by J A S Bennet
She heard the huff and watched as the dragon entered the room and came to face her. She smiled up at it.
You have bonded and now you will celebrate that bond. I am so proud of you. Sheridan heard the words in her head as loudly as if they were actually spoken.
“Proud? I have done nothing of value for you yet. You are still here in this dungeon.”
You gave of yourself, went beyond your fears, and gave love to those around you. You, with even more bravery, let them love you. That is bravery beyond any battle you could have won. You became a family. For that, I am beyond proud of you. People who have lived in this castle before you have often lived alone without letting love in. You gave this castle love. Don’t cry, dear one.
A tear slipped down her cheek. “I was so scared. I didn’t want to let anyone down.” Sheridan was overwhelmed with emotion.
You are loved and you love. You have won a bigger battle than you ever knew you could. Go, be happy and enjoy this love. You deserve all. The dragon dipped her head and lowered it to the level where Sheridan stood.
Sheridan reached out her hand and put it to the dragon’s nose. “Thank you.” She turned and hurried back up the steps. Her heart was soaring and she felt joyful and almost childlike in her excitement.
Jenny and Ava were waiting just outside the door as she rushed out. The three entered the forest as one.
Everyone was there in the clearing when they arrived. Guardians, fairies, nymphs, sprites, each fae was represented at the gathering. Animals and dryads stood at the edges of the woods to get a glimpse as well. The only thing Sheridan saw was Deaglan. He stood exactly where they shared their first kiss and where they bonded. Evidently, he was a little sentimental.
The ceremony wasn’t exactly like a wedding ceremony. It was not legally binding and there was no officiant. It was just the mates declaring before their friends and family that they were indeed bonded. It was a celebration of love.
She walked to Deaglan and everyone fell silent. He took her hands in his.
“This is my mate. This is my love and to all around me, know that she is my focus for my life and into eternity. I love you beyond what I ever knew love was or could be. I will be loyal to you and be your comfort and safety. I am blessed by the gods to have you as my love.” Deaglan finished his vow with a kiss on her forehead.
“To all I have known or will know, this is my mate. He is the love of my life and my greatest joy. I will love you until the stars no longer shine and then I will create one to love you longer. I will be your lover, your home, and your friend all the days of my life.” She gazed up at him, he lowered his head, and they sealed their promises with a kiss.
The entire forest cheered. The wind flowed through the trees, the birds sang, and the guardians barked like a football team. Ava rolled her eyes in annoyance but smiled anyway.
Jenny’s applause was short lived. She was so happy for Sheridan and Deaglan, but she could feel the Darkness calling out to her from over the water. The ominous pull ripped the happiness out of her heart and filled it with dread.
They may have surprised it with their attack, even wounded it, but it would return. She clutched both of the necklaces hanging on her chest, the one from her mom, which promised her that the ocean would always bring her joy, and the one from her friend, which ensured the water would give her strength. They would need both of those things, because she knew what was coming.
She murmured to Ava under her breath, “It will be back. This time by sea.”
To be continued…
About the Author
JoJo Bartlett, Angie McGrew,
and Stephanie Walston
writing together as JAS Bennet
JAS Bennet is a collaboration of three best friends. Though they live far apart, whenever they are together, shenanigans ensue. Their main goal in life is to finance the nursing home they will all end up in together. They each have two ungrateful children, so they are on their own... please, buy their books. Eventually, they will ride off into the sunset on their motorized scooters, without helmets, because YOLO.