by Katie Cherry
The others soon recovered as well, and also brought themselves to touch her wings, or Rhys's. That done, they seemed much more accepting of the idea. Once they got moving again, Daniel even muttered, "I'm actually kind of jealous. I wish I could fly."
Once they reached the place where their clan waited, Myra and Rhys quickly left to get ready for the wedding. As they did, Myra glanced back to see Bonnie and her mom embracing. Both of them were in tears.
*****
Now that these humans had come to terms with the dragons, some of Myra's anxiety was negated.
Some.
Wiping her palms on her dress, she fidgeted anxiously. The island dragons had insisted that the ceremony take place on the side of the volcano, Makuahine, and it was already getting unbearably warm. Or maybe that was just her nerves causing her to sweat. Kalseru waited at the base of Makuahine, his tail wrapped around to the front, like a cat. His head was held high. Catching Myra's gaze from the treeline, he gave her a wink. "You are too nervous," he said in her mind, keeping their conversation private. "With all that you have accomplished, what more is a simple ceremony?"
"You're right, of course," Myra replied with a rueful smile. "I just can't help it."
"Well, we are about to begin. Are you ready?"
"I'm ready," she breathed, though her guts clenched in anxious anticipation. Was she really ready? Moving her gaze to find Rhys, a smile immediately bloomed across her face. He looked incredibly handsome in his white suit and blue tie that perfectly matched the hue of his wings, which extended behind him through slits in the fabric. He looked absolutely stunning from his place next to Kukane. Rhys didn't notice her stare, as he was busy taking in the gathering of guests. Dragonkin sat on the provided folding chairs, their colorful wings proudly displayed, as they hated to put them away. They watched the island dragons with curiosity, and the amber dragons did the same. The Elder Dragons sat at the back, but watched the proceedings with smiles. They had taken some convincing, but were all on board with the idea of Myra becoming the Queen of the 'old' dragons as well. They had reigned for so long, they were relieved to be able to step back and advise the new King and Queen.
A number of transitioned mutts were also in attendance, and Myra noticed Tavin among them, holding hands with Afina, who noticed Myra sticking her head out from among the trees and gave her a thumbs up and a grin.
Kalseru then shrank before their eyes, turning into his human form to address the crowd. "This is a historic event. For centuries, dragons have lived in the shadows, blending in with the humans, and always, always, avoiding detection. For better or for worse, times have changed. Myra Taedgin will lead us all into a new age. I believe this wedding ceremony was a perfect idea to begin introducing the idea of dragons still existing to the humans. I am grateful the few we have here today have opened their minds and hearts to us. May the others do likewise, so Myra may lead us into an age of peace." He paused before continuing.
"We are gathered here today to see Rhys Rune take Myra Taedgin as his wife, and as his Queen." As he said this, Rhys walked steadily toward him, finally stopping and turning to face the crowd. Myra took a few deep breaths before doing the same, walking forward from the trees and into the open. Appreciative murmurs rippled through the crowd. Her wedding dress glittered in the waning sunlight, golden beads sewn throughout. The dress had no back, which was done on purpose, so her wings would have ample room to move. The gold in the dress almost perfectly matched the gold of her new scales on her wings, and Myra smiled, feeling beautiful as she strode toward her grandfather, stopping at his other side and turning to face away from him, as Rhys had.
"As Myra is now human, old dragon, and island dragon, the wedding will include aspects of each culture's ceremonies. We will begin with the humans. Myra Taedgin, do you take Rhys Milo Rune to be your husband, legally and lawfully wedded, as he is, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, to be true to him in all things until death alone shall part you?"
"I do," Myra answered, her voice clear and strong, much to her relief. Kal repeated the words for Rhys, who also responded with "I do."
"The rings, please," Kal boomed. Bonnie, recognizing her cue, scrambled forward, handing the rings to Myra and Rhys. They thanked her with a smile, and once she moved back out of the way, slipped the rings onto each others' fingers, wide smiles on their faces.
"Now, transitioned dragons have a ritual of their own," Kal continued, taking a step back from Myra and Rhys. "The couple will now perform a mating dance in the sky."
Taking a deep breath, Myra crouched, spreading her wings. Rhys did so in unison. This was the main thing they had practiced in preparation for the wedding, and Myra could not be more relieved that they'd spent so much time on it. Leaping into the air, they circled simultaneously, staying opposite each other as they rose. Falling backward, they split apart before looping and climbing higher into the air. From there, the dance became more intricate, and Myra panted from the effort of synchronizing their loops, corkscrews, dives, and spins. It all went perfectly, though, and finally, they ended in each others' arms, breathing hard and grinning. Locked together, they slowly sank through the air. Once they'd fallen far enough that those gathered should be able to see them clearer again, Rhys put a hand on the back of her head, guiding her face toward his.
She met his lips eagerly, pressing against him further as she did so. After a moment, a now-familiar heat flooded her heart. Only, it didn't just race through her body. It seemed to also flow into Rhys's. Breaking apart suddenly, cool air rushed into the space between them. Myra watched Rhys, eyes wide in surprise and a little panic, as she felt a tail sprout and the rest of her transitioning into a dragon, though she hadn’t purposely tried to do so. But the true surprise came when she realized the same thing was happening to Rhys. Deep blue scales rippled across his growing body, with amber scales and spikes growing where Myra's had as well.
Within moments, they were both fully transitioned dragons, hanging in the air opposite each other, their scales glittering in the light of the setting sun.
Kalseru's voice boomed beneath them. "The island dragons have informed me that the final part of the ceremony involves our new King and Queen combining their flames, marking them as one, for now and forever."
Myra looked to Rhys, wide-eyed. She'd never tried to breathe fire before. He met her gaze, gave her a small nod, and lifted his head, pointing it at a space above them. Myra copied the movement, then looked inward for her flames, as she would for her magic. To her relief, she located a second stomach filled with the magical fluid that would ignite as it touched air. Breathing in deep, she held it until Rhys did the same. Then, as one, they pushed the gas out. Flames flew from their mouths, though Myra could hardly feel anything. Her bright golden fire was tinged with crimson, and Rhys's was tinged with blue. When they met in the air above their heads, an explosion of multi-colored sparks spread out, encompassing nearly a third of the island and extending over the ocean before raining down like fireworks. They cut their flames and landed on the ground, looking up at the colorful little sparkles dancing as they rained down. They landed harmlessly on the ground before finally vanishing.
Pure joy filled Myra's heart, and she leaned into Rhys, looking up at him with love. He draped a wing over her and touched her forehead with his snout. They did it.
They were married.
Epilogue
One year later
"You're sure you can watch the kids?" Myra asked anxiously, watching her four baby dragons scooting through the sand, warbling happily.
"Of course," Mala replied. "Especially with Kukane here in case they turn back into their human form while you're gone."
"Please remind him to be careful with them," Myra urgently pressed. "They are still very... fragile as humans."
"I know that," Kukane grumped, walking up to them. "Where do you think I've been for the past three months? Living under a rock?"
"Can't be too cautious," Rhys shrugged, putting
a hand on Myra's back. "But I'm sure the kids will be fine, dear. It's time to go."
"I know, I know," Myra sighed, kneeling in front of the four baby dragons, which turned to her and nuzzle at her hands happily. All four had some amber scales, matching their parents. One of the boys had crimson as well, like Myra, one was obsidian, and the last boy had blue, like Rhys. The girl, surprisingly, was emerald, which Kalseru said was a color he hadn't seen on a dragon in over a century. Myra knew she shouldn't pick favorites, but that little girl held a special place in her heart. It was worse for Rhys, though. Lyla definitely had her father wrapped around her little finger. "Bye, babies. I love you and I'll be home soon." They just blinked back at her, too young to really understand her words, but cooed happily anyway.
Myra finally stood, brushing the sand off of her pants. "I know we have to do this, but... do we really have to go and meet with the president of the United States of America?!"
"Yes," Rhys chuckled. "You know it's the most important step we can take right now to alerting the world to the existence of dragons."
"I know," Myra sighed. "But it's still terrifying."
"Trust me. Turn into a dragon, and he'll be far more terrified of you," Rhys winked, taking her hand and stretching out his wings. "Ready?"
With one more glance at the playing baby dragons, Myra nodded and stretched out her own wings. As one, they leapt into the air and turned toward the mainland. Once over the water, they transitioned fully into their dragon forms. The President had been alerted to their existence, and while he was dubious, he had agreed to warn everyone not to shoot any dragons they see. It had been a year in the making, working their way up the line of command, but finally, the time was here.
Everything was about to change.
THANK YOU
for reading The Dragon Blood Trilogy!
Don’t forget to leave a review- it’s the best way to ensure an author you like keeps producing!
Stay tuned for a sequel trilogy if there’s enough interest for it by following me on Amazon!
~Katie Cherry
Acknowledgments
This one will be brief; just like each of the stories. I’d like to thank my husband for being a constant strength to me, or else I’d never get my butt in the chair and fingers on the keyboard!
Writing is hard, being an author even more so, but my fans keep me going- even if that circle is still small. Regardless of the number of people reading my works, I hope to please and at least entertain. So thank you for adding to that number and increasing my determination to continue pursuing my dream of making a living as a full-time author!
Thanks to my circle of author friends, I am constantly being inspired, both by their speed and never-ending ability to keep plugging along, even if they’ve had virtually no recent sales on their books or are otherwise falling short of their goals. They are always optimistic and helpful, showing me that even a greenie to writing can make it as an author (hallelujah!).
Thank you to Jon and Ann Cherry, Clarity Perry, and the Taylor family, my main contributors through my Patreon page, for believing that I’m worth it.
Thank you to my dreams, for inspiring me, and not letting this one gather dust in my mind. Thank heavens I had to write the story down without delay, so it could reach the hands of my readers and hopefully make someone feel better in knowing that they’re not alone, or, like me, to have a fantastic reason behind their chronic pain.
Finally, thank you to my chronic pain/illness, for helping me to better understand others trapped in the same cycle of pain and depression.
And thank YOU for reading! You’re the reason I write!
Thank you!
About the Author
Katie Cherry is an avid reader who has been devouring books since before most kids could read, leading her to her first attempt at writing a novel in eighth grade. So far, she has most of the Crystal Dragon Saga finished, including a companion novella you can get for free when you join her newsletter. She’s also completed the Dragon Blood Trilogy. Her dream is to be a full-time mother while also providing for them through her writing.
1. Find her current progress on Facebook at her profile, Author Katie Cherry, or the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KatieCherryFantasy/.
2. Follow her on Amazon to get an email ONLY when there’s a new release: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07H3FXS7D
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6. She’s also on Instagram @katiecherryfantasy and Twitter @KatieCherry818!
Katie Cherry’s Books
The Dragon Blood Trilogy
Dragon Blood
Dragon Soul
Dragon Heart
Dragon Blood Trilogy
The Crystal Dragon Saga
Rising from Dust: Companion novella
Crystal Dragon
Crystal Hope
Crystal Lies
Crystal Curse
Crystal Allegiance
Crystal Fate
Crystal War
Crystal Dragon Saga 1-3
Crystal Dragon Saga 4-7
The Complete Crystal Dragon Saga
Sneak Peek at RISING FROM DUST: A Companion novella to the Crystal Dragon Saga
The day had been especially hot, causing Zarafa to shiver as the temperatures dropped along with the sun, encasing the desert in frigid darkness. Clutching her threadbare shawl closer, she hurried with shambling steps toward shelter, her red hair falling in clumps around her face, covered in dirt. She had not been clean in a month, when she last made the journey to the bathing well, although it wasn't unusual in Ponorama for one to go so long without a bath. Only the town sorcerers, practically royalty for their talent with magic keeping the Thunderbirds at bay, bathed regularly here.
Thanks to the scorching days in Ponorama, the towns came alive when the sun went down before it got too cold. Zarafa could already see the lights ahead among the larger settlements, and her steps slowed. She knew she wasn't welcome there, but the scraps from the celebrations were better than she could find at any other time, and she couldn't afford to pass up such an opportunity. Bending over as though her shame pressed her shoulders toward the ground, she shuffled along the dusty terrain toward the commotion. Her stomach already growled at the smell wafting toward her.
The celebration held tonight was the biggest and most festive one of them all, as the people of RiverBed conveyed their gratitude for the end of the Scalding season and the beginning of the Sky Lights season. Zarafa paused just before she reached the people, stopped by a loud, bugling call. Every face turned heavenward, and moments later, the dancing blue and green Sky Lights appeared, drenching the scene in color that wasn't seen anywhere else in the realm. Zarafa gaped at the sight for only a moment before returning her thoughts to the task at hand- snatching some food and getting away before she could be caught.
Sneaking past clumps of people, she was relieved that they paid her no attention, and she made her way easily to the banquet table. She glanced once more to her right, her left, and her right again, and saw no one who would stop her. Reaching out a hand, she grasped a loaf of bread, then, with more glances to ensure no one was watching, gulped down enough drink to wet her throat. She couldn’t help but let out a gasp of relief at the feeling of it sliding down her throat, instantly rejuvenating her. Finally, she turned to go, but only took a few steps before she was noticed. Shouts erupted around her, and she lengthened her stride, pushing for her body to flee the scene.
She wasn’t fast enough. Tripping over someone's extended leg, s
he tumbled to the ground hard, skidding far enough to scrape up her skin. Drawing in a quick breath, Zarafa flipped onto her back and stared wide-eyed at the person who had tripped her.
The man had a sneer on his face as he looked down at her. Though he wasn’t clothed in the uniform of the peacekeepers, he could still report her to them, or just punish her himself. He reached down and jerked her up with one strong hand. "Hungry, are we?" he hissed, the words slipping menacingly from his lips, making Zarafa feel uneasy.
"L-leave me alone," she gasped, trying to pry her clothes from his grasp. He didn’t budge, and pulled her closer. His eyes gained a strange hunger in their dark depths. Zarafa let the bread slip out of her fingers. It landed in the dirt and sent up a puff of red dust. "Look. There's the bread. Just take it and leave me alone," she sobbed, trying once more to pull away from him. Her effort turned out to be just as futile as the first try, and the stranger's eyes gleamed at her, almost with an animal-like hunger. "Who are you?" she cried out. Looking over his shoulder, she found that those who had been chasing her had gone back to the party, leaving him to enact justice upon the beggar and thief. A few watched, waiting to witness the punishment.
"Oh, sweetheart... what you should be asking is what am I," he replied, baring his teeth in a feral smile. Zarafa's heart nearly stopped at the sight of his canine-like fangs. His eyes changed as his teeth did, burning gold as the pupils stretched, looking more like diamonds than the circular pit of a human's. A scream erupted from her as his face dipped toward hers, but he continued. One of his hands grasped her hair and yanked it back, exposing her throat.