by Jana Downs
Everywhere he looked, he was reminded of his lovers.
“Layden…Abraxas…” he whispered, but knew they would not answer. He was alone. Standing, he went to the dresser and opened the small box Layden had left for him. He picked up the beautiful ring, turning it over in his hand.
“Forever and always,” he read aloud. More tears fell as he clung tightly to the gift. He could cherish it forever. He only hoped that in time, they would see he was protecting them and that he did love them, with all his heart.
Devon threw himself onto the bed and cried until he couldn’t cry anymore. Dry sobs wracked his body as he fell asleep from the exhaustion.
* * * *
The night air was chilly as Abraxas and Layden walked the outskirts of the city. They had been blacklisted by their families and clans. Maeva’s display of their lovemaking in her magic mirror had ensured that there was no safe place left for them to turn to, not even their parents would listen to them. They were lucky their powers hadn’t been stripped from them, but that was all they had left. With no home and no protection, Layden and Abraxas had wandered the streets. Two days had passed and Abraxas imagined Druis and Ezekiel had made it back to the palace. The Ceremony would take place and that would be the end of it.
“I just can’t believe it,” Layden mumbled, interrupting Abraxas’s thoughts. Abraxas couldn’t either, but he had no choice. Right now his main concern was finding a place for him and Layden to sleep. “I mean, there must be some kind of reason. What if there was a spell that could manipulate Devon’s emotions?”
Abraxas didn’t want to think about this.
“There’s nothing we can do about it now. Devon has made his decision.” He didn’t want to think about him. The hole in his chest was still too fresh to even say his name out loud without feeling some sort of stabbing pain. Layden grabbed his arm and turned him toward him. He had tears in his eyes, and Abraxas could see the hurt.
He brushed them away with the touch of his hand and cupped Layden’s cheek. “Don’t cry, my love. I’m here.” Two days had passed since they had been kicked out on the streets and disowned by their families. Tomorrow was the ceremony. He knew Layden wanted to go back to the palace. To demand to see Devon once more, but Abraxas knew if he had changed his mind, he would’ve come with Druis to get them. So far there had been no sign of Druis or Devon. That left one conclusion, that he still didn’t want them by his side.
More tears streamed down Layden’s cheek as he came to the same conclusion Abraxas had.
“Come here.” Abraxas wrapped his arms around him as he pulled him to his chest.
“I just don’t understand…” Layden sobbed quietly into his shirt. “Why does everyone want to leave me?”
Abraxas knew he was talking not only about Devon but about him as well.
“Oh, Layden,” he sighed into the top of his head. “I’m so sorry for hurting you in the past. I was only trying to become stronger so that I could end this feud between our clans and be together. If I had known how much I would hurt you, I would’ve never done it. I only thought it would make things easier on you with your parents and their pressure on you to quit hanging out with me.”
“I know, Abraxas. I know. I just…want to quit hurting. I don’t want to ever be without you again, and I wish with all my heart that I could just go back in time one week to savor all our memories with Devon.”
Abraxas just held him close. He just wanted to see him smile again, but he knew it would be a while before that happened. “Come on, love. Let’s go see if we can’t find a place to sleep.”
“Hey, Abraxas,” Druis’s familiar voice called from behind him. He turned with a pointed stare.
“What are you doing here?” Abraxas didn’t mean for his tone to be cold, but it came out harsh and unfeeling.
“I just thought you would want to know that something is going on with Devon.”
Abraxas rolled his eyes. “Yeah, we know. He didn’t want us around anymore.”
Druis raised an eyebrow. “You seriously believe that?”
“Well what exactly are we supposed to believe? He had us thrown out of the palace.” The words stung as he spoke, but he needed to say them. He needed for Druis to believe them. He didn’t think Layden could take much more of this back and forth.
“He’s being blackmailed.” Druis’s explanation gave him false hope.
“Do you have proof?” Abraxas eyed him suspiciously.
“I found his brother in the cells along with the guards I had entrusted to keep a watchful eye on him. They’re being tried for treason.”
Layden and Abraxas exchanged a look. Could it be true?
“What can we do? We can’t even get anywhere close to the palace, and the ceremony will be over after tomorrow.” Abraxas shifted as he stepped closer.
Druis shook his head. “They’re doing it tonight. Ezekiel and Asher are waiting for us. We have to move now.”
“But how are we going to get in? The entire place is surrounded,” Layden asked as his jaw hardened with outrage.
“We’re going to have to fly.”
Abraxas nodded in understanding. “Come on, Layden. Let’s shift.”
* * * *
Devon entered the ritual room dressed in formal robes. His hands were shaking as he held up the scroll he was supposed to read from. Each gem was nestled in its place, waiting for him to unlock their power and summon forth the Dragon God. His heart beat loudly in his chest. He didn’t know if he could do this.
He could feel Maeva’s and Cerillius’s eyes on him as he made his way to the center of the room. He tried his best to ignore them and instead focused on Ezekiel and Asher who were standing in front of him.
Devon read the summoning incantation, his voice trembling from the uncertainty of what was about to happen.
“Ryujin, you have been summoned to decree a new king for your land. I bequest that you appear before me so that I may recite my decision as is the duty of the Dragon God’s priest.” A rumbling shook the room and Devon struggled to keep his footing. Was this the Dragon God?
The confused look that crossed Maeva’s and Cerilius’s faces made Devon doubt that it was his invocation that had caused the earthquake.
“Now,” Asher ordered. Flames erupted from his fingertips, encircling Devon in a ring of fire as Ezekiel launched himself at Cerilius. One touch was all it took and Devon watched in horror as the gentle healer sucked the life from the clan leader.
His dead body slumped to the floor, and Maeva’s screams filled the room. The far wall crumbled and three dragons stepped inside the space, shifting back to their human forms as they did. It was Abraxas, Layden, and Druis. They had come for him.
He went to rush to their side, but Asher’s grip stopped him. “Finish the incantation. Maeva could still travel back in time.”
Devon glanced to the old bitch and saw her fumbling with some trinket around her neck as a mystical glow surrounded her.
“Dragon God Ryujin, I summon you,” Devon finished reading the words off the page and a blinding light engulfed him, transporting him to the white room he’d first encountered when he came to Draconia.
“I see you have completed your task.” A loud voice filled the void as the same dragon he saw the first time he’d stepped through the rabbit hole materialized in front of him. “Are you ready to name the heir to the throne of Draconia?”
Devon nodded. “Yes, but first I have a request.” He gnawed on his bottom lip as he shifted uncomfortably. It wasn’t every day a person came face-to-face with a god.
The Dragon God stared down at Devon with a look of surprise as he waited to hear what Devon had to say.
“Please stop Maeva. All I want is for the world of Draconia to be safe. I’m begging you.” Devon dropped to his knees and bowed his head. He didn’t know what else to do. If Maeva returned to the past, then this would all be useless.
“Maeva…yes, I have noticed she has been meddling with magics she shouldn’t.” The D
ragon God’s form distorted and was replaced with a very human-looking figure. He stood well over six foot tall with pale skin and tousled turquoise hair that fell in front of his penetrating stare. Devon fixated his gaze on the floor, too afraid to meet the God’s stare.
“Why do you care what happens to the people of Draconia? After today, I will return you to your world and you will be unaffected by the consequences of this realm.” The question posed threw Devon off guard and he dared a glance at the being responsible for bringing him to Draconia.
“Because, what she’s doing is wrong!” Devon declared, finding his confidence to fight for what he believed in. “Over the past two months I have come to care for the people of this world very much, more so than my own world. The dragons are a strong race with promising clan heirs that can really do something great for their people. But, Maeva threatens that future. She’s unstoppable with her ability to time travel and I’m determined to do everything I can to stop her.”
Devon was left breathless as he waited for the Dragon God’s response. His heart was racing and his palms were sweaty. If this failed, then that was it. There was no hope.
The Dragon God’s gaze narrowed on Devon. His expression was unreadable. “I have been watching you, Devon Avalon. I have seen all that you have sacrificed for my people and I have seen all that the clan heirs have endured for their people. Rest assured, I will strip Maeva of her powers. She will no longer be allowed to manipulate time, but there is one condition.”
Devon stared dumbfounded at the Dragon God, surprised he had granted Devon’s request. “Yes?” he asked with hesitancy.
The Dragon God’s lips curved upward into a semblance of a smile. “You must bring peace to my people.”
Devon was speechless. How could he guarantee peace to Draconia? “I don’t understand.” Devon furrowed his brow.
With a wave of his hand, Abraxas and Layden both appeared next to him.
“What the—” Abraxas began. He met the Dragon God’s gaze and stumbled backward. “Y–you’re the Dragon God Ryujin?”
The being before them nodded. “Yes and I have agreed to put an end to Maeva’s time traveling abilities on one condition.”
Abraxas and Layden exchanged looks. Devon had never seen them so nervous.
“In order to bring true peace to the land of Draconia, the feud between the clans must stop, starting with the ongoing Azure and Night clan feud. Devon, I present to you a choice. Choose a side. Whoever has gained your favor will be crowned king and whoever you don’t choose shall cease to exist.”
Devon looked up to the Dragon God, unsure if he’d heard him correctly. He couldn’t choose between Abraxas and Layden. Tears pooled in his eyes. “I can’t! How can I choose between them?”
The Dragon God shrugged. “It’s up to you, human. If you really care about my people, then you will do what you must to ensure their future.”
Layden placed a reassuring hand on Devon’s shoulder. “It’s okay.”
Devon shook his head. No it wasn’t. Nothing about this was okay. He met Layden’s soft gaze. There was nothing but love and acceptance reflected in his eyes. “Choose Abraxas. You know he’s the right choice.”
“Now wait a minute, Layden,” Abraxas stated, stepping closer. “There’s no way I’m going to stand by this decision. I can’t live in a world without you in it. Choose Layden.”
Devon looked from each of them, unsure of what to do. They were both willing to sacrifice themselves for the other but Devon just couldn’t do it. He couldn’t bring himself to declare anyone. Tears trickled down his cheeks as a feeling of hopelessness came over him.
“I can’t,” he said at last. “I love them both so much. I can’t choose between them…please…”
“Is that your final decision?” the Dragon God asked. “Are you willing to risk everything for your lovers?”
“Devon, don’t do it!” Layden pleaded. “Stopping Maeva is more important. She’ll kill us all.”
“Shut up!” Devon shouted. He didn’t want to hear this. This was asking too much of him. “I can’t do it, okay? Don’t you get it, Layden? I love you both more than anything! How could I condemn one of you? Could you choose between me and Abraxas?”
Layden stood speechless as he glanced from Devon to Abraxas. After a long while, Layden shook his head. “No…I couldn’t.”
Sighing, Devon turned to look at the Dragon God. “I’m sorry,” he stated with sincerity in his voice. “As selfish as it is, I can’t choose between them.”
The Dragon God nodded. “Your love for one another has been noted and you have passed my test.”
“Test?” Abraxas asked. “What test?”
A small smile tugged at the corner of Ryujin’s lips. “To see if you are worthy enough to be pass my judgment and rule my land.”
The Dragon God stepped closer and placed a hand on Devon’s shoulder. “Your love for your men is all I need to see. If you keep your heart the way it is now, I know my people will find peace.” He looked to each one of them. “May you never forget the way you feel for each other in this moment. Cherish each other until the end and spread your love throughout the lands. Abraxas Night and Layden Azure, in my name, I declare you both King of all Draconia.”
“But what about Maeva?” Devon asked, unsure of whether or not to believe in the hope that was being offered.
The Dragon God’s lips twitched as though he were suppressing a smile. “I’ll see to it she’s dealt with accordingly.”
With the wave of his hand, a portal leading back to the realm of Draconia opened. Devon didn’t know what to do. Was this it? Would Layden and Abraxas really get to rule over Draconia? Would he be returned back to his own world, never to see them again?
Devon looked to the Dragon God, unsure if he should ask for another favor. His erratic heart pounded loudly inside his chest as the burning question lingered in his mind.
“You may stay with them if you like, Devon. I do not take pleasure in seeing true love torn apart. I’m a bit of a romantic, I guess you could say.” The Dragon God’s expression softened for the first time and Devon could see just how much he really did care for his people.
“What about my brother?”
Ryujin shrugged. “It’s up to the kings now. They have my blessing and my power. If Brandon wishes to return to his world, I’m sure they could handle that.”
“Thank you,” Devon whispered. He didn’t know what else to say. What could he say to the being that had given him his world? He took his lovers’ hands and with one final glance back at the God, he stepped through the gateway leading back to his new home.
* * * *
A blue light surrounded Layden and Abraxas the moment they returned to the temple. The mark of the Dragon God’s declaration was branded on their chest in the form of an emblem etched into their skin. The Ceremony was complete and Draconia had two new kings.
Maeva’s screams of anger and hatred filled the entirety of the room. “You’ll pay for this!”
But as soon as the words left her lips, a blue light engulfed her body and she vanished. The only indication that it was the Dragon God who had interfered was the resounding echo of her scream as he carried out his end of the deal.
It was finally over. All of their struggles and fears had been put to rest and now all that was left was for the new kings to take the throne.
Druis looked to each one of them. “What happened?”
“The Dragon God Ryujin gave his blessing for both of us to be king since Devon couldn’t choose.” A smile spread across Abraxas’s face as he spoke. “And we can finally rest easy in knowing that Maeva and Cerilius won’t be around to mess with our futures anymore.”
Druis’s eyes widened with surprise. “I’ve never heard of the Dragon God granting us permission to have two kings before. This has to be a first in Draconian history. What shall we do now?”
Asher stepped forward, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “We celebrate of course.”
*
* * *
The day had been long and Layden yearned for it to be over with. It had been days since he’d enjoyed a nice warm bath and comfortable sheets. He walked into the king’s bedchambers—their bedchambers now—and stripped off his clothes, making his way to the already prepared bath water. The tub was large enough to constitute a small pool and could easily accommodate all three of them. He was barely aware of Abraxas calling after him as he slipped his sore feet beneath the warm liquid.
“Layden, we have to finalize the invites for tomorrow’s coronation ceremony.” Abraxas followed him, paperwork still in hand.
Layden cast a look over his shoulders to his lover. “Get Druis to finish them. He’s our advisor now, isn’t he?”
Abraxas pursed his lips but handed the stacks of letters to Druis, who was standing in the doorway.
Druis flashed a smile at Abraxas. “I can take care of this, go enjoy your men.” He stepped aside, allowing Devon entrance in the room. The door shut behind him and they were alone for the first time all day.
Abraxas let out a sigh as he pulled off his shirt. “Care if we join you?”
Layden nodded, already feeling the calming effects of the water on his aching muscles.
Abraxas stepped inside the tub and groaned at the feel of the warmth. Layden’s gaze fixated on Abraxas as the liquid trickled down the hard planes of his chest. “Come on, Devon. The water’s just right,” Abraxas offered.
Devon stood at the opposite end of the room, uncertainty in his gaze.
Layden furrowed his brow. “What’s wrong, love?”
Devon shook his head as he tried to hide the tears that were forming. “I’m so sorry…” His apology was barely a whisper.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Abraxas said, immediately jumping to his defense.
“But I do. I treated you both so horribly.”
Layden stood, stepping out of the tub and walked across the marble floor to Devon. He placed a hand on Devon’s shoulder, mostly for support on the slippery floor but also for reassurance. “You didn’t have a choice. You did what you thought you had to in order to protect your family. Thanks to you, we’re all alive and Brandon is safe in Druis’s care.”
