by Katie Cherry
"Good heavens, those hurt," Cynthia grumbled.
"Well, we need to get you out of here, then we'll focus on getting everyone healed up," Rhys rushed to explain, pointing them to the stairs. Myra lead them and Rhys took up the rear, both of them keeping a sharp eye out for anyone from the enemy clan. Just as she reached the top of the stairs and reached a hand out to the door, it was ripped open, the wild eyes of one of the dragons staring at her, nearly hidden beneath his long, greasy hair. Cynthia squealed and backpedaled fast enough she nearly dominoed everyone down the stairs behind her. Luckily Jasper caught her and pulled her back as much as he could, those behind them slower to catch on to the new threat.
"Myra," he growled, though she'd never seen him before. "What a surprise, you showing up here with Dragonkin to help you. Too bad we were prepared for that." Blood dripped from a long scratch along his cheekbone, his long hair sticking to the cut. He reached a clawed hand out to her, and she allowed her draconic instincts to take over once more, like she had during the Elder's trials. Knocking his hand aside, she punched his chest with her other hand, her unexpected power throwing him into the wall a few feet behind him. She swore she heard his ribs crack when she hit them, and he was now unconscious on the floor.
Gulping, she turned and waved for the others to rejoin her at the top of the stairs. "Come on," she hissed, eyes flashing with urgency. "We have to go- now!" Her voice snapped them out of their shocked stupors, and they rushed after her as she led them out of the cabin.
Emerging onto the grass, she resisted the urge to watch how the battle was going, focusing solely on getting her clan into the safety of the trees. Once Rhys had joined them, she turned back to the battle. It was a fairly even fight, and wounds had been dealt on both sides. Myra knew as Dragonkin, her presence could push it in their favor. Gulping, she turned and took a step toward them. Rhys's voice stopped her. "Myra! What do you think you're doing?" His voice was full of fear for her, but she couldn't look back at him or she would break.
"I have to help them. They're my clan now too." Her brief explanation given, she released her crimson wings in a velvety rush and took to the sky, joining the battle in just one hard flap.
The bitterness of blood spiked the air. There were already a good number of bodies on the ground. Myra didn't look at that, though, unable to take it if any of the Dragonkin were among them. Instead, her vision narrowed on the nearest enemy dragon as he dove toward Serena. She met him mid-dive, tangling with him as she knocked him off-course. He swore before he recognized who she was. Then he paled and tried to scramble away from her, but she was faster. Allowing her fingers to grow claws like the others, she reached out and shredded his wings as he turned his back on her to flee, the leathery surface feeling strangely papery as she cut through it. With a scream so filled with pain it physically shook her, he tumbled the few remaining feet to the ground and landed in a heap. He squirmed and screamed for a few more seconds before finally passing out from the pain.
Returning to the battle, she found the Dragonkin beginning to get worn down. "Use your magic," Gadriel's tired voice sounded in her head.
Recalling the golden explosion that had thrown their targets back at the beginning of the battle, Myra hovered in the air and closed her eyes, pulling as much magic as she dared spare into her hands. Opening her eyes, she threw the magic into the two remaining clusters of enemy dragons. The reaction was similar to if they'd been hit by a massive fireball. Flames erupted, and those who got hit directly withered into skeletons, their bones falling to the ground in a disturbing clatter. Those who weren't directly hit dove to the ground, screaming over the roar of flames engulfing their bodies. Most of them died after a few moments, and the few who were able to put out the flames passed out just a few moments later.
And just like that, the battle was over.
Shaking, Myra coasted to the ground- aiming past the bodies- before crumpling to the ground. Not only was she physically drained from the attack, but it had taken a toll on her emotionally as well. "I killed them... I killed them all," she began to sob as the Dragonkin drifted down around her. "And it was horrible." Suddenly rounding on Gadriel, she stood, shaking. "How could you tell me to do that?!"
He grimaced, but held her gaze. "Myra, I know you're upset. But please know I had no idea that would happen."
"...What?"
"I've never seen a wave of magic that powerful before," he admitted, his voice turning earnest as he took both of her hands in his and looked into her eyes. "Let alone two. Myra... I think you're much more powerful than any Dragonkin I've ever met."
Myra hiccuped and looked at the Dragonkin with her watery eyes, thoroughly confused, but happy to focus on this rather than the deaths and pain she'd caused. "How? Why?"
"It's likely due to you only being a couple of generations removed from the Elder Dragon," Josh murmured, looking at her in awe and reverence. They all were. "Not only do you have the soul of a dragon, but it runs thick in your blood as well. You... you're more dragon than human. I think you were even before you became Dragonkin."
Myra stumbled back, feeling overwhelmed and sick. "I... I..." Rhys then appeared at her side, his soft blue eyes looking at her, their depths swimming with concern and love for her. At the look, she broke down and allowed herself to be pulled into his arms as her shoulders shook from her heavy sobs.
After a few minutes, the tears slowed, and Gadriel cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Myra... Rhys. We have injured among us, and need to recharge before heading back to Norway. Could we shelter with you for a day or two?"
"Of course," Rhys agreed without hesitation. "You saved us all. It's the least we could do."
"Fantastic. Thank you." Gadriel's eyes flicked past them to the woods, where their clan was emerging, walking toward them with eyes of wonder.
"You must be Dragonkin," Tavin began, his voice hushed as he approached. "That was... amazing. Thank you so much for helping to rescue us."
"Happy to help!" Afina happily quipped, giving him a bright smile. His eyes darted to her, and a dazed look came over him. Oh, he's crushing hard, Myra realized with a small smile, watching him stare at Afina.
After a moment, Myra straightened and pulled out of Rhys's arms. "Let's go home," she declared, ready to put the whole adventure behind them and move on with her life.
...Her dragon life.
*****
When Myra woke the next morning, she felt fully refreshed, the trauma of the day before nearly forgotten, though she knew it would remain in some back corner of her soul forever. But, she did what she could to keep it from the forefront of her mind. She couldn't let the past dictate her life. She had chosen her dragon life over her human one, and she preferred to put everything possible behind her and start on a new page. With her clan, with Rhys, with the Dragonkin... with Adam.
Realizing if she wanted to put the past behind her she would need to go and break up with Adam, she sighed and quickly got dressed. Best to get it over with quickly. She just wished she didn't have to do this next part at all. After everything Adam had done for her, she felt dirty returning from her trip with Rhys and abandoning him. To him, it would seem sudden and likely wouldn't make sense. Though she didn't really have a clue how she would explain it to him. 'I decided to live my life as a dragon and make up for abandoning my clan- also, I never stopped loving my ex, so I'm getting back together with him.' While the last part might be doable, she ached inside to say the words that sounded so cruel. She'd never been this person, and never wanted to be.
She just hoped Adam would be able to move on and forget about her and find his own happiness.
When she reached his house, she knocked before she could stop herself. She'd texted him before she left letting him know she was back from her trip and was coming over, so she's unsurprised when he answers the door seconds after she dropped her hand. He had bags under his eyes as though he'd had a hard time sleeping, but he smiled at her just the same. "Myra." He pulled her into his long arms,
holding her tightly for a moment before waving her inside. They awkwardly sat on the couches opposite each other, and he looked her over. "You look good."
"Thanks," she murmured, feeling tremendously awkward. "Look, I can't stay long," she began, dropping her gaze to watch as she picked at her fingernails nervously. "I just needed to let you know about... some decisions I've made."
"You're getting back with that guy, Rhys," he finished for her, his gaze steady as he looked at her. She swallowed, but before she could reply, he continued. "I saw how you looked at him. It all made sense to me the more I thought about it while you were gone. You never took the big steps with me because you were still in love with him." She looked at him in surprise, and he pressed forward. "Listen, it's okay. Everyone deserves to have someone who loves them, and Rhys clearly feels that way about you... perhaps even more than I do." He drew a deep breath and gave her a lopsided smile. "I understand. And I'll be okay. I'll just need some... time."
"O-of course," she stammered, thrown completely off-guard by his soft, understanding speech.
"I love you, and I think I always will, but I've always been able to see that there are varying levels of love between people, and now that I've had time to reflect, I know that we're both meant for other people. Though I hope you'll come and visit whenever you like," he continued, giving her another slightly uneasy smile as he stood.
She did the same, and this time she initiated the hug. "Thank you for being so amazingly understanding," she murmured, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she felt a small tug on her heart. She did care for him, and now this part of her life was about to be officially behind her.
"Of course. So come back as you need to, okay? Especially to get all your stuff," he chuckled.
Wiping away a tear, she smiled at him and nodded. "I'll see you."
*****
When she got back to the house, she found Rhys arriving just after her. "What were you up to this morning?" she asked, a smile instantly gracing her lips when he came into view.
"Oh, just... errands," he murmured, not meeting her gaze. Strange. "You?"
"Said goodbye to Adam. It actually went really well. I'll just need to go back with a car so I can get my stuff," she chuckled, following him into the house as he held the door open for her. He swept in behind her, and they headed to the kitchen, drawn by the smell of breakfast cooking. As soon as they entered, Myra was swept into a hug before she could even see who led the attack. After catching a whiff of the flowery perfume, she realized it was Cynthia. Bonnie followed on her heels, and Myra laughed, reveling in the feeling of love accompanying the smothering arms. "What's this for?"
"You're back! You're really back- and for good this time!" Bonnie squealed, hugging her tighter before finally letting her go, Cynthia following her lead. "I can't imagine a better birthday present!"
"Oh- it's your birthday?" Myra gasped, surprised that she hadn't known it.
"Yeah, but we never really got around to the birthday swapping part," she chuckled good-naturedly. "So you're off the hook. But, again- you being here is the best gift I could have wished for."
"Aww... you guys really missed me that much?" Myra couldn't help but ask in awe, her chest feeling strangely warm. She'd never felt so wanted in her life. No one really missed her if and when she left.
This clearly was where she was meant to be.
The group ate breakfast together, and there were many comments on how the clan felt whole at last, causing Myra's joy to expand and her face to hurt from the grin that just wouldn't leave. When the meal was finished and everyone started cleaning up, Rhys hovered awkwardly by Myra's side as she walked her dishes over to the sink, where Jasper was taking over dish duty. "What?" she asked, giving him a teasing look.
"I was just hoping to steal you for a few minutes," he said, smiling, though his voice trembled a little as he spoke. What is going on with him? Myra wondered. He felt nervous, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why.
"Do you guys mind?" she asked, turning to the rest of the clan. They shook their heads, knowing looks in their eyes, though no one said anything besides Tavin's declaration that they would be fine. Shaking her own head in confusion, she followed Rhys out the door. He walked quickly, though she had no trouble keeping up. He stopped at the edge of the cliff where she had first transitioned and sat, his legs hanging off the edge. He stared out at the view and didn't say anything. Frowning, Myra sat beside him anyway. Silence reigned for a few moments before he finally spoke.
"Do you remember how you transitioned? You nearly scared the crap out of all of us... maybe mostly me," he admitted, finally looking over at her.
"Of course," she smiled. "It was terrifying and amazing all at the same time. But I can say it was definitely a life-changing moment."
"...Your wings were crimson."
"Just like you predicted," she reminded him, giving him a gentle poke in the arm with one of her fingers.
"Yeah." He ducked his head, blushing a little, before turning back to her. "You know, it nearly ripped me apart when you left."
"I know. And I'm so sorry. I swear I'm here to stay this time," she said, pressing her conviction into the words.
He looked deep into her eyes before replying. "...I sure hope so. Because, Myra... I can't lose you again. Not when... well... Myra, my heart will always be yours." He gulped before climbing up from the ledge and dropping to one knee before her. Instantly realizing why he'd been acting so off that morning, her eyes popped open wide as she moved to stand in front of him. Oh... my... were the only words her brain was able to produce in reaction to the sight before her.
Pulling a small, velvety black box from his pocket with shaking hands, he popped it open, showing her the beautiful ring he'd picked out. "Myra... I know it's probably way too soon to be doing this, and for that I'm sorry, but I just can't wait anymore. I went and got it this morning, but honestly, it's been on my mind since we started dating." He stopped and took a deep breath, but Myra couldn't wait anymore either.
Dropping to her own knees, she reached out and kissed him hard, her heart burning with love for him. She pulled away long enough to gasp, "Yes!" before pressing another kiss to his lips. She felt him smile in relief against her lips, and his free hand pressed into the small of her back, holding her to him.
After a moment, she pulled away, sniffling with unshed tears, and he beamed happily at her and helped her slip the sparkling ring onto her finger. Though it was beautiful, the thing she couldn't keep her eyes off of was his face, beaming with love for her. My fiance...
She couldn't be more ready for the adventure ahead of her.
Dragon Heart
Dragon Blood Trilogy
Book Three
Katie Cherry
Dedicated to those with a mothering heart,
whether you have kids or not.
Thank you for honoring your super-power heart!
Chapter One
Pushing her physical limits always helped Myra to clear her thoughts. Today was no different. Focusing on the burn of her muscles as she raced recklessly up the face of the cliff, thoughts of wedding planning were, thankfully, put into the background of her mind. Not that wedding planning wasn't a happy occasion... but, good heavens, it was tedious.
Blowing a lock of hair off of her face that fell out of her ponytail, Myra allowed her eyes to skim the surface of the cliff face before her. The others had purposely put her in the area of the cliff that was the most difficult to climb, in the hopes that they'd have a fair chance to beat her to the top. Myra would feel bad about being stronger and faster than them all, if it wasn't so... addicting. After living for twenty-two years with chronic, debilitating pain and fatigue, transitioning to accept her dragon blood had been amazing... though nowhere near as euphoric as when she had gone to the Elder Dragons and had been bestowed the title of 'Dragonkin' thanks to her strong dragon soul, and all the trappings that went with it. Increased speed, strength, senses... even and espec
ially magic. Though according to her Dragonkin friend, Gadriel, hers was even stronger than any other Dragonkin's magic, because of her close ties to the Elder Dragons.
Even lost in her memories and gratitude for each stage of growth she'd achieved, Myra still found it easy to leap from handhold to handhold. After a while, they got too far apart to have any footholds. While it hardly slowed her down, it did greatly increase the burning in her arms. Which, again, she was thankful for. Who'd have thought she would ever become an adrenaline junkie? Working out, flying, climbing up the cliff face... it was her favorite part of every day.
Well, except for when she spent time with Rhys, of course. Her fiancé. The thought was still hard for her to wrap her mind around, despite it having been that way for the past two or three months. And to think, in just another month, he'll be her husband. Getting married seemed like something only other people did. It was a little weird when Harper got married, but that still hadn't been her. Just someone she was close to. This... wasn't another High School friend getting married or having kids that she passively saw when scrolling through Facebook. This wedding was hers. And it was starting to feel too real.
Hence, putting off further wedding planning by instigating another race up the cliffs that the others were doomed to lose.
"Are you freaking kidding me?" Jasper cried out below her and to the left. "You're climbing with just your hands? Are you sure you aren't using magic? We decided that was off-limits, just like wings, unless you fall off!"
Myra chuckled. He asked her this every time. It seemed it was difficult for him to lose his place as the strongest dragon in the clan. "Nah, I'm just strong. See you at the top!" She cheerfully quipped, picking up the pace and leaving them even further in the dust.
The top of the cliff was the most difficult to ascend without flying, as there was quite an overhang, and Myra narrowed her eyes in concentration. She'd fallen off it the first few times they'd tried climbing the cliffs for exercise, but now she felt sure she could conquer it. Slowing and finding footholds again, she stopped and carefully analyzed where each rock jutted out, or pocket of space could be found in the earth. Taking a few deep breaths to appease her lungs, she glanced down to assess where the others were. Jasper was halfway up, with Rhys and Tavin just behind him, followed by Bonnie and Cynthia. Bonnie's boyfriend, Benjamin, had been staying with them more and more frequently, but hadn't deigned to join their rock climbing just yet. His clan didn't have such a secluded place to live, so he was unused to taking such risks. Myra's clan, though, knew they were safe thanks to their wings, and because of no one being able to see them doing any of this anyway. Thanks to the border spell their new roommate, Dragonkin Afina, had cast around the area, ensuring there was no chance of anyone discovering them.