to check a lead concerning Alana’s whereabouts, he assumed he would make it back in time. He has found evidence she procured a rare artifact, but there is a concern that Allorin is looking for her.”
Jemma frowned. “Does Alana know about Geram’s temple and Allorin’s ambition to enter it?”
“Normally, Adara would pass that information on. Alana is unique. She has known about her destiny since she was a child. Her mother prepared her for her role in the temple’s return, but she is yet to share it with us. There is something she isn’t telling her sister, and we are concerned her need to protect Mara will end in her death.”
“I hope she is okay.”
“As do I.”
Natalie approached with a half-eaten tart in her hands. “Did Cole skip out again? I swear that dragon is avoiding me?”
Jemma laughed. “Why would he avoid you? You are the nicest person on the planet.”
Natalie held her tart out. “Right? Everybody tells all these stories about him, yet he always has an excuse not to meet me.”
Draco put his hand on Natalie’s shoulder. “I assure you, it is nothing like that. He has a highly developed sense of duty. With you having Kell to assist you, he has simply been called to another assignment.”
Natalie huffed. “Whatever. Speaking of Kell, you need to talk to him.”
Draco frowned. “Is he having some issues adjusting to this century? He seemed fine when I spoke to him earlier.”
Natalie popped the rest of her tart in her mouth, then swallowed it whole. “He gets the lingo most of the time, but that isn’t the problem. I am going out with Jake and he actually suggested he chaperon me. Please explain to Neanderthal dragon that he is not going on our date and if he follows me, I am evicting him from the apartment.”
Jemma pursed her lips to avoid laughing.
Draco cleared his throat. “He is simply concerned about your welfare. He is yet to acclimatize to current customs. I will speak with him.”
“Do.” Natalie hugged Jemma. “Welcome to the family, Jemma. I can’t wait to find out more about your magical Rolodex.”
Jemma laughed. “I’m sure we will be spending a lot of time at the store once our home is finished. Draco misses flirting with the customers.”
Natalie laughed. “I’m getting another tart before Kell eats them all.” She returned to the table of food, grabbing a plate and filling it with four tarts.
Draco turned Jemma to him. “Your mate doesn’t flirt with other woman.”
“Natalie said that Mrs. Crowler has been asking for you. She misses you at the store. You are her favorite... server.”
Draco laughed. “Mrs. Crowler is ninety-two and comes more for the coffee and the company. She does enjoy Natalie’s hand made soaps though.”
“I love that you brighten her day. The world needs more people who take time to make a nice elderly woman her coffee and ask about her day.”
“I have been remiss at the store and I love that you would consider the feelings of a woman you have never met.”
She placed her hands on either side of his cheek. “I got you. I am the luckiest woman in the world. Mrs. Crowler may flirt with you, but I get you for a lifetime and you are the greatest gift I have ever been given.”
His eyes flickered with crystalline fire. “You have the power to make a dragon heart soar, and mine belongs only to you.”
The End
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COLE CHAPTER ONE
Natalie ran her fingers over the bumpy stonewalls with fingerlings of tree roots growing through. The further into the cave, the less the wind whistled. It was strangely soothing and eerie at the same time.
The entrance had looked like any other a small crack in the exterior with overgrown leaves blocking the crevice, but as she entered, she felt the wave of magic. A surge of power that protected everything that lived inside. While the wind was welcome, nothing larger than a bug or rodent entered the dark tomb that protected the sleeping dragons.
