Fated Fortunes

by Angela Colsin

  “Very well,” Dalris agreed, and when Jada slipped an arm around his back, he went on to ask, “but what about the elves with forbidden mates? Jada's bonded with me now, and I won't stand for any interference.”

  Arja was shaking her head before he could finish speaking. “This place proves you have no cause for concern, and if there's any interference, it won't be at my hands. As for anyone currently living in convents due to this issue, I'll have them notified. Though, to my knowledge, there aren't many.”

  “No?” Jada asked.

  Shaking her head, she revealed, “You're the first child sent to a convent because of a draconian mate since the last Archon's reign.”

  Jada's eyes widened, proving she had no idea the situation was so rare. But Dalris really didn't think the children in convents made a habit of asking each other what are you in for?, so her lack of knowledge wasn't surprising.

  Still, he was having a difficult time focusing on anything but what they'd just discovered, and despite the tragic tale of Rinora's House, he couldn't help a personal sense of relief in finally knowing the truth. Her draconians hadn't killed their patron out of malice, nor had they been driven insane by her blood, leaving no cause for concern regarding his relationship.

  Even children were a possibility, and he knew Jada was thinking the same thing because he looked down to spy her gazing back up with a staggering amount of affection in her violet eyes.

  “Dalris, we … oh goddess!”

  Confused by her sudden gasp, he canted his head. “What's wrong?”

  Jada snapped her fingers and mentioned, “He's here now, and we just learned … ”

  Apparently, whatever she was considering had her so addled she couldn't get a full explanation out before asking Nora, “Could you have some people go up to the surface to explain things to Dra'Kai and Nefilias?”

  Nora actually seemed reluctant, possibly due to embarrassment over the prospect of facing the other Great Dragons after her House's failure at protecting their own. Yet she didn't deny the request, giving a slow nod.

  “Allow me,” Morwin volunteered. “You should take these babies somewhere to rest, and you need rest as well.”

  He stroked her swollen belly, and Nora smiled sweetly, giving him a kiss before asking Liam to bring the carrier so they could put the babies somewhere more comfortable.

  In the process, Dalris finally asked, “Jada, what's this all about?”

  She grinned at his question, reaching up to take his cheeks and pull him down for a slow, loving kiss. He let a brief groan in turn, though her reply had his heart racing even faster than her affectionate gesture.

  “I'm going to see if Dra'Kai thinks I'm worthy.”

  CHAPTER 42

  Jada couldn't tell if her entire world had turned upside down, or if it was now right side up. In a single day, she'd learned her grandfather was alive, Rinora's House had survived, and the dragon herself was in extended recovery.

  One of those truths would've shocked her, but all of them together? If ever there was a time for a drink … or ten.

  Yet it was easy to see that the numerous revelations had affected everyone present—including the Great Dragons waiting outside. The moment a handful of Rinora's draconians emerged from her lair, Dra'Kai and Nefilias drew in closer for an inspection so quickly the paladins thought they were in danger of being crushed.

  And learning their sister was actually alive and enduring? Jada wasn't sure if dragons had the ability to shed tears, but this was likely the closest anyone would ever come to seeing such a thing.

  The red and blue both listened intently as Arja gave an extremely precise accounting of everything they'd seen from her place at the top of the stairs leading inside the lair. She spoke so passionately, in fact, that Jada knew for certain her desire to move forward and institute change was honest.

  Still, and as much as she hated to admit it, Menlor was right; it wouldn't be easy. People on both sides would resist after so many centuries of mistrust.

  But in that moment, things looked promising, and as it turned out, even Menlor had steps to take. On their way back to the surface, they met the curator of the Sadonian shrine, a short woman with beautiful, golden hair—who went into Wrath the moment she laid eyes on the elven tracker.

  Initially, Jada was too stunned over the development to know what to think, but once it settled in, she hadn't been able to stifle a few snickers. After all the grief Menlor had given her for having a draconian mate, this was simply too good—he'd actually blushed and stuttered while introducing himself.

  Even now, she had to cover her mouth to prevent a laugh at the thought, grateful it wasn't hard to do when she was so engrossed in everything going on around them.

  As the Great Dragons made inquiries over Rinora's situation, she leaned against Dalris to whisper, “The dragons look happy with what they're hearing.”

  “They are,” he confirmed, then gave her a curious look. “But what about you?”

  All things considered, that was no small question. Emotions were still running high with the impact of their discoveries. Yet, as Jada glanced out at the oasis and the people gathered, a strange sense of contentment washed over her.

  Things were coming full circle, and not just for Rinora's House. Her own life was being molded that very moment, and she couldn't be happier with the way it was shaping up. Dalris was at her side with no pesky strings attached, and they finally had the reassurance of knowing they could make a life together however they saw fit.

  It was all Jada could ask for—yet she wanted to take things a step further.

  Squeezing her arm around Dalris' back, she nearly told him so, but Morwin quickly captured her attention by mentioning to the Great Dragons, “It wasn't only my research that allowed this discovery. My granddaughter played a large part as well.”

  At that, Nefilias and Dra'Kai gazed rather intently in her direction, and Jada froze in place, unsure how to respond. Do I bow or … wave?

  Thankfully, Dalris saved her the trouble of figuring it out by leading her across the platform in their direction while proudly qualifying how hard she'd worked to make this discovery possible.

  Nefilias was the first to respond—though his comment wasn't at all expected.

  “After what we've learned, it would be wise to appoint elven emissaries to our Houses, and she's worthy of the role, Dra'Kai. Were she mated to one of my draconians, I would imbue her with my own blood.”

  Her eyes widened at his claim, particularly when Dra'Kai agreed, then addressed her directly. “Such additions would be beneficial for future relations with Onoria, so what say you, Jada Tavar? Now that we know the truth, would you do me the honor of becoming the first elven draconian of my House?”

  Jada's heart thumped in nervous excitement. Inside Rinora's lair, she'd informed Dalris of her desire to find out if she was worthy of becoming a draconian, but she'd only intended to make a suggestion to Dra'Kai, and only after things had settled down.

  Yet the Great Dragons were treating it as if a necessity—and perhaps it was. Having elven draconians out in the world would clear up misconceptions more easily, and she was definitely up to the task of helping to establish a more peaceful relationship between Onoria and Draconia.

  Aside from that, it simply felt right—as if her entire life had been leading her to this very moment.

  So Jada accepted without hesitation.

  “I would, Dra'Kai, and I'm the one who'd be honored to serve your House alongside my mate.”

  It was hard to tell, but she thought the dragon smiled as if he appreciated her sentiment. “Very good. Then, if you've no objections, I will imbue you now.”

  Now? She hadn't quite expected to be doing this so soon—not that she had a problem with it. It seemed Dalris was content with the suggestion as well because she looked up to see him waving a hand as if to say your choice.

  So she shrugged and responded, “I have no objections.”

  At her agreement, the large
dragon turned away from the platform, directing, “Bring Jada on your drake, Dalris. This is an act best performed in private.”

  Jada arched a curious brow, wondering why that was. But she supposed she'd find out soon enough, and instead of questioning the dragon, she turned to her sister and grandfather to give them both a hug with the promise that she'd be back soon.

  “This is so cool,” Karina remarked. “You're going to be all dragon-y! Actually, now that I think about it, it's kind of … shocking!”

  Groaning, Jada retorted, “Don't start making electricity puns, Kari.”

  “Aw, and I was just getting amped up!” Sighing, she added, “But I guess it hertz you too much.”

  Several snickers—and a number of groans—sounded from the people nearby while Jada rubbed her eyes, muttering as she turned to leave with Dalris, “Wire we even having this conversation?”

  Even more groans sounded as Karina giggled incessantly. But despite her general dislike of puns, Jada appreciated her sister's humor if only because it made her impending engagement seem much more lighthearted. In fact, she was so distracted considering what was to come that it was surprising she didn't trip over her own two feet accompanying Dalris down the steps.

  Dra'Kai waited nearby, and once they'd mounted their drake, the Great Dragon moved away from the lair's entrance and spread his massive wings, picking up speed until he was flying just above the ground without gaining much height.

  This made it easier to follow him, and on the way, Jada realized she actually had no idea what the process of imbuing a person with dragon blood entailed, or how long it would take. Yet, despite her uncertainties over what was about to happen, she felt no fear. In Sadonia, the prospect of becoming a draconian had intrigued her, and now that they knew the truth, she was that much more eager for the change.

  Thankfully, it didn't take Dra'Kai long to locate a suitable area, either. After only a few minutes, they entered a wide field near the tributary a fair distance from Rinora's lair. The only creature roaming about was a random mountain giant, and the Great Dragon wasted no time snatching it in his fangs to kill with a powerful surge of electricity before his feet hit the ground.

  Several meters ahead of them now, Dra'Kai landed and flung the dead giant aside like nothing but a rag doll, making Jada wish he'd been around when she and Dalris were still in Sadonia. But those thoughts quickly faded as the blue dragon turned to them and instructed, “When you're ready, Jada, disrobe and step out into the field before me.”

  Hearing this, she blinked. So that's why this is private. Jada certainly hadn't expected to be removing her clothes, but she didn't argue or ask any questions, deciding to show trust in the dragon who was to be her patron by dismounting their drake to do as requested.

  Handing over her shirt and gloves to Dalris, she took a moment to ask, “Just to make certain, you're okay with this, right?”

  He eyed her curiously. “Why wouldn't I be?”

  “Because it's a change for us both, and I want to know what you think.”

  Realizing she'd only asked because she wanted them to make decisions together, he gave her a heartwarming smile and gently cupped her cheek with his answer.

  “I love you the way you are, Jada, and I'll love you as a draconian just the same. So if this is truly what you want, I have no objections.”

  Leaning into his hand, she took the time to give him a loving kiss before finishing the task of disrobing—and all things considered, it was hard to pull herself away.

  But she managed, and murmured her love for him with a smile before finally stepping out into the field where Dra'Kai was now sitting several meters away. Initially, the large dragon was silent, but as soon as she was close enough, he asked her to stop and kneel in the soft grass.

  Following his direction, Jada watched as he stood, then stepped toward her until his large chest was hovering above, blocking out the sun.

  That's when he lifted a clawed hand and pierced his own flesh with a loud growl.

  In turn, Jada quickly dropped her gaze as Dra'Kai's dark blood spilled forth, spattering over her from head to foot. It certainly wasn't the most pleasant sensation, but she didn't complain, and only returned her gaze when the dragon backed away.

  In turn, she noticed his self-inflicted wound was already closing up, proving where draconians derived their regenerative abilities. Yet she couldn't focus on the discovery when Dra'Kai lowered his head to offer a warning.

  “This won't take long, Jada, but it will begin very painfully. Yet you mustn't worry. The pain will fade.”

  Taking a deep breath to prepare herself, she nodded in understanding and gave her consent to proceed. However, the deepest breath in the world wouldn't have been enough when Dra'Kai lifted his head and opened his maul, showcasing a bright flash of lightning building in power.

  Realizing she was about to be blasted, Jada's jaw dropped with no idea how to brace for impact—and she didn't have to.

  The first wave of electricity the dragon unleashed was so agonizing she immediately blacked out.

  While Dra'Kai prepared Jada to be imbued with his blood, Dalris was perfectly fine. But the moment his patron dragon blasted his mate with a powerful torrent of electricity, he had to be restrained.

  It simply wasn't possible to watch her body contorting so painfully without attempting to join her—or going into Wrath. Yet, as Dalris impulsively raced into the field, he quickly learned that Dra'Kai wasn't allowing any interruptions when the dragon knocked him back with a quick lash of his tail.

  The appendage rammed into his chest like someone had swung a tree trunk, sending Dalris flying several yards away where he slammed into the ground with two broken ribs and a fractured sternum.

  The resulting pain was nearly blinding. Yet he fought to get up, and rolled onto his back just as Dra'Kai's first torrent ended.

  Jada was now slumped over in the grass, completely unconscious when another wave hit—and finally, Dalris stopped struggling so fiercely to reach her.

  Instead, his attention was snagged by the physical transformation taking place. As a reaction to Dra'Kai's powerful electricity, his blood seeped into Jada's skin, leaving a number of glowing marks trailing over her shoulders and chest in intricate patterns. At the same time, two black horns protruded from her temples, curling around her pointed ears.

  Following the changes, Dra'Kai finally ceased his assault, then canted his head to survey his newest draconian—the first elf of his House.

  Lowering his snout, the Great Dragon gently nudged her. Jada let a weak groan in response, and as if satisfied to hear it, he finally directed, “Join your mate now, Dalris, and I'll revive you both.”

  Despite his intrigue, Dalris wasted no time doing exactly that, hurrying over to kneel at her side as swiftly as his injuries would allow—and the whimper she let when he drug her to his chest was the sweetest sound he'd ever heard.

  The only thing that bothered him was the pallor of her skin. Even her lips were pale, and her breathing sounded raspy. But Dalris was born a draconian, and had never witnessed any of the Greats imbuing someone with their blood, leaving him with no idea what to expect.

  Still, it seemed her condition was natural because, with the last torrent of lightning Dra'Kai unleashed upon them, her color inevitably returned and her breathing evened out, proving electricity healed her now, just as it healed Dalris.

  Yet she remained unconscious, even when he gently shook her and asked her name.

  Seeing his concern, Dra'Kai remarked in draconian, “Don't fret. She'll awaken in time, and need your guidance and care when she does.”

  “I don't intend to leave her for a second,” he responded, finally tearing his gaze away from Jada to look up at his patron in gratitude. “Thank you, Dra'Kai, for this, and the blue platinum.”

  Suddenly, the dragon chortled in laughter. “You should thank yourself for saving Edith and making such platinum possible. This also reminds me that I finally have the chance to boast of my n
ew fortune to Nefilias.”

  Dra'Kai sounded eager, and Dalris grinned, remarking, “I just hope he doesn't throw a fit when you do.”

  “Why else would I gloat?” the dragon retorted mischievously, proving Nefilias wasn't the only Great with a devious streak.

  He also didn't seem intent to linger, mentioning, “I trust you can return Jada to the lair without assistance, so I'll take my leave and alert the others to prepare for your arrival.”

  Dalris thanked him again, endlessly grateful as he watched the dragon depart. In fact, it was hard to wrap his head around all that had happened in the span of a single day. But for now, he was more concerned with getting Jada back to the lair than sorting everything out—and couldn't stop himself from admiring the changes in his mate's appearance while redressing her.

  At her shoulders, her new, glowing marks wound down around the sides of her breasts, then turned across her ribs to trail into points over her lower back. The lines were thinner than his own, and her horns were smaller as well, their size being an indication of age as a draconian's horns didn't stop growing for about half a millennium.

  The black claws on her fingers were also daintier, and while he didn't find Jada anymore beautiful now than before, a swell of lust surged through his body while imagining how he intended to make her use those claws on his back later.

  But that would have to wait, and in returning to Rinora's lair, he found himself in a daze of incredulous contentment. After all of the uncertainty, Jada was now a draconian of his House, and he had every intention of treating her like its queen for the rest of eternity.

  To get started, he took her to rest in the nicely decorated room Nora had prepared for them, offering whatever they needed to make their stay more comfortable before she departed. But Dalris had all he could possibly ask for, and the only thing left was waiting for Jada to awaken and learn if she was well.