by Donna Grant
Eurwen threw her arms around him and held him tightly. “You’re the best brother.”
“I’m your only brother,” he said as he returned her embrace.
“Which makes you special.” She leaned back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You will be at the ceremony, right?”
“I wouldna miss it.”
Eurwen gave him one last hug before she stepped back. “As far as this new threat—”
“I agree,” he said over her.
She blinked. “What?”
“We’re going to need help. You and I have done well on our own all these years, but we’ve no’ dealt with a threat like this before. I’m no’ going to allow my pride to stand in the way as more dragons are slaughtered. Or worse, you get killed.”
“Or you,” she interjected.
“We need help. Be that from Erith and the Reapers, the Dragon Kings and their mates, or whoever else, I’m no’ going to deny anyone who wants to aid us.”
Eurwen flashed him a smile. “We’ll find whatever this is and eradicate it from Zora forever.” She frowned then. “Vaughn told me about the generals and the other dragons.”
Brandr’s grim expression returned. “We need to attend the funeral.”
“All of us should,” she said.
He nodded in agreement. The two of them returned to the group and readied for the funeral, explaining how they worked here. Rhi would teleport Claire and the bairn to their destination while Jeyra rode atop Varek as the rest of them flew. There had never been anything like this on Zora. Even when Eurwen and Brandr had first come, the dragons who had died hadn’t been killed as these had. It was like a dagger to her heart.
She wasn’t surprised to see the families bringing the deceased to what had long been called Dragon Valley. The mystical place was extraordinary. Steep, flower-covered mountains ridged like draped cloth made a near-perfect circle full of lime green moss, forests of rhododendron, majestic flowers of all colors and sizes, and stunning waterfalls.
Soulful mourning roars filled the air as the families laid out their dead on the valley’s floor. Eurwen was the first to land atop the mountain and shift. Vaughn alit on her right, while Brandr took her left. Rhi arrived with Claire and the baby. Varek, with Jeyra on his back, Con, and V each set down.
They stood silently, solemnly as their group watched the families say their final farewells. The chorus of roars was deafening, anger in every syllable. Eurwen glanced at Vaughn.
“You and Brandr should go,” he said. “We’ll follow behind.”
Eurwen looked to her brother. He nodded. Together, they stepped off the cliff and shifted, their wings catching the current. They soared over the dead dragons and joined the roars of anguish.
As they turned to fly back, Eurwen saw Vaughn and then V with Claire and the bairn on his back, Varek with Jeyra on his, and Con with Rhi atop him. At the sight of the Kings, the dragons halted their roars.
Con met Brandr’s gaze and then hers before letting out a thunderous roar. Vaughn, Varek, and V joined him. She and Brandr let out roars of their own. Soon, the other dragons echoed. The six of them flew back and forth over the valley, waiting for the families to alert them that it was time. When the first family did, Brandr and Eurwen released dragon fire on the body, incinerating it.
One by one, they burned the dead dragons, leaving behind charred earth.
Once the funeral was finished, they all returned to Cairnkeep. Everyone went their separate ways. Eurwen and Vaughn once more found themselves without a place to go. No words were needed as they flew to the loch, their favorite place.
They lay beneath the sky as she leaned against his chest, his arms holding her as he rested against a tree. She told him about her conversation with Brandr. They spoke about the funeral and the future between long stretches of silence as they enjoyed just being together.
When the moon hung in the sky, she said, “I’d like to have the mating ceremony soon.”
“I think that would be a good idea,” Vaughn said.
She turned her head to meet his lips. Eurwen looked deep into his Persian blue eyes. She knew their life wouldn’t be perfect. There would be difficult times, but she also knew that he would be there for her as she would be for him. Knowing that no matter what came, they had each other. It was a wonderous, remarkable feeling.
They shared a smile before looking back at the silvery moon reflecting on the loch. She had believed that she would have a lonely life. How wrong she had been. Not only did she have the love she’d never thought would be hers, but she had it with one of the most incredible Dragon Kings.
Epilogue
Two days later…
* * *
It was happening. Vaughn couldn’t stop smiling. Even with the threat hanging over Zora, and the dragons’ deaths, he was too happy for Eurwen to become his mate to let any of that dampen his spirits.
Rhi created another doorway to Earth so those at Dreagan could come for the mating ceremony. But before that, the Silvers were to be moved to Zora and woken so they could live out their lives as they should. It was the right decision, but everyone at Dreagan would miss the Silvers. Fortunately, it looked as if Brandr had come around somewhat since he had not only agreed that they needed the Kings to fight this new foe but also that the Kings needed to see the dragons.
Vaughn had opted not to be at Dreagan when they removed the bars from around the Silvers. None of them had liked the idea of imprisoning them, but it had been necessary in case they somehow managed to wake from the magic.
Now, he stood with Brandr, Con, and the other Kings as Ulrik carried the Silvers one by one from Earth to Zora. When all four were on their new world, the Kings used their combined magic to wake them. As the dragons woke, Ulrik was there before them. Then, he shifted to his human form.
“A verra long time has passed since we last spoke,” Ulrik told the four Silvers. “The Kings captured you and banished me from Dreagan. I carried hatred and anger with me for too many lifetimes. My story is long, and if any of you wish to hear it, I will tell it. Suffice it to say, I caused most of my suffering before I found my way back to Dreagan and my brethren.”
The Silvers slid their gazes from Ulrik to the Kings. Vaughn saw the confusion in their eyes, and he understood it.
Ulrik took a deep breath and released it. “I found my mate. And the dragons were located. I’ve brought you to their realm, Zora, where they live free. It’s time all of you do the same. There are humans here, but they remain on their side of the barrier, which you willna cross. I’ll return, and you will see other Kings. However, Brandr and Eurwen, Constantine’s children, rule Zora. I wish I could say that things will be easy, but they willna. Everyone you knew is gone. There are no longer clans as you once knew them, but you are the best of my Silvers. You will find your footing.”
Ulrik then motioned to Eilish. The Druid walked to his side and held his hand. She smiled up at the Silvers before moving to each and speaking softly, continuing from one to the next. When she finished, Ulrik nodded. The four Silvers bowed their heads to Ulrik and Eilish and turned to look at their new home.
Vaughn wondered what was going through the Silvers’ minds. A war had raged in the time they’d been contained at Dreagan. Now, eons later, they woke in another realm with everything they knew and loved gone. It would be hard for anyone to adjust to.
Minutes ticked by without the Silvers moving. They were clearly uncertain and wary. Ulrik was the first to shift and take to the sky. Then, one by one, the Kings joined him. Con was the last. They circled Cairnkeep, the mates, and the Silvers. Ulrik and Con flew side by side. Vaughn didn’t know what gave the Silvers the courage to embrace their new home, but something did. It took one of them spreading its wings and taking to the skies for the others to follow.
The Kings flew with the Silvers for several minutes before leaving Ulrik with the last of his clan. The Kings watched the five of them, all wishing they had been able to have one last flight with their clan, as
well. It was a heartbreaking and poignant moment. One that would be burned into their memories.
Vaughn returned to Cairnkeep as Ulrik and the Silvers disappeared into the distance. Back in human form, Vaughn looked over his shoulder for one more glimpse of the Silvers and the last connection the Kings had to their former lives. The other dragons on Zora were curious about the new arrivals. It wouldn’t take long for the Silvers to find their place among the other dragons.
“It’s for the best,” Con said.
Vaughn nodded. “It is.”
“That doesna mean we doona feel the loss.”
Vaughn met Con’s eyes and smiled sadly. “Dreagan will be different.”
“A lot of changes are coming, but I doona think that’s something we should mind.”
“All the Kings have been mated at Dreagan. It’s a big change.”
Con made a sound as he smiled. “Scores of Kings were mated on Dreagan, aye, but no’ in the cavern. Are you worried it willna mean the same if you do the ceremony here?”
Vaughn thought about that for a moment and then shook his head. “Zora was a new start for the dragons. It’s different from Earth, aye, but still verra much a part of us. The two realms will forever be connected. As for the ceremony, it doesna matter where it’s performed. What matters is who performs it and the mate by my side.”
“I couldna agree more.”
Vaughn looked toward Eurwen’s cottage. It wouldn’t be long before they stood together and pledged their love. He couldn’t wait to see the dragon eye tat on her arm. Suddenly, he frowned. Would she have one?
“What is it?” Con asked.
Vaughn’s gaze swung to him. “Is Eurwen a Dragon Queen? She has a tattoo like ours.”
“I thought she was able to shift because she’s half-Fae, but perhaps she is a Queen.”
“She’s no’ a solid color like us or even Melisse in dragon form.”
Con grinned. “There are many differences on Zora. Perhaps this is another one.”
Vaughn spotted Brandr. “Your son seems fine with what’s happening. At least, that’s what he told Eurwen.”
“My children have a bond that goes deeper than ours as Kings. I have no doubt Eurwen will make sure Brandr finds his way if he stumbles.”
Vaughn nodded slowly. “The last thing I want to think about on my mating day is the battle, but Kings will be coming and going from Zora to fight this unknown foe.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. I know you and Eurwen plan to split your time between the two realms. And Jeyra is from here, so she’ll have an easier time. However, I’m reluctant to send mated Kings.”
“Because their mates would travel with them, splitting their attention,” Vaughn said with a nod. “I thought about that earlier.”
Con’s lips twisted as he glanced toward a group of Kings. “That’s no’ to say that a mated King willna come, but there’s a lot of upheaval, and I’d like to minimize things.”
Vaughn followed Con’s gaze to a group of unmated Kings. He looked between Cullen, Merrill, Kendrick, Evander, Hector, Ranulf, and Shaw. “I agree.”
“Enough of such talk,” Con said as he slapped Vaughn on the back of the shoulder. “You need to prepare. And I have things I must take care of.”
Vaughn smiled as Con walked away. However, his eyes slid back to Brandr. Vaughn made his way to his mate’s twin brother, who stood off by himself, looking over the valley from the edge of the mountain.
“This must be a lot for you,” Vaughn said as he walked up.
Brandr released a sigh without looking at Vaughn. “I willna lie and say it isna.”
“I know how much this realm means to you and Eurwen. I vowed to her, and I’ll do the same to you, that I willna allow anyone or anything to take it from either of you. That includes my brethren.”
Brandr turned his head and met his gaze. “You would fight the Kings?”
“If they attempted to take over this realm solely because they wished to, aye.”
“You’d go against Con?”
Vaughn nodded. “I would.”
“That’s…unexpected.”
“It shouldna be. I love Eurwen. This realm is important to every King. None would dare take it from you or your sister. For one, Con wouldna allow it. And neither would I.”
Brandr glanced at the ground. “Things were so peaceful that they became almost mundane.”
“We’ve done nothing but battle one foe after another. We long for peace and a mundane life. Though, anything kept constant becomes constrictive at times.”
“Aye,” Brandr replied with a chuckle. “It can get constrictive.”
“None of us expects your trust immediately. We’re going to earn it.”
Brandr’s lips curved into a smile. “The last thing I wanted was for Eurwen’s mate to be a King, but I’ll admit, you’re a good man.”
“Thanks,” Vaughn replied with a grin.
Brandr moved closer and lowered his voice. “I doona have to tell you to treat her right. If you doona, it willna be me who kicks your arse. It’ll be her. But I’ll be laughing.”
“I can no’ promise we willna argue, but I vow I’ll never do her wrong.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
They clasped forearms, smiling.
Eurwen looked at herself in the mirror of her vanity before her gaze lifted to meet Rhi’s. Her mother’s silver eyes crinkled at the corners as she stood over her.
“You are breathtaking,” Rhi said.
Eurwen laughed softly. “I would’ve never found this gown without you.”
“We have many, many more shopping trips coming. I promise.”
“I’m going to hold you to it.”
Rhi squeezed Eurwen’s shoulders with her hands. “The few hours we had went by entirely too quickly. We’ve got centuries to make up for. Which means, you might need to get a bigger place with a bigger closet.”
Eurwen laughed louder, nodding. “I was thinking of that yesterday while we were shopping.”
“Don’t rub it in,” Lily replied.
Eilish rolled her eyes. “I agree. We all wanted to be there, but I think it was good that it was just the two of you. Unfortunately, Eurwen, we’ll all be asking you to come shopping with us.”
“No, a girls’ weekend,” Bernadette said wistfully in her Scots brogue.
Jane nodded her auburn head and replied, “Absolutely.”
Rhi winked at Eurwen in the mirror. They shared a smile. Eurwen had never thought she would find a mate, much less have Rhi there to share the day with.
“Thank you,” Eurwen said.
Rhi shot her a watery smile. “Thank you for allowing us to be here.”
A knock sounded on the door, silencing everyone instantly. Eurwen watched in amazement as the mates rose from their places and filed out of the cottage. When they were gone, Con entered. Eurwen turned on the stool and looked her father over from head to toe. He wore a tux jacket and a formal shirt along with a kilt in a tartan she had never seen before.
“You look dashing,” she said as she got to her feet.
Her father stood staring at her for a long moment.
“I know,” Rhi said as she walked to her mate and kissed his cheek. She turned her head to Eurwen. “We have a gorgeous daughter.”
“Aye,” Con said as a slow smile pulled at his lips.
Eurwen got to her feet and fidgeted with her gown. “Is the gown too much?”
Rhi made a sound in the back of her throat. “Not even close. Wait until you see Vaughn’s face.”
Eurwen moved her gaze to Con and raised her brows in silent question.
“It’s perfection,” her father said.
Con then looked at Rhi, who nodded and patted his arm. “Right. Well, then, I’ll see you both outside.”
“Wait,” Eurwen said as she took a step forward. “Don’t forget.”
“Heading there now,” Rhi said before teleporting out.
Con quirked a brow. “Eve
rything all right?”
“Perfect. I just have a wee surprise,” Eurwen said with a smile.
Con cleared his throat. “We have a couple of traditions. I always gift my King’s mate with a piece of jewelry.”
Eurwen had learned of this tradition from Rhi when they had gone shopping the day before, but she was still excited to see what her father presented her with. When he held out a small gold velvet box, she eagerly took it.
Anticipation fluttered in her stomach as she slowly opened the lid. The instant she saw the Montana sapphire with its teal color that perfectly matched Vaughn, her mouth fell open. The stones themselves were stunning, but it was the ring that took her breath away.
“If you doona like it—”
“It’s perfect,” Eurwen interrupted him before he could finish.
She drew out the full finger ring and slipped it onto her right index finger. The teal stones wound in a delicate, beautiful pattern from the base of her finger to her nail. She held out her hand and gazed at it, struck by its simplicity and splendor.
“It’s me,” she said after a moment and looked up at Con.
Her father was beaming. “I’ve never been so worried about handing a piece of jewelry to someone as I was you.”
“You did great,” she said and wrapped her arms around him for a hug.
For a heartbeat, he didn’t move. Then he wrapped his arms around her. “You’ll never know how happy your mother and I are to be here.”
“I have an idea.” Eurwen leaned back and smiled at him. “Now, if we don’t stop this talk, I’ll start crying.”
Con took her hands and stepped back as he shook his head with a proud smile. “It’s a good thing you and Vaughn found each other. Otherwise, every eligible King out there would be after you.”
Eurwen laughed, her heart full. She, Con, and Rhi had a long way to go, but they had already crossed the most significant hurdles.
“Shall we?” Con asked as he held out his bent arm for her to take.
She looped her hand around the crook of his arm. “Let’s.”
