Two dragons besides Xavier had lost their lives, killed by the Greek fire that Uncle had kept so secret. The fire burned at a temperature far greater than dragons’ own, creating more heat than even a dragon could withstand.
Voices drifted now from the floor below, and Evelyn slowly raised herself from the bed. Xavier’s family had welcomed her with open arms, giving her a home when she had none. They suffered the same grief, and Lydia had drawn Evelyn into the family, sharing memories of Xavier as they mourned his loss together. Lleland treated her like a daughter, and Zach gently teased her the way her brother used to. The only dragon Evelyn did not see was Aaron. He had disappeared after the battle, his grief, Evelyn supposed, too great to be shared with anyone, even his wife. Instead, Keira remained at Drake House, her kind words and motherly embraces a balm to Evelyn’s wounded soul.
The door opened and Nan stepped into the chamber. Following Uncle’s death, Nan had insisted on remaining with Evelyn and serving as her personal maid, and Evelyn had been glad of her friendly and calming presence.
“Ready to get dressed, Mistress?” Nan asked as she closed the door. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter. “This arrived for you a short while ago.”
Evelyn took the missive and glanced at the writing as Nan pulled a gown from the chest. The letter was from Juliana, and Evelyn placed it on the table beside the bed. Keira had written to Mother following Xavier’s death, and Juliana had written back immediately, expressing her longing to be with her sister in her grief. Evelyn had received a few letters since, and she’d read them over and over until they were creased and worn. She tucked the letter away, determined to read it when she was alone and the tears could flow freely.
“You have a visitor,” Nan said as she lifted the gown over Evelyn’s head. “Master Robin is here.”
Robin and Suzanna had been regular visitors since Xavier’s death, although Evelyn wasn’t sure how the situation had been explained to Suzanna. That she was still unaware of the true nature of her relatives was clear, however. Her presence had been a comfort, although Evelyn spoke little at these times, unsure how to explain her feelings when Suzanna was not aware that Xavier was a dragon. She waited as Nan finished her hair, then left the room and headed downstairs to the hall, drawing in a bracing breath before entering.
“Evelyn!” Robin said, meeting her with a kiss on the cheek. “Suzanna sends her apologies.” He led her into the parlor and sat down beside her. “She received a letter from a family she contacted a few months ago. They are interested in hiring her as a governess. They live in the country and she is traveling to meet them today.”
“That’s good,” Evelyn said.
“She wanted to refuse, saying that she should be here for you, but Mother and I urged her to at least visit the family before making a decision. I hope we did the right thing.”
“Yes, of course.” Evelyn mustered a smile. “She needs to get on with her life.”
“As do you,” Robin said gently. “How are you doing?”
She turned away. “As well as can be expected, I suppose. What about you? How is your wound?”
Robin patted his side where the sword had pierced him. “There’s barely even a scar.”
“I still don’t understand how you managed to heal so quickly. Was it Xavier’s blood?”
“Yes. A dragon’s blood is very powerful.”
“Just not powerful enough to save the dragon,” she said bitterly.
“No.” Robin smiled sadly. “You know I was bound to Xavier, don’t you?”
“Bound? What do you mean?”
“Before the battle I had drunk his blood.”
Evelyn looked at him in horror. “You drank his blood?”
“It creates a bond between a human and the dragon. It wasn’t just Xavier’s blood at the battle that saved me, but the blood already in my veins.”
“I see.”
They lapsed into silence for a few moments. “Neither of us had long enough with him,” Robin finally said.
Evelyn wiped the tears from her cheeks. “No.”
Lydia and Lleland joined them a short while later, and Evelyn said little for the rest of the visit. After Robin had gone, she asked Lydia about the bond.
“When a human drinks the blood of a dragon, the dragon becomes his master. The human, in turn, receives many physical benefits, such as incredible strength, healing abilities and long life.”
“Do humans often drink a dragon’s blood?”
“No. In fact, outside of the mating bond, it rarely happens. But Xavier wanted to protect Robin, knowing he could be in danger from Callaway.”
“Mating bond?”
Lydia took Evelyn’s hands into her own. “When a dragon mates with a human, they share each other’s blood.”
“But Xavier and I … we didn’t share blood.”
“Xavier didn’t mate with you, Evelyn.”
Evelyn swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. “No.”
“But he wanted to.”
Evelyn shook her head. “He only married me to get close to Uncle.”
“At first, but he developed feelings for you. The day before … he told us he wanted to take you as his mate. He was waiting to talk with you, but then everything happened.”
“He wanted to drink my blood?”
“He wanted the bond with you that only mates can share. He loved you, Evelyn. It just took him a while to realize it.”
Tears filled Evelyn’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she rose.
“Evelyn –” Lydia began.
“Let her go,” Lleland said. “Give her time.”
Evelyn hurried from the room, stumbling up the stairs as tears blurred her vision. Xavier had wanted to mate with her, and he had died. She managed to reach the chamber, flinging herself onto the bed as sobs wracked her body and tears drenched the quilt. Uncle had done more than attack the dragons; he had stolen away her happiness and left her bereft.
He stirred as soft swishing noises washed around him. Darkness surrounded him, cradling him in its warmth. He had no conscious thought, but drifted in the silence, unknowing, unseeing.
Evelyn sat on the bed, the latest letter from Juliana on her lap. It was creased and stained from the many times it had been read.
‘Dearest Sister,’ it started, ‘how I long to be with you and hold you in my arms. Whatever you do, don’t come back home. Mother is intolerable at the moment, telling everyone how you are a fortunate widow. I have begged her to allow me to come to you, but she refuses. But if there were a way, I would be with you now, comforting you in your sorrow.’
Evelyn dropped the letter as tears filled her eyes. She was not a fortunate widow who had escaped a loveless marriage, but a grieving wife who wanted her husband back. A week had passed since she had learned of Xavier’s intention to mate with her, and the pain had not lessened. Instead it had increased, until she felt like pounding the wall. Xavier had loved her, truly loved her, and had wanted to take her as a mate; with his death, her chance of happiness had been ripped away and sent her tumbling into an abyss. Her new family had tried to comfort her, and Lydia or Keira often came and sat with her in her chambers, but she had lost all interest in life. Her art supplies, retrieved from Callaway’s house, lay forgotten in the corner of the room. The only time she felt alive was when she slept and Xavier held her in her dreams, wrapping his warmth around her and whispering in her ear; but when she awoke, the warmth fled, leaving her aching and cold.
Footsteps sounded outside her chamber. She could hear Zach and Lydia engaged in low conversation as they walked past.
“Aaron says it’s almost time,” Zach said. “He can sense an awareness.”
“We’ve waited so long, I was beginning to doubt,” Lydia replied.
“It will all be fine.”
The voices faded as they went down the stairs, and she pulled the pillow over her head and allowed nothingness to wash over her.
The darkness
was fading, pierced by glowing points of flame. He watched as the light chased the dark, then retreated once more, hiding away until it became bolder and chased the dark again.
Through the soft sounds that surrounded him he heard a more strident voice, which rumbled through the dark that was turning to light. Something touched him, urging him, but towards what, he didn’t know.
Words that had no meaning rushed over him. He listened carefully. He did not know the sounds, but he recognized the voice; he could give it no name, however.
More time passed, although he had no concept of time. The voice spoke, and he listened. Slowly, understanding grew as the tone and urgency grasped him. There was something he needed to do, although he knew not what it was. The light was growing brighter, the darkness almost completely chased away. The light danced, sometimes glowing brilliantly, other times a duller hue. He did not know the names for the colors, only that they changed. He watched cautiously, aware that the fading darkness meant he too would be pulled into the light. The voice was telling him that the time was coming. That soon he would be reborn.
The light around him grew, and he grew too, becoming light and flame and air. He danced with the flames, but they pulled away, leaving him alone.
“Take your shape,” the voice whispered.
He listened to the voice, focused on it, and he felt the energy gathering around him and within him. He stretched out, spreading radiance in every direction, then drew the light back into himself. Feet formed beneath him, and he felt his tail snake along the ground. He stretched his wings and lifted his head. A roar gathered in his chest and rushed out of his mouth, accompanied by a blaze of flames that spilled all around him.
He heard a sound and turned to see a golden dragon watching him carefully. He knew the dragon by his scent, no more. He watched curiously as the dragon dropped to his haunches and lowered his head. “Master,” the dragon said.
Chapter 32
Aaron returned home. It was late one afternoon, on a cold, dreary day. He’d walked into the parlor, his eyes bright as he took in his family.
Keira ran into his arms, and he wrapped them around her, holding her close. “You’re back.”
“Only until the morning. But I had to see you.”
“Is everything –?”
“Everything is fine.” He glanced around the room, his gaze falling on Evelyn. “I’m glad to see you here. How are you doing?”
Evelyn smiled wanly. “Fine, thank you.”
“Evelyn’s been grieving deeply, Aaron,” Keira said. “She truly loved our grandson.”
“I’ve been well looked after,” Evelyn said.
Lydia rushed into the room and flung her arms around Aaron. “Well?” she demanded.
“Later, Lydia,” he said.
Evelyn rose from her seat and retreated to her chamber, unable to share in the others’ joy. It was clear that Aaron’s arrival was met with excitement, but she barely knew him. He sought her out later that evening.
“I’m sorry for your grief, Evelyn,” he said, taking a seat at the edge of the bed.
“And yours.”
“Xavier truly loved you. You know that, don’t you?”
Evelyn fingered the quilt as she replied. “Lydia said he wanted to mate with me.” She could feel the tears building again, and she brushed them aside hastily. “I just wish we’d had longer.”
He nodded gravely. “I know. Xavier would have wanted us to take care of you, and I’m glad you are here. You are a part of our family, and under my protection. We will ensure all your needs are met, and you will want for nothing.”
“Thank you.”
“You will always have a home with us, Evelyn, but there are some things we need to attend to before we can return home to Storbrook. Is there a place you could go until we are ready to return? Or perhaps you would prefer to go home to your mother?”
“Oh, no. I mean, I haven’t thought about it.”
“If you want to remain here in the city, we can arrange that. Perhaps your sister can come live with you? I can have Zach make the arrangements.”
“No, I … I don’t know.”
He studied her closely for a moment, then placed a warm hand over hers. “There’s no rush, Evelyn,” he said. “We can remain here a little longer until you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“And when the time is right, you can come stay with us at Storbrook.” A tear plopped onto his hand and she watched it steam on his skin. “You belong to a dragon clan now,” he said. “Even though you didn’t share your blood with Xavier, you were his mate in every sense.” He patted her awkwardly on the back, then rose and left the room.
Aaron left Drake House the following morning, but his return had lifted the mood of the occupants. They talked excitedly amongst themselves, and sometimes Evelyn had the distinct feeling that conversations were halted and subjects changed whenever she approached, making her feel like an intruder. The fact that Aaron’s return lifted their spirits to such an extent surprised her, since it did not change the fact that Xavier was dead.
The mornings grew colder, and she dragged herself through the days, waiting for nightfall when she could escape to bed and see Xavier in her dreams. It was only then that she was truly happy. Lydia and Keira continued to care for her, gently encouraging her to take part in family activities, but she had little interest in books and games.
A week passed, and then another. She picked up books, determined to read, then put them aside when her mind refused to take in the words. Sometimes she turned her thoughts to the problem of where she could stay when Xavier’s family left the city, but even that was exhausting, and she gave up the effort. The days grew colder and she stayed wrapped in the quilts and blankets as long as possible each morning until Nan arrived and forced her from her bed. It was a cold, clear morning when she headed downstairs to the hall for the first time in a while, making as much noise as possible to alert everyone of her approach. Aaron had returned the previous evening, but when she walked into the hall, she saw he had left once more. She sat down beside Keira as trays of food were brought to the table.
“Morning, Evelyn. It’s such a lovely day, I thought I would take a walk after dinner. Perhaps wander around the market for a while. Would you care to join me?”
“I’m not sure –”
“The fresh air will do you some good. You haven’t been outdoors for weeks, and you need some sun to chase away that pale and peaked look.”
“Really, I think I would prefer –”
“I won’t take no for an answer. Your mother is not here to care for you, so the responsibility falls on me. We will leave as soon as you’re done eating.”
Evelyn sighed. She had not expected to be bullied by Keira. “Very well.”
As Keira had promised, they left as soon as the meal was done. The air was crisp after a night of rain, and they had to keep dodging puddles.
“Xavier mentioned that you are an artist, but I haven’t seen you do any drawing,” Keira said as they walked.
“No.”
“I would like to see some of your work. Perhaps you can do a drawing for me sometime.”
Evelyn was silent and Keira sent her a penetrating glance. “You need to start living again, my dear. You cannot keep yourself wrapped up in grief. Xavier would not want that for you.”
“I know,” Evelyn sighed. “It’s just that we had so little time. I never got to be his mate.”
“I won’t deny that it’s difficult. But finding an activity will give your mind something else to focus on.”
Evelyn remained silent. The fact was, she did not want to think of anything except Xavier.
The market seemed loud and raucous after her many weeks spent indoors, and Evelyn remained close to Keira as she admired a table of carved wooden pieces. “My father’s a Master Craftsman,” Keira said. “When Aaron first met me, he purchased half my father’s wares. Zach learned a little of the craft, but Xavier was never interest
ed.” She ran her fingers over some of the pieces, then leaned towards Evelyn. “Not as fine as my father’s,” she whispered. Evelyn gave a wan smile as they moved on to a table of fabrics, which Keira took a moment to admire.
Birds in cages caught Evelyn’s eye, and she watched as they trilled their sweet songs. Neither Keira nor Evelyn had any particular purchases to make, and they did not linger at the market for long. They wound their way back to the road, purchasing muffins along the way and eating them as they walked, leaving the cacophony behind with relief.
They were within sight of the house when Cook stepped through the door and started in their direction.
“Morning, Madam,” she said to Keira. “I’m out of spices, and want to get some before I begin supper.”
“You should have told me! I would have happily made the purchases,” Keira said. “Actually, that reminds me, I wanted to speak with you about the tarts you made last night.” She gave Evelyn an apologetic smile. “Go ahead. I’ll just be a few minutes.” She turned back to Cook, and Evelyn covered the last few steps to the house alone.
The door was slightly ajar and the sound of voices reached her through the opening. She stepped forward, ready to announce her return, when Lydia’s voice made her pause.
“We need to tell her,” Lydia said.
“No!” Zach’s voice was strident.
“Please, love, not yet,” said Lleland. “From what Aaron says, he isn’t ready to see her.”
“But –”
“Lydia, you’re not thinking clearly!” Zach’s frustration was clear. “What do you think she’ll do when she finds out he’s alive? He remembers nothing at the moment.”
“Evelyn?”
Evelyn turned to see Keira hurrying towards her. “Are you going in?” Keira asked.
“Yes,” Evelyn replied.
She stepped into the hall, and three pairs of eyes turned to look at her.
Zach cursed softly beneath his breath at Evelyn’s expression. “What did you hear?”
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