Plight of the Dragon

by Debra Kristi

  Mortifier took ahold of Davies’s free arm and looked back at Sebastian. “We’re not finished. You’ll be seeing me again.” With that, Mortifier, Mr. Johnson, and Davies vanished.

  Sebastian’s frown deepened. Mortifier’s parting had sounded eerily similar to the Mara’s. He rubbed the back of his neck and stared at the empty space where his father had been standing moments ago.

  “Hey, look what we found.” The call came from their right.

  Several yards from the lake, Drakhögg and Ryhuu marched through the carnival’s main archway of lights, two prisoners in their hold. All four men resembled an amateur knife-thrower’s spinning board. Cut, battered, and blood-stained. “Those are Marcus’s men,” Kyra said. “I recognize them. Rick and Darren.” The men glared at her, and Darren spit at Ryhuu’s feet. Ryhuu didn’t respond. “Marcus is gone, boys,” Kyra said. “Time to give up the fight.”

  “Marcus is gone?” Drakhögg said. “Damn. I missed a lot.” His forehead crinkled. “A man takes a few minutes to recover, and the whole damn show ends without him.” His face crumpled into a scowl.

  Kyra huffed, and Sebastian squeezed her hand. “Last I saw of either of you, you were running away,” Kyra said.

  Ryhuu stood a tad taller. “I cannot speak for Drakhögg, but my actions are unforgivable. Once we were within the confines of the carnival, I realized my mistake. When I saw these two,” he motioned to the prisoners, “I enlisted Drakhögg to help do some good to atone for our error.”

  Kyra rolled her eyes, looked away.

  Dragons began to gather on the shore, wandering in from all directions. It was the low after an enormous event. Or catastrophe, however you chose to view it. Queen Shui and Keahi were organizing their returning clans. Talia and Valentine had slipped away during Sebastian’s argument with his father.

  Despite, or maybe because of, the way things had unfolded, Sebastian harbored a hallow pitch in his gut. He still wanted answers, wanted to understand the why behind everything. Giving Kyra a gentle tug to follow, he moved away from the beastly crowd, his destination, an old man sitting on a red bench.

  42

  FOREVER...MAYBE

  Kyra

  After everything they had been through, they were still standing, side-by-side. Kyra wrapped her hand in Sebastian’s, interlacing their fingers in a snug, never-breaking love knot. Behind them, the carnival sparkled, lights aglow, rides spinning and speeding, games pinging into action. Mystic’s now ran at full capacity and had begun filling the park with patrons, people unaware of recent events. Life, love, and laughter were in blissful, oblivious motion. Before them, the lake was once again a fog-hidden mystery.

  Zeke sat on the usual red bench, smoking his pipe. “As it was meant to be, all things came to their proper end.”

  “Are you saying you planned this from the beginning?” Kyra asked.

  Zeke rested his elbow on the bench’s arm, holding his pipe to the side. “I wouldn’t say plan, so much as saw it through.” He took a puff on his pipe. “Understand, I never want any harm to befall either of you, but events were set into motion a long time ago, and history had to make a few corrections. Balancing the light with the dark, once again.”

  Kyra opened her mouth to respond, and Sebastian pulled her into his side, wrapping his arm firmly around her waist. “Where was the imbalance?” he asked.

  “It wasn’t apparent as of yet, but if things had continued to run their course, the scales wouldn’t have merely tipped, they would have fallen over.” Zeke’s lips twisted. “And then there was the plight of the Moorigad.”

  “Me?” Kyra said.

  “Not just you, dear. All Moorigads.” Zeke sighed. “Dragon clans have suppressed your kind far too long. It’s time the Moorigads be allowed to grow into their own.”

  “And Anguis?” Kyra tugged at Sebastian’s hold, pulling him closer. There was no close that felt close enough. Not now that she had survived, he was alive, and they had each other.

  “Many ages ago, Anguis lost sight of what matters most in this life. Became consumed with himself and his own power. That’s what drew him to you, Kyra.” Zeke’s blind stare somehow found her. “You, being the same type of Moorigad mix as him. I’m not sure what he thought he could accomplish by acquiring you. A master Moorigad race, maybe.” Kyra’s face soured. “Perhaps now, he’ll have time to reflect on his choices.” Zeke took a long drag of his pipe. Kyra nodded.

  “How do you know?” Kyra asked. “Where did he go? Where did any of them go? My father, Marcus…”

  Zeke’s lower lip pushed forward, his unseeing stare now fixed between Kyra and Sebastian. “I don’t know. But I am old and have seen many things over my lifetime. I choose to have faith.”

  Shifting uncomfortably, Kyra pressed her lips firmly together, threw Sebastian a sideways glance.

  “What about the dagger?” Sebastian asked.

  “The dragon’s dagger?” Zeke clarified.

  “Yeah, that one. Obviously Marcus somehow got ahold of it. But what happened to it, after he used it on me?”

  Zeke tipped his head in thought. “Who’s to say? It’s possible we’ll find it in the cleanup. More likely it went the way of Marcus, wherever that may be. Or dropped to the bottom of the lake.”

  Sebastian lowered his head. “Right.” He gazed back at Kyra, brushed a stray hair behind her ear. “Want to get out of here?”

  A smile bound to betray her giddiness began to spread across her face, and then her chest tightened with guilt over her father. Kyra bit her lip, taking a moment before answering. “Let me take care of something first.”

  After saying their goodbyes to Zeke, the pair moved hand-in-hand along the lakeshore to where Queen Shui waited with the remaining dragons. Since everything had come to an end, dragons had been making their way back toward the main portal gate from all corners and obscure alleys of the carnival. A somber atmosphere lay heavy over the crowd, and upon their approach, Keahi kneeled and bowed her head. Like a wave, all the other dragons, save the queen, bowed to the Moorigad.

  “No, Keahi,” Kyra said, touching her sister beneath the chin. “I don’t want this.” She prompted Keahi to rise, and then clasped her hands firmly upon her sister’s upper arms. “Unlike me, you have always been at Father’s side. You understand the Fire Clan in a way I never can. You should rule. Not me.”

  All the dragons rose, and Drakhögg took a strong position at Keahi’s side. “But you are the eldest,” Keahi said.

  “Maybe so.” Kyra let her hands slip from her sister’s side, stepped back, and grabbed Sebastian’s hand once again. “But you are pure Fire Dragon, and I am not.” Kyra smiled meagerly at Keahi’s confused expression. “I know we haven’t gotten along, but I think it’s time that changes. I think…” She surveyed the scene. “It’s time for a lot of change.”

  Keahi glanced to Drakhögg, then back again. “Are you referring to the Moorigads?”

  “The Moorigads, and all clans.” Kyra stole a fleeting look at her mother. “As a species, we’ve remained hidden, immersed in our anger and complex superiority issues. Father successfully bridged the gap between many of the clans, but not all of them. Let’s finish what he started.” Kyra extended her hand and waited.

  Keahi stared at her, her eyes wide and body stiff. Seconds melded into minutes, and Keahi didn’t move. Kyra held her breath. Maybe it had been silly of her to hope she could bury years of contempt and discord with her sister in a single moment…or several long moments. But then, with a heavy sigh, Keahi’s entire body relaxed, and she accepted Kyra’s handshake. Her sister’s hold didn’t burn with its usual caliber, and her eyes glistened, damp with fresh tears.

  “You won’t be sorry,” Kyra said, and pulled Keahi into a hug, hiding a sniffle for her father. She had little doubt Keahi harbored a broken heart over their father, too. As a dragon, and a warrior Fire Dragon at that, she was likely attempting to hide it to appear strong for the clan.

  “You’re good people, Kyra.” Drakh�
�gg patted them both on the back, simultaneously. “Too bad we weren’t a better match.”

  Kyra rolled her eyes, stepped away. Keahi punched Drakhögg in the arm. He pretended to be hurt, and then grinned at them both.

  Biting her lip, Kyra watched her sister, feeling pride in her family for the first time. Keahi gazed back, and they stared at each other, letting time tick by. Kyra saw confidence and uncertainty fighting for dominance in Keahi’s eyes, but like Zeke, Kyra now had faith. Faith her sister would overcome her doubts and rise to become a strong leader. Turning away, Keahi led her clan toward the portal home, Drakhögg a constant at her side. They’ll make a good pair.

  “Kyra,” Queen Shui said.

  Apprehension squeezed Kyra’s chest as she confronted her mother. Her hold on Sebastian tightened. She wasn’t giving him up, not for anything.

  “Your father would be proud,” Queen Shui said, indicating the departing Fire Clan. Kyra blinked. “You expected something different coming from me, I know.” Her mother stepped forward. “But you have surprised me today. I’ve seen unexpected strength in your character; choosing the righteous path over an easy one. You could have let your demon here,” she said, looking to Sebastian, “kill Marcus, but you didn’t. You also stood strong by your decision and heart, regardless of outside pressures. I commend you.” She peered down at her hands, twisting restlessly together. “If only your father and I could have been so strong, so bold. Maybe he wouldn’t be gone now.” Moisture trickled from her eye, and Queen Shui wiped at her cheek. “You are no longer a child, Kyra. I can see that now. I hope your choices were the right ones and don’t end up ruining your life. Regardless, you’ve earned the right to choose your own path.” She tipped her head, then turned to Sebastian and placed her hand on his shoulder. “I wish you great happiness.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.” Sebastian bowed to the Water Queen for the first time.

  “Stop that,” she said with a wave of her hand.

  “Mom.” Kyra threw herself at her mother, wrapping her in hug. Kyra couldn’t mend all the pain of the past and present, but she could share the ache and show her mother she cared.

  The queen squeezed back, sniffled, and then stepped away, smoothing her royal gown. A gentle hint of a sad smile polished her features. Without a word, she turned away and led her clan toward the exit. “I do hope your idealistic future works out.”

  Kyra wiped at her eye and watched the small group of Water Dragons casually make their way, a mild chatter among their ranks.

  Ryhuu remained behind, standing tall and straight, with his hands clasped behind his back. “I apologize for letting you down,” he said. “It is not usually my nature to run from a fight.”

  “Like you said earlier.” Kyra stepped forward. “But it probably kept you alive this time.” She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “And I don’t blame you.” She glanced back at Sebastian. “None of us do. You had a Mara in your head.”

  Ryhuu gave a slight nod; it resembled a minute bow. “Thank you for your kindness.” He glowered at Sebastian, then returned his gaze upon Kyra. “When this infatuation fizzles out, you come find me.” With an about-face, and without another word, he moved to join the other dragons.

  Sebastian’s fingers combed through the hair at the base of Kyra’s skull. An army of goosebumps danced across her skin. “Anymore errands you need to attend to?” he whispered at her ear.

  She turned into him, welcoming his enveloping embrace. He had been so patient and understanding with her from day one. Now, she wanted nothing more than to be everything he’d ever wanted or could ever want. So far, all she’d managed to do was cause pain. Pain for herself, pain for her family, and worst of all, pain for him. She pressed her forehead into his chest and closed her eyes to his radiating warmth. She’d often heard him talk of being cold, but had never found it to be true. Maybe Death was brisk and bleak on the inside, but on the outside, he was like the fires of Purgatory—a never-ending flame to compliment her own.

  With a gentleman’s touch, Sebastian’s fingers swept her hair behind her shoulders, then whisked along the curve of her back to the base. A shiver ran up her spine and goosebumps exploded across her skin. He pulled her against him, eradicating any lingering space and molding their bodies as if one. Such a simple move morphed warmth into fever. Her sorrow and remorse diminished, and desire dominated. Every bit of her ached for him, burned for him. Her heart hammered against her chest like a dragonling attempting to take flight, and from Sebastian’s chest…nothing. Not a sound. She placed her hand to his chest, and still no vibration came.

  “If life still blazed within me, you could be sure my heart would thrum a heavy beat for you,” Sebastian said.

  Kyra peered up at him, a crinkle setting between her brows. “You gave your life for me.”

  “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” He grinned at his joke, and then all humor slid from his face, and he melted into her. Their lips joined in sweet, intoxicating promises. Vows of endless love and steadfast devotion. Eternal courage to rise above all things, together. His lips, gentle and strong, tasted of sweat and embers, hope and renewal, a lifetime of awaiting memories.

  Kindling burst to wildfire, ravaging her skin and soul. Never did she want to let Sebastian go, but rather spend the rest of her days kissing him, being one with him. Her hands slid across his sweltering skin. Every mountain and valley, every contour of his being—melted against her touch. “I love you,” she whispered between kisses.

  Sebastian’s kisses lingered on her lips then shifted to the curve of her neck. She quivered, closed her eyes, and melted into an explosion of color in her mind’s eye. “Never leave me again.” Her words, softly spoken, held the hint of a plead.

  “Never,” he responded, and then kissed her like he’d never kissed her before. Deeper, stronger than he had that day in his tarot tent, or the morning in Marcus’s condo, or even mere seconds ago. Overflowing with passion and devotion, he handed Kyra his soul in that kiss.

  Sebastian had finally shown Kyra his truth. He was her heart, and she was his soul.

  The End

  Before You Go

  From the author : I hope you enjoyed reading Plight of the Dragon. Thank you so much for embarking on Kyra and Sebastian’s adventure. I had a blast writing their story! I did it for them and for you―the reader. It’s the readers and reviewers who make up the foundation of our author world and we love you madly for all you do! That being said, I have to ask a favor of you, if you don’t mind. I’d like to invite you to post a review of the book on Amazon or Goodreads. Not only do I love receiving feedback but reviews also help other readers find what they are looking for.

  Thanks! Until next time, keep the magic real.

  ~ Debra Kristi

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  The Age of the Hybrid Series is a story within the Mystic’s Carnival Collective (MCC)―a collection of stories sharing a common world written by various authors. If this is your first visit to the collective and would like to explore more, please visit mysticscarnival.com. Like a real carnival, there are many tents to explore and worlds to discover, just inside the gates. All you have to do is step through.

  A gift for you:

  Dark Perceptions : A Mystic Carnival Collective Story

  Acknowledgments

  A huge thank you to my awesome readers, beta readers, my family, and everyone who made this book possible. Special thanks to Tiffany Turpin Johnson of TJ Writeography, and to Shelly Tegen of Acorn Editing. You both really pushed me to make this book a thousand tent poles stronger. Love you guys! Additional thanks to Eden Plantz for the perfect edits and proofread. I need someone like you in my corner catching all the commas I miss. Sebastian sends his love, too. An awesome read isn’t the same without an awesome package; and this particular package is all due to the brilliance of the amazingly talented artist, Adara Rosalie, and formatter Melinda VanLone. You ladies exceeded my expectations. Massive hugs to you both!

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