The Dragon Marked Chronicles: Prince of Dragons (Book 2)

by Jay Lynn

  A white magic circle appeared upon the stone. It twirled around, spinning faster as Alec moved his hands in a series of signs. He had never been taught this technique prior to the ceremony. It came to him suddenly, as if the magic in his blood was whispering each step required to complete the transference. Rising from the dust, runes in Elan appeared on the sorcerer’s skin. They painted themselves across his back and down both arms as he finished the first part of the spell.

  The magical seals then spread out to encompass not only Alec, but Draco and Shiori as well. Eyes glowing to match his mark, Alec chanted the necessary spell.

  “Sumonno virtus mana-alom. Rasolee er lumina sancdamor.”

  A burst of energy erupted from beneath the sage’s feet. It shot out, sweeping through the mountainside as it slammed into those watching the ceremony.

  “Hold on,” Cassidy told Jade and Isabelle as she moved closer, sheltering them from the burst of energy.

  Back on the platform, Alec’s body began to pulsate. The glowing orbs of his spirit pulled free of his physical form. Molding together, they took the shape of a great, translucent white dragon. Releasing a roar, Fang beat his wings proudly. Gaze locked on Alec, he hovered in front of the prince for a long moment. His spirit then wrapped himself around the sage, coming to hover over his shoulder.

  Lowering themselves to the ground, Draco and Shiori dipped their heads so that the large jewels in their foreheads were within Alec’s reach.

  The prince inhaled slowly then exhaled. It was the moment he had been awaiting. This is for you, Jade. Without further delay, Alec placed a palm on each precious stone and closed his eyes. Emanating a roar, Fang twirled around, splitting into smaller twin versions of himself. The dragons then dove forward, twisting down Alec’s arms as the dual spirits flew straight inside of the jewels. Those upon the stone platform seemed to freeze in place while the stones glowed brightly like the mark on Alec’s back.

  To Jade, everything played out before her eyes as if it were in slow motion.

  Draco and Shiori’s eyes blazed a bright white light. Then, radiating from the epicenter of the spell, the eyes and jewels of each dragon present on the mountain began to gleam as well. Even Cassidy, who had been touched by Alec’s magic once before stiffened, as if frozen in time by the enchantment.

  Jade and Isabelle looked around with wonder.

  “Is this what took place last time?” the sorceress questioned.

  Her friend gradually shook her head. “A little,” Jade answered, her gaze wide as she studied the surrounding dragons. “I must say this looks far more intense.”

  “Hmm,” Isabelle watched the dragons for a few moments. “If I were to venture a guess, I would say that the emperor and empress dragons are linked to all of the other ones. Since Alec’s power is affecting them, it is in turn, affecting the rest of the dragons.”

  The two women peered back at the stone dais.

  Teeth clenched together, Alec was hunched over as he continued to feed more power into the spell. The magic runes on his arms and back shone so intently, along with the dragon mark, that it appeared they were trying to imprint themselves on his skin. Blood started to drip from the sage’s nose. His breathing more ragged, the crimson color appeared in his ears and the corners of his mouth. It began to streak down the sides of his jaw, yet Alec did not let up on his task.

  One by one, the eyes and jewels of the dragons on the mountaintop lost their luster. As if surrounded in a haze, they blinked and shook their heads like someone roused from a long, deep slumber.

  “Amazing,” Isabelle squeaked, watching the magical creatures keenly. “I can’t believe Alec’s power affected all of them.”

  While the sorceress peered at the dragons, Jade’s gaze was solely upon Alec. She took a step, inching closer as the number of creatures still under his spell lessened. At last, only Draco and Shiori remained. The moment the light gleaming in their eyes faded to nothing, Alec slumped to the ground. His body lay motionless in the vanishing ring of white.

  Jade’s eyes widened to large pools. Her voice could not speak, yet her mind cried out with distress. No! Knowing what would come had not eased the pain of witnessing such a horrific sight. Racing past the still sluggish guards, Jade did not slow her steps until she was by the prince’s side. Dropping to her knees, she reached out to touch him, her trembling fingers hesitating.

  “Alec?” she called out softly, silently praying that by some miracle he would answer.

  When he refrained from uttering a single sound, Jade bit her lower lip. She sadly noted that the light had vanished from his mark as did the runes painting his skin from the spell. Gently, she rolled Alec onto his back.

  “Alec?” she repeated with a notable quiver.

  Any lingering hope that had lived on in her heart was extinguished at the sight before her. Alec’s skin was an oddly pale white. His chest was still and his lips were already taking on a bluish tinge. It was then that Jade saw the blood on his face. Holding a shaking hand over his mouth, she felt nothing.

  “He’s not breathing,” Jade wept weakly. She could hear the sound of steps approaching, yet did not dare turn her gaze away from the man laying in front of her. Jade reached out to give him a good shake. “Alec, pray get up. You cannot leave me. Alakaid, wake up!”

  Her distraught pleas brought forth no change in the sage.

  Cassidy lowered her head to gently nudge the human. “I’m sorry, Jade, but he’s gone.”

  “Who is this girl?” questioned Draco.

  Striding up the steps, it was Ardys who answered the emperor. “Jade is Prince Alakaid’s betrothed. The blonde one is Isabelle. She is his loyal friend and a talented sage for their king.”

  Jaw going slack, Isabelle’s eyes darted between the two dragons. “Ardys?” she drawled with a hint of disbelief. “Did you just speak? I mean human words. I…I know you can talk, but I can’t usually understand you.”

  Isabelle suddenly found both of the royal dragons standing above her as Ardys joined her side.

  “Did you say that you can understand us?”

  The sorceress’s head bobbed up and down.

  Glancing at her mate, Shiori smiled. “A wiser gift he could not have chosen.”

  Never timid for long, Isabelle sighed. “I agree Your Majesty,” her gaze shifted to Jade. “I just wish it had not been at the cost of his life.”

  Head lifting proudly and chest jutting out, Draco told her, “I understand your sorrow, but his death was honorable and dignified. He made us dragons proud to know such a mighty warrior.”

  “Alec was prepared to make this sacrifice,” Ardys added. “It is our duty to carry on in his place.”

  “Indeed,” Isabelle said quietly. Listening to Jade’s soft bitter sobs, she didn’t have the heart to put on a brave face. “I wish he had allowed us to at least say goodbye.”

  Alec lay suspended in a cloud of white. His body felt weightless, his limbs devoid of any feeling as if they were not but an illusion before his eyes. A swift breeze surrounded him. It lifted him into the air while the blank canvas was transformed into a large floating island. Alec’s bare feet lightly touched down on a thick blanket of green grass. The azure sky bore not a single cloud. Alec held his hand out, testing the feel of the mild sun. It warmed him perfectly without the threat of scorching his skin. Behind him, was an oasis speckled with leafy palms, white sand and a pool of clear blue water. Turning back to gaze out at his surroundings, Alec spotted an endless horizon with nothing in the vastness.

  He sighed, resting his hands on his hips. “Hmm, I guess I died after all.”

  “Not quite,” unexpectedly replied the feminine voice Alec knew all too well.

  Stiffening, the sage gradually turned to gaze upon a tall, beautiful woman. Her long raven hair was pulled back from her face with gem encrusted clips. Her soft, flowing blue dress was embroidered with gold thread which complimented flawless, ivory skin. A thick, braided belt adorned her slim waist and delicate sandals cov
ered her feet. What struck Alec the most was her eyes. The pale silvery color encased a ring of bright blue.

  Alec could not recall ever seeing someone like this mysterious woman before. She was surreal, like one of the drawings he had seen during his studies with Malcolm. For too long he had heard her whispers in his mind. Finally seeing the owner of that strange voice in this unearthly place further added to the sorcerer’s belief that he had passed on from the living world.

  “Who are you?” Alec questioned, turning fully towards her. “What are you?”

  Fingers gracefully linked together, the woman offered him a kind smile. “I am the Celestial Maiden Selena. You may know me as a guardian spirit.”

  “Guardian spirit?” he repeated. Eyes narrowing ever so slightly, Alec shook his head. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

  Selena’s brows lifted. “Oh? It would seem that your education is woefully incomplete.” She paused for a moment. An elegant hand lifted to brush her cheek. “I wonder why Malcolm has not shared this with you. No matter, I am certain he had no intent to purposely do so.”

  Alec’s expression did not soften in the least. He waited quietly for her to continue, watching the celestial being carefully.

  “How best to explain? There are several worlds beyond the one of which you know. Celestial Maidens are part of the spirit world. We act as types of guides and help to maintain a balance between the light and the dark. There is not time to explain further. If you do not return to the mortal realm soon, then your spirit will pass on and you will indeed have perished.”

  Alec crossed his arms. “Wait, if this is not the spirit world, then where am I?”

  Selena’s expression shifted to a more solemn air. “This in-between world serves as my eternal confinement.”

  Alec’s gaze quickly skimmed over the exquisite necklaces and rings decorating her like a piece of art. Wait, does she mean to say that she is a prisoner? he thought doubtfully. The sage knew what being in prison was like. This place had the appearance of a paradise, not a dungeon.

  “If you’re a goddess or a spirit or whatever it is that you claim, then who would have the power to imprison you?”

  Strolling closer to the edge of the island, Selena looked out at the bright horizon. “I was sent here by a few of the other Maidens. Betrayed. All for seeking to aid your world in a time of great darkness beyond the limitations of our oppressive rules. It is that desire which allows me to reach out to you now, Prince Alakaid,” Selena said passionately as she spun to face him. “You have given this shattered spirit cause once more. Allow me to aid you as the others have not.”

  Exhaling slowly, Alec peered at the celestial goddess with furrowed brows. He didn’t know what to believe. Much like a dream, he could not grasp the indication that this space around him was a world not his own. He supposed there was yet a piece of him that hoped the unknown voice in his mind was not but his imagination and would cease on its own. It was not unheard of for those who lived through various torments to create certain delusions. An intangible force told the warrior this was not so.

  “I will need time to consider this.”

  A small smile touched her lips. “For now, that is all I ask.” Gasping, Selena took a quick step back while clutching her chest. “You must go,” she stressed. “My power here is limited, but if you wish to reside once more in the mortal world, then I can help to send you back.”

  Go back?

  Alec never dreamed that he would be given such a chance. Death had always been his fate, yet here was a way to overrule that destiny. He could change what was written in the prophecy. Jade’s face appeared in his mind’s eye. Shoulders straightening, Alec’s determined gaze locked on Selena.

  “What must I do?”

  Selena’s eyes sparkled. “Close your eyes.”

  Alec did as she asked.

  “Reach out to your spirit. Feel him with every fiber of your being and call him back to you.” Hands starting to glow, Selena pointed her palms at the mortal. “A great darkness is coming once more, Alakaid. The realms need you. As do I.”

  The maiden’s final words ended with a whisper as Alec felt himself slip away from the warm meadow of Selena’s prison. His surroundings returned to a sheet of the purest white. Focusing with every ounce of his power, Alec called out to Fang.

  Hand covering her mouth, Isabelle came to stand by Jade’s side. She slowly lowered herself to the ground while staring at the fallen sage. A few tears rolled down her face.

  Beside her, Jade’s sobs were lessening as they shifted to hiccups. The noble laid her cheek on Alec’s shoulder and made no attempt to move from his side.

  Isabelle curled her fingers around Alec’s limp hand, squeezing tightly for a moment. “I will never forget you, my friend,” she promised. Letting go, she moved to pat Jade’s back. “Jade, it’s time to depart.”

  “I cannot leave him,” came a mumbled reply.

  “You won’t have to,” Ardys told her stepping closer. “I shall carry him back to Stafford. It is the least I can do for our friend.”

  Sniffing, Jade pushed herself upright with a nod. “Alright.”

  Just as the two women were about to rise, a pulse emanated from Alec’s body.

  “Did anyone else feel that?” Draco questioned, dipping his nose closer to the sage.

  Another pulse swept over them. The royal dragons stiffened. The jewels on their foreheads started to gleam, followed by their eyes once again.

  “What’s happening?” Cassidy asked, watching her rulers with wide eyes.

  Pulling from the gems, sparkles of white light swirled about. Condensing together, they took on the form of a dragon before entering Alec’s chest. The glow faded from Draco and Shiori. Shaking their heads, they asked what occurred, but all eyes were locked on the sage’s corpse.

  A healthy tint returned to Alec’s skin. With a gasp, he inhaled sharply, his eyelids flying open.

  The sudden movement caused both women to jump.

  Rolling onto his side, Alec coughed as his body greedily sucked in fresh air.

  “Impossible,” Draco muttered with a scowl.

  Launching herself forward, Jade wrapped both arms around his neck without a second thought. “You are alive!” she shouted. “I do not believe it. I thought we had lost you.”

  “We had,” Cassidy confirmed. “How did you return to us?”

  “Yes,” Jade echoed, pulling back to study his face. “How did you?”

  “I’m not sure,” he answered honestly. I want to speak with Malcolm before mentioning Selena. Alec didn’t quite know what to make of the spirit. He owed her for his safe return, yet possessed no knowledge of her kind to aid him in deciding if he should trust her. He had not the time to process all she shared about the existence of other worlds than his own.

  “Jade?” he called softly to the woman still sitting surprisingly near.

  “Yes?”

  “Is it alright if I get off the ground?”

  Jade opened her mouth to answer, then took a good look at how close she still was to his bare chest. Cheeks coloring, she quickly pulled back while tucking stray hairs behind her ear.

  “Of course.”

  A few of the others chuckled. Heart lifting from the sight of her friend, Cassidy directed her attention back to the royal dragons. The grin lighting her face vanished as she peered at the emperor. Shiori’s expression did not tell her much. Draco’s, on the other hand, appeared far from pleased. A chill swept through the green creature. This unexpected turn of events could prove dangerous for the humans. Beside her, Ardys seemed to share her worry.

  “We should go,” he whispered urgently.

  Having collected his discarded items, Isabelle allowed Alec just enough time to dress before she, too, embraced him tightly.

  “You must promise never to do such a thing to us again.”

  Alec chuckled. The gleeful noise was short lived. Catching sight of the dragons, his body stiffened automatically. Something’s wrong. B
owing to the emperor and empress, he ushered Jade and Isabelle over towards the green and red creatures. Alec did not get the chance to voice his concerns.

  “Come quickly,” Cassidy insisted, turning to descend the stairs.

  The three humans followed close behind. At the bottom, Tatsu filed in on one side while Ardys took charge of the other. Striding through the crowded mountain path, there was a strange tension unlike anything Alec had felt during his initial appearance.

  “Tatsu,” he began in a low voice. “Didn’t the spell work?”

  The dark dragon grunted. “It did. Your power gave dragons the ability to speak human words. Both Jade and Isabelle can understand us freely.”

  “Then why does it feel as if a battle might commence?”

  Watching the other dragons out of the corner of his eye, Alec knew he was not mistaken. The general unease was difficult to miss. Surrounded by magical creatures, if a skirmish did arise their chances would not be favorable.

  “They do not know what to make of your survival,” Tatsu told him bluntly. “For five hundred years our rulers have patiently awaited this day with the belief that the power bestowed upon the humans would be restored. Even a small piece of their magic is stronger than what any human was ever meant to permanently possess.”

  “I see.” So, even though I lived today there is no telling if I will be allowed to survive tomorrow.

  “We will not allow anyone to act rashly,” Ardys assured him.

  Alec knew the great dragon meant his words, but his friends would have no control over any decision made by Draco and Shiori. Leaving at once would offer them some space to come to terms with this unexpected twist. Hopefully, his previous actions and a human’s much shorter life span would be enough to work in his favor. One thing Alec was sure of, was that this ceremony would be the only time he would offer his life willingly to the dragons. If Selena’s words proved correct, then a great evil was coming that the realms had not seen for centuries.

  Just then, Jade gazed back at him with a brilliant smile. Alec felt his chest warm. If nothing else, he would not regret coming back. His journey wasn’t finished. Prophecy or no, he would not leave this world without a fight. His battle had only just begun.