Dragon Blood- The Complete Trilogy

by Katie Cherry

  "I know... I know," he gently replied, running his hand down her back now, calming her further. Still, Afina's last words wouldn’t stop echoing in Myra's mind. If I don't go... we're all already lost. Taking in a huge, shuddering breath, she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes once again. I may not have much of a chance to reason with these 'new dragons,' but any chance is better than none at all. If I don't go... it'll just be a matter of time before these dragons 'find' their Queen and flood the world, expecting a grand welcome... and getting slaughtered instead.

  I... don't really have a choice, do I?

  Everyone's lives... are dependent on if I can pull this off. Shuddering, Myra looked back up at Rhys's face, gritting her teeth with determination. "But... I have to... don't I?" He just looked back at her, sadness glittering in his blue eyes, but eventually gave her a small nod. Sniffling as the tears threatened to start back up again, she managed to continue. "K-keep planning the wedding while I'm gone? I'll try as hard as I can to convince the dragons for the next three weeks, but if I don't manage it in that time, I won't keep my own life on hold."

  "That sounds like a good compromise," he finally said, giving her a small, proud smile. He gently kissed her cheek, the tip of her nose, her other cheek, and finally her lips before pulling back and resting his forehead on hers. "I'll be here, ready to marry you, whatever happens. I promise. If you can't wrangle all those dragons, no one can blame you. But I think Afina's right.

  "If anyone can do it... it's you."

  Chapter Three

  Despite resolving to do as the Elder Dragons had demanded of her, Myra still had a hard time convincing herself to leave her room and let the others know of her decision. She knew they'd support her and appreciate the sacrifice, but... somehow saying it would just make it feel all too real. There would be no going back at that point. Not that she exactly planned to back out of it, but... she sure wished she could. She liked pretending she had that option.

  Pretending that she wasn't still upset that her choice had really already been made for her by a bunch of dragons she'd met only once; that the future of anyone with dragon blood in them didn't really depend all on what she'll be able to accomplish in the next three weeks.

  ...Pretending that she wasn't secretly a little excited at the thought of a new adventure, and being the first to see new dragons.

  "I still wish I could go with you," Rhys sighed, watching as she washed her face from her tears.

  "I know," Myra replied, carefully wiping with the washcloth around her eyes, clearing away the exfoliating soap she'd scrubbed with. "But I'm going to have to fly in- there's no airplanes that go to a mystically hidden island full of dragons."

  "And since I'm not a super-strong Dragonkin, I don't have the ability to turn invisible, let alone fly that far in one go," Rhys sighed, downcast. "I know. I'm still not happy about it, though."

  "Neither am I," Myra assured him, finishing clearing off her face and dropping the cloth to the counter as she turned to face him. "I would much rather stay here with you. Or go there with you. I really hate that I have to leave you here while I fly to 'paradise'... alone."

  Reaching out, he pulled her into his arms, holding her close and resting his cheek on the top of her head. A warm comfort spread through Myra once more at the touch, and she wondered, not for the first time, if it had something to do with her dragon magic, or if it was purely hormonal. I guess there's not really a way to find out, she mused to herself, and it doesn't matter anyway. What matters is I love him, and we're getting married. ...Eventually.

  "It will be alright," Rhys sighed into her hair, still holding her tightly. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? Besides, it's not like you'll be in any real danger."

  "Just the danger of failing," Myra couldn't help but mutter in response, fear flashing through her once more. What if I can't do this? What if I let everyone down?

  "You'll do great," he assured her, breaking the hug so he could press his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, effectively chasing away most of her fear.

  "I sure hope so," she whispered when they pulled away, keeping her eyes lowered. Taking in a deep, sudden breath, she lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. "I'll give it my best shot regardless... and we'll just have to see what happens after that."

  "Time to tell the others?" Rhys asked as she walked toward the door.

  A tiny shiver ran down her spine, but she looked back at him and nodded resolutely. "Time to tell the others."

  The clan was talking quietly as they approached, and Myra kept her hands clenched, not bothering to fight the urge, hoping the pain of her nails pressing into her palms would help distract her from her terror that she'll let everyone down. They stopped talking immediately, their heads snapping up to look at her as she walked back into the kitchen. No one said anything, just stared at her, simply waiting to hear what she had to say. Afina looked the most expectant; probably unused to anyone questioning the order from an Elder. Everyone else, though, looked at her compassionately, sad sympathy in their eyes. Myra wasn't sure which she disliked more.

  Deciding to focus on Afina, Myra attempted to give her a brave smile. "Sorry about that... It's just a hard thing they're asking me to do. A... heavy burden to bear. But," she continued, straightening, "I've decided... I'll do it. Or- I'll try, at least," she amended before anyone could get too excited. "For three weeks. If I haven't made any progress in that time, I doubt there will ever be any. Besides, I'm not giving up my wedding."

  "Fair enough," Afina replied, a relieved smile on her face. "I will inform the Elder Dragons of your decision. But first, I will escort you to the coast, if you'd like."

  "That would be great," Myra said, attempting a smile as her heart plummeted. I knew it was important... crucial, even, but I guess I just... didn't realize I would have to leave immediately. "I... guess I'll go and pack, then."

  "If you want to reach by island before it gets dark, I would recommend it, and as quickly as you can," Afina beamed, clearly missing her distraught tone.

  "Right," Myra muttered, moving to back out of the room.

  "Wait, I'll help you pack!" Bonnie volunteered, rushing to Myra's side.

  Cynthia quickly followed. "Me too!"

  "Thanks," Myra managed as they dragged her back toward her room, their high spirits helping to lift her own. Rhys followed closely behind, and Myra was glad to see it. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to him just yet.

  Unfortunately, there wasn't much that she'd be able to bring, thanks to her flying, alone, over the ocean to get there, so the packing went quickly. Just the necessities. A few shirts, pants, and other basic supplies, though they left as much room as they could for food, then hurried to the kitchen to load her up with whatever they could find that should last for a couple of weeks.

  The backpack is heavy and bulging by the time they finished, but Myra was grateful regardless. Her magic helped her cut down on some things she'd normally need to pack- a charger for her phone, for one, since she discovered she could keep it charged with magic and not even cause a noticeable dip in her magic levels. Food, for another. When needed, she found she was fine on just one meal a day rather than three. In fact, when eating with the others, she purposely ate less. It was just too much food now.

  Just another reason she was the perfect candidate for the Hawaii mission, she supposed.

  "I'm so sad you're leaving," Cynthia confided, her voice a little whiny with sorrow.

  "But it's amazing, what you're doing," Bonnie quickly cut in, giving Cynthia a quick glare. "And we've got your back. If you need anything, just let us know. It'll take us longer to reach you, but we'll do our best, of course."

  "And if you find out that it really is too dangerous or difficult or whatever, don't feel bad about coming back early!" Cynthia added hopefully, giving Myra a small smile.

  "Right..."

  "I'm sure it will be fine," Rhys comforted, pulling her into his arms. Myra tried not to focus on the fact that
this could be the last time they'd touch in weeks. With how close they'd gotten recently, the thought was nearly painful. "You'll do an amazing job, and you'll be back before you know it." He kissed the tip of her nose and gave her a soft, loving smile. "Just remember, whether you're able to convince those dragons to listen to the Elders or not, when you get back, we're getting married. Nothing will keep us separated."

  Myra nodded, tears still lingering in her eyes, but she gave him a brave smile as Afina walked up. "...I love you," she finally managed to say.

  He gave her a deep kiss before repeating the words. "I love you, Myra. Be safe. ...I'll see you soon." His blue eyes held onto hers as she stared back at him, following Afina toward the door while looking back, her feet automatically following Afina's. As the door closed, cutting off the prolonged looks they were giving each other, Myra closed her eyes for a moment, determined to hold his face in her mind. Whenever she felt too alone on the island, she would be able to close her eyes and picture him there with her.

  She wasn't so sure it would work to ease her loneliness, but she had no other ideas.

  "Ready?" Afina prompted, coaxing Myra to open her eyes.

  Myra simply nodded in return, unleashing her crimson wings and gesturing for Afina to lead the way. She nodded back before running and leaping into the air, her sky-blue wings pumping hard twice, carrying her away from the house quickly. Myra's home. Sighing, Myra followed suit, catching up with Afina after the third wing beat. As soon as they neared the border of the barrier they'd put up, they both went invisible simultaneously.

  As they flew toward the West coast, neither of them talked. Myra was glad for the companionship, despite the silence, but there wasn't much to keep her mind from travelling back to the place she'd just left. The place she'd never wanted to leave again... the person whose side she never wanted to leave again.

  I can't believe I was so fed up with wedding planning and kept procrastinating it. What I would give to go back to my life as of just a few hours ago. No 'new dragons' to deal with, no Elders telling me to leave my fiancé behind and save all of Dragonkind, no lonely adventure to go on. Just planning the day that will begin the rest of my life.

  I really need to leave my adventuring days behind me. As exciting as it may be to break out of the ordinary... the ordinary I was able to establish with my clan the last few months is rather exciting in and of itself. Every day is fun.

  I'm definitely just 'settling' for that from now on. No more getting pulled from my life. No more leaving Rhys, and the others, behind. No more endangering myself. Especially if I want to eventually start a family. I know we haven't really talked about it much yet, but I think he's looking forward to having kids as much as I am. …Maybe that's a topic we can approach after the wedding.

  Assuming I'm able to save our entire race by then.

  They reached the San Diego area after a couple of hours, Myra's brain spinning the entire flight, torn between turning back and mourning being pulled from her comfortable life once more. Still, by the time they landed, she found herself further resolved to see the mission through. She had to leave her fiancé behind for a few weeks. Tough. She now had the weight of who knows how many lives on her shoulders, which made her uncomfortable and scared. Tough. She didn't want to be the one facing down all these dragons on a magical island, fighting to keep the existence of dragons a secret, but she was. She was chosen to figure this thing out.

  So that's just what she'd have to do.

  The area they landed in was remote, so they switched off their invisibility to talk to each other one last time before Myra set off alone. Their magic had kept them connected and aware of each other's presence, but they still much preferred to be able to see each other. "Good luck," Afina said, pulling Myra in for a hug.

  "Thank you," Myra sighed, gladly returning the hug. "I'll need it."

  "We believe in you, you know," Afina continued, pulling away to stare at her intensely, her blue eyes captivating Myra. "The Elders, the Dragonkin, your clan... all of us. I know you're still relatively new to this life, especially as a Dragonkin, but we can tell you have what it takes. So... I'll see you in three weeks- if not before that," she winked, giving Myra another quick hug before waving and leaping back into the air, allowing her magic to turn her invisible once more.

  And just like that, Myra found herself alone on the coast, staring at the waves slamming against the sand. Part of her begged to stay there, to just lie in the sand for the next few weeks and just forget about the dragon problem. Take the easy way out. She never liked having expectations and pressure put on her.

  The other part of her, though, reminded her that like it or not, she'd determined to do what the Elders asked. Besides, the dragon in her loved adventure and tugged at her heart, demanding she go and see where this adventure may lead.

  Smiling to herself a little, Myra leapt back into the air as well before turning to face Hawaii. Thank goodness dragons have such a strong, innate sense of direction, Myra thought to herself as she soared close over the glittering waves. I would not want to be lost at sea out here, searching desperately for Hawaii for weeks. Still, the islands were hours away, so she settled into a comfortable pace, enjoying the journey and trying to clear her mind. She'd need to hit the ground ready to work, not bogged down with the despair that she had to be there in the first place, missing Rhys.

  She was alone now. Time to get used to it.

  It felt refreshing in a way, to be alone again after spending every moment of the past few months with her clan. They were, in a good way, of course, a bit smothering. She had never lived with so many people at once and couldn't quite get used to it. Back before she found out about the existence of dragons, she had been pretty solitary. It was hard to keep up with others, thanks to the fatigue, pain, and brain fog her dragon blood had caused her. And, as an artist, she functioned best alone anyway.

  She'd always wish Rhys was there with her, of course, but a certain peace settled in her heart as she flew over the deep ocean. She'd be fine facing the next few weeks without him. She'd be fine on her own.

  Looking down at her reflection in the calm ocean as she flew, she smiled at herself. She'd grown far more comfortable with herself in the past couple of years. Most likely from getting in touch with her buried dragon side, but seeing the red streak in her hair reminded her how this all began with Harper, pushing her to take a step out of her comfort zone.

  Thinking back on her past self, Myra couldn’t help but chuckle. She never would have pictured her life where it was at now- engaged to a dragon, flying over the ocean toward Hawaii on crimson wings that stretched from her back and operated as easily as her other limbs- if not more effortless. They stretched out to either side of her, and she couldn't help but think how beautiful they were, reflecting in the water with the sun shining behind them. Too bad no one can ever see them, she sighed to herself. No humans, at least. Which is really too bad. I know I would have loved the idea of a person with wings as a kid... even as an adult.

  But it's best we remain a fantasy... there's every possibility that the humans will still do what the dragons long ago always feared; wipe us all from existence for real.

  They can never know. Still, she felt sorrowful at the thought, but did her best to shake it off. She had to be sure of her position if she was to stand a chance at dissuading these island dragons from exposing them all.

  Just as she was thinking this, the islands came into view. She quickly turned invisible and flew closer. There- just past the biggest island. That island shouldn't be there. She also realized that the air around the island, just smaller than the other Hawaiian islands, shimmered like a mirage. That's definitely it.

  Keeping her distance, she flew cautiously around the island, inspecting it. She couldn't see much from a distance, though, just thick trees and sandy beaches. At one end of the island, the mouth of a small volcano was raised from the ground. As the sun went down, Myra noticed it glowing a little. Active. ...That's nice. It be
tter not blow while I'm here.

  Finally satisfied that she'd learned all she could, she slowly approached, alert for any movement from the island. None came, though, and she touched down without incident among the trees. Dropping her invisibility and pulling her wings back in, she let out a sigh of relief. Flying all day was still wearisome, even for a Dragonkin.

  She quickly prepared a place to sleep on the ground, staying alert for movement, though there still wasn’t any. Regardless, she knew she'd have a hard time falling asleep that night. Too much weighed on her... and tomorrow she'd need to find the dragons and actually get started on her mission.

  As she laid down to sleep on the thin blanket she'd brought, she couldn't help but hope that she wouldn't find any dragons on the island tomorrow, despite what Kal claimed to have discovered.

  Chapter Four

  When Myra woke, she smiled as she remembered where she was. The humid air caressing her skin, the gentle sound of waves, the fresh breeze... Hawaii was just like she'd always imagined. Opening her eyes, her enthusiasm was dampened as she recalled why she was there. She had to keep a growing community of actual dragons from the rest of the world. Sighing, she rolled over and, after a quick glance around the area, confirming she was still alone, she rolled up the blanket as tight as she could and stuffed it back into the backpack. Grabbing a couple of rolls from the bag before she zipped it back closed, she tossed the bag over her shoulder and began munching on the bread as she plunged into the forest.

  Myra walked for nearly an hour, finishing off her breakfast, and saw no signs of life. Well, that wasn't true. She saw a ton of thriving plants and signs of animal life, but no sign of any dragons, as far as she could tell. Eventually she turned to make her way toward the volcano at the other end of the island, something inside her insisting that that's the way she should go.