“Much,” she said, with an air of excitement in her voice. “I’m glad you’re all here. Let’s go. The exit is nearby.”
Without waiting for a reply, Aileana pulled on her gloves and practically bounded down the tunnel. The purple orb followed her, casting violet shards of light on our rocky surroundings.
Hurrying after her, my long strides soon did away with the distance between us. By the time I was at my mate’s side once more, the scent of fresh air tinged with a hint of smoke and damp earth was all I could smell. The dark tunnels had lightened to a paler shade of gray, the natural light a welcome blessing after the darkness.
Aileana stopped as the opening of the tunnel came into view. A breeze ruffled her red hair, and she grinned, raising a brow.
“Hurry, everyone,” she said with enthusiasm, appearing to be holding back a smile. “There’s something here you want to see.”
I think your mate has been keeping some secrets;the dragon remarked.
It certainly would appear that way. Hoping they were secrets of the good variety, I moved towards Aileana. Placing my hands on her shoulders, I kissed her head. She hummed against me, and my body warmed. I would never grow tired of being around her.
Somehow, I loved Aileana more with each passing day. When we first met, I resented the mating bond between us. I hadn’t known that in bonding, we would become something more. That the connection between us would be powerful, deep, and overwhelmingly intense. No one had ever told me that love could be so devastating, crushing, and life-changing.
My entire world revolved around Aileana.
What are you hiding, Sunshine?I asked as she brushed a teasing, feather-light kiss over my mouth.
A gentle laugh came through our connection.Go ahead and see, dragon of mine,she replied.The earth may have shared something with me.
It’s good news, I hope.
The best, was her giddy reply.
Hope burned like a raging fire within me. Giving her one final kiss—because who could resist when their mate was so stunning—I took her hand and laced our fingers together. Such a simple act, and yet even that sparked the connection between us. The mating bond hummed as we moved as one down the tunnel.
The moment I stepped out into the forest, hope gave way to pure, unfettered happiness. A massive grin broke out on my face as relief flooded through me.
“Daegal!” Relief was evident in Maiela’s voice as she darted towards the small grove of snow-covered trees up ahead. The sun was dipping below the horizon, the last rays of light shining as day gave in to the night’s call. Hidden in the woods, their heads bent in conversation, were Daegal and Ryllae. The princess wore Daegal’s cloak, and they were missing one of their packs, but other than that, they looked fine.
My old friend straightened, turning as a grin broke out on his face. He ran towards his sister, with Ryllae following close behind.
“Mai,” the Fortune Elf said in an exhale. He wrapped his arms around his twin, pulling her tight against him. Maiela’s feet lifted off the ground as she fell into the hug, and the air lightened. Kysha joined the hug, and the three of them wept silently for some time.
The scene was remarkably moving, and beside me, Aileana sniffled.There is such beauty in reunions,she said.
I pulled my mate against my chest, wrapping my arms around her and holding her to me.
Eventually, Maiela let out a ragged sob. “We thought you were dead. We searched the city numerous times, but we couldn’t find a trace of you.”
Daegal shook his head. “We would have died, but Ryllae saved us both.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he told us about waking in the dark with Ryllae next to him. It sounded like the princess’ magic had cushioned them both from the fall. Daegal shared about the strange wind that urged him forward and the silent tunnels he traveled through.
“Eventually, I woke,” Ryllae said.
“We moved as quickly as we could,” Daegal added. He and Ryllae shared a look, and he coughed. “With some… stops, of course.”
Maiela hugged the Death Elf. “Thank you for saving my brother,” she said sincerely. “Thank you so much.”
“Always,” Ryllae whispered.
Daegal shifted, pulling the princess toward him. The movement inched up his sleeve, revealing new red and silver markings on his arm.
“I knew it!” Aileana squealed. Turning to me, she put her hands on her hips. “I told you there was something between them.”
Chuckling, I pressed my lips to her hair. “Yes, you did.”