by Lili Zander
When he’s done, he looks at me. “Zyrian’s almost free,” he says. “Let’s get out of here.”
But I’m in the grip of forces greater than my own. Some instinct guides me. Shapes my voice. “No,” I say quietly. “I know what to do now.”
I’ve dreamed this dream many, many times. I’ve seen every permutation and combination of this moment, but every one of them has led to failure.
And then Endellion amplified my fading magic, bringing it back to life. Then I knew what I had to do.
“All our blood,” I say clearly, knowing the moment the words leave my mouth that I’m right. They’re my mates. My blood. And with our combined strength, we will prevail.
I pull my sword free of its sheath and slice my finger on it. The Bloodstone pulses with awareness, straining against the barrier that binds it. “All our blood,” I repeat. “Not just mine.”
“Of course.”
Casius takes the sword from me and grazes it against his bloodied side. Rhys goes next, then Bastian, then Erik and finally Mateo, who nods intently at me. “Now, tesoro.”
Tesoro. Treasure. They’ve made me feel like the most precious treasure in the world from the moment I met them.
I take the blood-splattered sword from Mateo. I know, as surely as my name is Aria Archer, that this last part has to be me. I close my hands over the hilt, and with a deep breath, I plunge the sword into the heart of the Bloodstone.
The trapped magic inside the gemstone explodes free, dark and tainted. It rushes up the blade of Endellion, snaking around the steel, reaching for my wrist. I don’t fight back. I let the tentacles of darkness enter me. This is my destiny.
Magic swirls through me, pulsing through my veins, draining the strength from my blood. My mating mark pulses to life, and I sink to my knees. It’s draining me. Too much, too fast. Rushing out like water from a fire hose, rushing into me, threatening to drown me in its wake.
But in my mind’s eye, I can feel Mateo steady me. Casius behind him. Then Rhys, and Bastian, and finally Erik. All ready to ease my burden. All ready to lend me a shoulder, to catch me if I fall.
They shore me up. Strengthen me. Protect me. Absorb the magic into their own bodies.
I see Zyrian move. He turns toward us with his arm outstretched, tugging at the magic of the Bloodstone, trying to grasp it for himself.
No! Not on my watch.
I yank it back, hard, and the threads snap back into me. Zyrian screams with rage. “What have you done?”
I don’t understand, but there’s no time to find out what he’s talking about. I’m bursting to the brim with power. It’s too much. It’s burning me up, and I can’t hold on. I can’t keep it contained.
“Let it go, Aria,” Bastian says, his voice quiet but certain. “The world has long been starved of magic. It’s time to let it free.”
It’s just as well. Because I can’t do anything else. My body feels hot, itchy, prickly, and overstuffed with dragon magic. As swiftly as it surged through me, it surges back out, and this time, not even their combined strength is enough to aid me.
My vision goes blurry. My legs give way, and I fall in a dead faint.
The first thing I see when I wake up is Silas. His expression is filled with fear, and he’s gripping my hand between his. When he sees that I’m conscious, he exhales in relief. “Thank heavens.”
I sit up, wincing as I do so. I’m as weak as a newborn puppy. “You’re not bleeding,” I whisper. “I thought… for a minute there, when Zyrian slashed your throat…” I can’t continue. I never want to relive that dreadful moment when I thought Silas was dead.
“You’re not the only one who was terrified,” Silas scolds me. “What on Earth were you thinking, marching in here on your own?”
Ahem. I give my mates a rueful glance. “I’m sorry. I thought I had to do this by myself, but I was wrong. I needed you.” I draw a deep breath. “No, not needed, past tense. I need you. I love you.”
Erik wraps his arm around my waist. “I love you too, princess.”
The others murmur agreement. I fold my mates—Erik, Bastian, Rhys, Mateo, and Casius—into a tight hug. I’d stolen Bastian’s plane. For them to be here, they must have left Castle Jaeger almost as soon as I’d called. No questions. No hesitation. Just pure, unadulterated support.
Rather belatedly, I remember the Dark Dragon. “Where’s Zyrian?”
“He got away,” Rhys says, sounding remarkably unconcerned.
“What?” I pull away and look at them, aghast. “Why didn’t you chase him?”
Bastian makes a scoffing noise in his throat. “You fainted,” he says. “Do you think any of us could have left your side, mausezähnchen?”
Mateo gives me a reassuring look. “You stripped him of his magic. He’s powerless and can’t do much damage. We’ll find him soon enough.”
“I stripped him of his magic?”
“Didn’t you feel it?” Mateo asks. “When he tried to steal from the Bloodstone, you yanked back.” His lips curl into a half-smile. “You’re more powerful than you know, tesoro.”
I grope for the red ball of magic inside me. It’s still there, but it’s the same size as before. “Not anymore,” I reply. “The power’s gone. It drained out of me. I’m no more magical than I was before.”
And that’s just as well. I have no desire to become like Maija Essen. I don’t want to be responsible for the fate of the world. I don’t need the pressure and the responsibility.
“So Zyrian’s gone.” It feels like a weight is off my shoulders. “And the curse is broken.”
Bastian’s sense of relief is palpable. “Yes. At long last, we’re free of the Dark Dragon.” He presses a soft kiss on my palm. “Thanks to you.”
I feel myself start to flush and hastily change the topic. “What do we do now?”
Rhys chuckles. “We go home, love. Go on more dates. Live our lives without the threat of dark magic. Find a new place to live. Drink beer. Eat spaetzle. We live happily ever after.”
“Dragons don’t have to live under a shadow anymore,” Erik adds. “A new age is dawning. Maybe we’ll restore the Council of Thirteen.” He gives me a wicked grin. “And we still have to formally introduce you to the world as our mate.”
“That part sounds like hell,” I respond, though I can’t keep myself from smiling back. “But the rest sounds pretty damn good.”
Epilogue
Aria
Three months later…
“You look beautiful, love.” Rhys nuzzles my neck, his lips feather light on my skin.
“Hmm… so you’ve said.” I turn to him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and pulling him down for a kiss. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself tonight.”
“Just tonight?” Rhys kisses me again, his hand sliding down my back until it’s cupping my ass. Cheeky dragon.
“Enough of that you two,” Bea cuts in with mock irritation. “We’re going to be late.”
“Are you sure we don’t have time for a quickie?” Rhys whispers in my ear, his eyes heated.
I give him a smacking kiss on his cheek. “Nope, don’t want to miss the party.”
“It’s my freaking party,” he grumbles. “I should be able to spend my birthday buried deep inside my mate…”
Bea puts her hands over her ears. “La-la-la-la, can’t hear you,” she sings.
I grin. I haven’t had a night out with my best friend in forever. This party is happening whether Rhys pouts or not.
Our limo pulls up outside of Cellar, and I feel like we’ve come full circle. The curse is broken. Zyrian’s magic is gone. I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last from the Rogue Prince, but for now, we are all healthy and happy.
“Nothing against Cellar, but remind me again why you picked this place instead of Lounge 88?” Bea asks Rhys.
I laugh at her total disregard for subtlety. Lounge 88 is evidently the place to be right now. It’s a members-only bar, and Bea’s been dying to see what the fuss is ab
out. Of course, Bastian happens to be a member.
Rhys squeezes my hand. “This is where I met Aria,” he says. “This is where my life began.”
Bea makes a gagging sound. “Oh God, if you’re going to sprout cheesy lines like that all night long, I’m out of here.”
I brush a kiss on Rhys’ lips. “Leave him alone,” I scold her. “If he wants to drink cheap beer and eat greasy bar food for his birthday, then that’s what we’ll do.”
We make our way inside. I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. So much has happened since the night I first met Rhys and Mateo here. I never in a million years would’ve thought that I would be in a committed relationship with one man, let alone five dragons.
Despite everything we’ve been through, or maybe because of it, I am happier than I’ve ever been.
Bea sidles up to Jesse, and he wraps her in a possessive embrace. She beams up at him, and my heart warms. Bea has a man who dotes on her and will do anything to keep her happy. She’s enrolled in beauty school for the fall semester. Life is good.
Everyone’s here already. I see Silas and Sarina at the bar. I make my way there and hug them.
“Little cub.” Silas beams at me. “I’ve missed you.”
I laugh. “You just saw me two days ago at lunch.”
“Don’t mind him,” Sarina says, giving my father a fond smile. “He’s had a pint or three already.”
Bastian pulls me away from Silas and kisses me soundly. “Mausezähnchen, you look lovely.”
“Don’t hog Aria,” Mateo gripes, reaching for me.
I willingly go to his arms and hug him tight. “You’re not jealous, are you?” I tease, knowing full well that he’s not. This has become a bit of a game between the guys.
“It’s Casius’ turn to be jealous, tesoro.”
“What is this, ‘Pick-on-Casius’ day?” Casius grumbles, taking a drink of his beer. “It’s Rhys’ birthday, pick on him.”
“Poor Casius,” I croon. I wrap my arms around him from behind, my chin resting on his shoulder. I nip his earlobe. “Tomorrow is date night… I was thinking maybe we could stay in and play a game.”
“A naughty game?” Casius asks hopefully.
“Soo naughty.”
A throat clears. “No groping in front of your father,” Silas says, loud enough that it turns heads. Sarina claps her hand over his mouth, her eyes dancing with laughter.
Gotta love shifters. Pretty much nothing can faze them.
We fall into easy conversation. After a minute, I realize Erik’s nowhere to be seen. “Did Erik bail?” I ask the others. Things have been amazing between us, though he’s still less social than my other mates. I suppose spending so many years alone has made him more of a solitary creature, but I love him just as he is.
Two big, strong arms surround me from behind. “I’m right here.” He turns me in his arms, and I look up into his dark eyes. “I love you, princess.”
Swoon.
That’s another thing about Erik that is unexpected. Not only is he a gentle lover, but he’s also the most vocal about his feelings for me.
“I love you too.”
Hours later, I’m happily buzzed from several glasses of wine. Yeah, yeah. I know I said ‘never again’ but come on.
Silas and Sarina are getting ready to leave. “It’s time for us old people to get to bed,” my father says. “You kids keep partying.”
Erik laughs. “Silas, you do realize that we’re several hundred years older than you, right? Even Rhys.”
Rhys flips off Erik. I watch my father leave and then turn to the birthday boy. “You ready for another dance, love?” he asks me.
I look around to make sure Bastian’s within hearing distance. “Follow me to the restroom,” I whisper, loud enough to be heard. “I think it’s time for me to give you your birthday present.”
I look at Bastian as I say it, and nearly fall off my barstool laughing when he chokes on his drink.
Rhys looks puzzled. “What am I missing?”
Bastian sputters and coughs. “Nothing good,” he replies. “You should leave. Trust me on this. Some presents are much better at home.”
I sigh dramatically. “Spoilsport,” I pout. “Well, I suppose your present will have to wait. Let’s dance.”
My loved ones are safe. All’s well in the world. I’m surrounded by my mates.
I’m a lucky, lucky girl.
The Blood Prophecy series is now complete, yay!
Want more Aria & the dragons? A special bonus story - Dragon’s Ghost - will be released on April 12 as part of Dragon’s Fire, the omnibus edition of this series.
If you prefer not to buy the omnibus edition, we’ll also be sending the story to our mailing list subscribers on April 12, so click here to sign up to Lili’s mailing list.
The Blood Prophecy Series
The Blood Prophecy series is now complete. Don’t miss any of the books.
Dragon’s Thief
Dragon’s Curse
Dragon’s Hope
Dragon’s Ruin
Dragon’s Treasure
or
Dragon’s Fire (the omnibus edition, containing all the Blood Prophecy episodes) - releasing April 12
Subscribe to Lili Zander’s mailing list and be the first to find out when new Blood Prophecy books are released!
About the Authors
Lili Zander is the sci-fi romance loving alter-ego of Tara Crescent. She lives in Toronto. She enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy, and thinks a great romance makes every book better.
Find Lili/Tara at:
www.lilizander.com | www.taracrescent.com
www.facebook.com/authorlilizander | www.facebook.com/tara.crescent
Email her at [email protected] or [email protected]
Mailing list: http://lilizander.com/draekon-mate-bonus/
Rory Reynolds is a stay-at-home mom of two little monsters. She's a ravenous reader of romance and firmly believes that you can never have too many book boyfriends.
She writes feisty heroines, alpha heroes, and panty drenching smut with happily ever afters.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2ePjbgL
Twitter: @RoryReynoldsBks
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/clcRNv
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2eq5PHW
Books by Lili Zander
Night of the Shayde (Vampires in space, reverse harem)
Exiled to the Prison Planet (Sci-fi dragon-shifter menage romance)
Draekon Mate - Viola’s story
Draekon Fire - Harper’s story
Draekon Heart - Ryanna’s story
Draekon Abduction - Olivia’s story
Draekon Destiny - Felicity’s story - coming soon!
Adventures of Suzie and the Alien (smutty alien goodness!)
Adventures of Suzie and the Alien (Episodes 1-5)
Which includes:
Episode 1: The Alien, the Doctor and the Virgin
Episode 2: The Alien Trains the Virgin
Episode 3: The Alien, the Virgin and the Warrior Queen
Episode 4: Tentacle Monsters and the Virgin
Episode 5: The Virgin Returns Home
BOOKS BY TARA CRESCENT
MÉNAGE ROMANCE
The Playing for Love Series (Ménage MFM Romance)
Betting on Bailey | Gambling with Gabriella | Playing with Piper | Wagering on Wendy | Messing with Miki
The Dirty Series (Ménage MFM Romance)
Dirty Therapy | Dirty Talk | Dirty Games | Dirty Words
The Cocky Series (Ménage MFM Romance)
Her Cocky Doctors | Her Cocky Firefighters
Standalone Books
Dirty X6 (A Reverse Harem Romance)
BDSM ROMANCE
Standalone Books
Mr. Banks (A British Billionaire Romance)
Teaching Maya
The House of Pain
The Professor’s Pet
The Audition
The Watcher
Dominant - A Boxed Set containing The House of Pain, The Professor’s Pet, The Audition and The Watcher
Nights in Venice Series
A Thief in Venice
An Heiress in Venice
A Starlet in Venice
The Assassin’s Revenge Series (Romantic Suspense)
Assassin’s Revenge - The Complete Series
Found (Book 1)
Bought (Book 2)
Freed (Book 3)
Claimed (Book 4)
The Doctor Dom Series (BDSM & Medical Play)
Triage (Doctor Dom Volume 1)
Observation (Doctor Dom Volume 2)
Diagnosis (Doctor Dom Volume 3)
Relapse (Doctor Dom Volume 4)
Recovery (Doctor Dom Volume 5)
Or, buy the collections for a discount…
Doctor Dom Series Sequence One (Triage | Observation | Diagnosis)
Doctor Dom Series Sequence Two (Relapse | Recovery)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The Drake Family Series
Temporary Wife (A Billionaire Fake Marriage Romance)
Fake Fiancee (A Billionaire Second Chance Fake Marriage Romance)
Standalone Books
MAX: A Friends to Lovers Romance
A Touch of Blackmail
A Very Paisley Christmas
Boyfriend by the Hour
Books by Rory Reyonlds
Just Married
His Hellcat (Sassy Girls Book 1)