*Ember*I stared up into Kieran's eyes wrapping my arms around his neck."What do you want me to promise?" I asked looking deep into his eyes."Promise you'll come back in one piece, and stay by my side forever? Help me raise our kid? They'll need to hear all of your awful jokes and puns." Kieran teased booping my nose with his. "Wow," I said, shaking my head at him. "Thanks for the pep talk. I'll be sure to run back so I can get started on that."He smiled at my sarcasm, "No problem," he paused as his smile disappeared. "Seriously though, just come back to me.""I will," I said, pulling him in for a kiss. After saying goodbye I walked away from Kieran and Yarin who were starting to help refugees find rooms, the castle was so large it made sense to share it. I couldn't help but wonder how it would turn out, and I couldn't wait to get back to see it. I found my way outside the castle and found the back stairs that took me down the mountain side. I could see the field bel
*Kieran*Ember was truly glowing after she returned from the trial near the Tree of Life. I was thrilled to have her back. No… I was elated. I wanted to celebrate the great news that she could continue to stay here in the Burning Isles.I brought her to the master bedroom telling her about how we helped settle the refugees into rooms of their own. Yarin was helping delegate tasks to the refugees, giving them jobs around the castle. I promised all of them ample compensation and shelter here at the castle as long as they desired. If one day they wished to leave, I guaranteed they could leave whenever they'd like. My uncle had forced the servants and mages to stay here at the castle against their will. There would be no more dictatorship here. I wanted the people of the Burning Isles to have full amenity over their lives. Freedom was the most important thing to these people now, and I intended to make sure they had it.I sat on the bed watching Ember explore our bedroom that we w
*Ember*The day finally came where we were able to welcome our baby into the world. The way I felt about being able to give birth in my new home and kingdom felt truly special. I had come to view the Burning Isles as my home, too. In the days leading up to the baby's birth we had fixed up the castle to it's former glory with everyone's magical touch and expertise. We redecorated with Kieran’s emblem, one that he had newly created to represent us both. We patched up the walls and hung more lights in the halls. The colors had changed, the castle seemed brighter and happier than it had been when we first arrived. The throne room had transformed into different sections to include tables filled with maps, another was filled with plans for beautifying the farmlands with different crops, and the other was contracts with different merchants selling in the castle courtyard. Life was restarting here, and to see Kieran really step into his role as a leader was inspiring. I was so grate
*Ember*It burned. My hands burned as though I’d stuck them in fire.I sobbed in pain, calling out for my mother. I pulled my hands back towards me, but that didn’t stop the pain. Looking down, I could see it was my hands that were the problem—they were glowing blindingly bright and burning themselves!Screaming, I tried to find my mother, my hands the only light in the darkness. Finally, her smiling face appeared.“Mama!” I cried. “Mama, it hurts! IT HURTS!!!”At least I thought I was screaming it. I was trying to. But no sound was coming out.My mother smiled. It was a sad smile, but a smile nonetheless. And her eyes had gone a milky white.It frightened me.“Mama!” I tried again. “Mama, HELP!!!”No sound.My mother kept smiling, even as she disappeared from view.“Mama!” I sobbed soundlessly. “Mama… mama…” ***“Mama!” I cried out into the room as I woke from the nightmare, covered in a cold sweat. My heart thundered in my chest as my ragged breathing retur
*Ember*We ended our conversation long after the sun rose.I sat back in my gaming chair and daydreamed about DracoK4u’s muscular physique, cold yet somehow warm blue eyes, and the intricate dragon tattoo I’d seen peeking over his shoulder. I wondered if it extended all the way across his back. I’d have to ask him to show me next time.The dragon clock on my desk smiled at me, a wooden dragon curled around a round-faced clock. I picked it up, running my hand over the warm wood as I thought about running my hands over DracoK4u’s chest.It took several moments before I realized the time the clock was showing.“Crap!” I exclaimed, dropping the clock back on my desk and racing to the bathroom. I was already late for work.I hopped in the shower and scrubbed quickly. Well, as quickly as I could while thinking about DracoK4u’s hands on me, rubbing soap everywhere. I groaned, trying to push the fantasy away.“Late,” I reminded myself, turning the water from hot to cold to cool m
*Kieran*“Flameheart? Flameheart!” I yelled, trying to get her to come back.Nothing.Frantically, I searched the forums, but not only was she not there--she no longer existed!“Shit,” I murmured to myself.Luckily, we’d exchanged numbers not long ago. If I’d scared her, I’d make it up to her. I just had to get her back.Though my message went through, I did not get a reply. I waited for hours.Zephyr, my best friend and fellow refugee, poked his blonde head in my office at about three in the morning, looking peeved. “Do you know what time it is?”“Yes,” I snapped, trying to text Flameheart5694 again.“Banging on your keyboard and shouting ‘Flameheart’ does not make for great sleeping conditions for everyone else,” he griped. “Just in case you were wondering.”“I wasn’t.” I gave my phone a shake, as though scrambling the technology’s brains was going to make her text me back.Zephyr walked over and closed my very expensive laptop with an ominous thud. “I know you
*Ember*I ran my fingers along the spines of the books feeling distracted the following morning thinking about my experience online with DracoK4u. I pulled my sweatshirt tighter around myself, shivering thinking about the intimate moment with my friend online where he helped me imagine he was in the room comforting me. I felt connected to him in a way I had never felt with anyone else. I grew hot thinking about how amazingly sexy DracoK4u was but my eyebrows furrowed as I suddenly remembered how I forgot that we had been on camera and I hadn't correctly ended the call. He had seen my glowing hands and there was no way I could try to disregard what happened. There was no way out of this, he had seen them. I remembered the way he reacted with shock and intrigue. Before he could say anything more though I shut my computer off and jumped into bed, sobbing myself to sleep. I had to remove myself from all five of my dragon forums, the safe space I’d spent years creating, because
*Ember*My attackers hadn't gotten very far after trying to pull me around, jostling me, and bruising me. I really wished I hadn't listened to that voice that seemed to be calling from the cave. It must have been them playing some kind of trick to get me to come close. But what the hell was going on?I managed to scoot myself off to the side of the cave as the new figure dealt with the hooded men. I saw his dark hair flow around him as he beat and yelled at them. I strained to hear his words but didn't register anything in English. I wondered what could possibly be going on with this strange occurrence.I thought back to Nola and how she warned me that this cave had been off-limits. The shimmering orb or whatever it was those men had come through was extremely odd. In all my dragon lore, I had come across what was called portals. This couldn't be that though. That was impossible. I was just at some old ancient castle.I winced feeling the bruises on my body starting to form fro
*Ember*The day finally came where we were able to welcome our baby into the world. The way I felt about being able to give birth in my new home and kingdom felt truly special. I had come to view the Burning Isles as my home, too. In the days leading up to the baby's birth we had fixed up the castle to it's former glory with everyone's magical touch and expertise. We redecorated with Kieran’s emblem, one that he had newly created to represent us both. We patched up the walls and hung more lights in the halls. The colors had changed, the castle seemed brighter and happier than it had been when we first arrived. The throne room had transformed into different sections to include tables filled with maps, another was filled with plans for beautifying the farmlands with different crops, and the other was contracts with different merchants selling in the castle courtyard. Life was restarting here, and to see Kieran really step into his role as a leader was inspiring. I was so grate
*Kieran*Ember was truly glowing after she returned from the trial near the Tree of Life. I was thrilled to have her back. No… I was elated. I wanted to celebrate the great news that she could continue to stay here in the Burning Isles.I brought her to the master bedroom telling her about how we helped settle the refugees into rooms of their own. Yarin was helping delegate tasks to the refugees, giving them jobs around the castle. I promised all of them ample compensation and shelter here at the castle as long as they desired. If one day they wished to leave, I guaranteed they could leave whenever they'd like. My uncle had forced the servants and mages to stay here at the castle against their will. There would be no more dictatorship here. I wanted the people of the Burning Isles to have full amenity over their lives. Freedom was the most important thing to these people now, and I intended to make sure they had it.I sat on the bed watching Ember explore our bedroom that we w
*Ember*I stared up into Kieran's eyes wrapping my arms around his neck."What do you want me to promise?" I asked looking deep into his eyes."Promise you'll come back in one piece, and stay by my side forever? Help me raise our kid? They'll need to hear all of your awful jokes and puns." Kieran teased booping my nose with his. "Wow," I said, shaking my head at him. "Thanks for the pep talk. I'll be sure to run back so I can get started on that."He smiled at my sarcasm, "No problem," he paused as his smile disappeared. "Seriously though, just come back to me.""I will," I said, pulling him in for a kiss. After saying goodbye I walked away from Kieran and Yarin who were starting to help refugees find rooms, the castle was so large it made sense to share it. I couldn't help but wonder how it would turn out, and I couldn't wait to get back to see it. I found my way outside the castle and found the back stairs that took me down the mountain side. I could see the field bel
*Ember*We were watching the large group of refugees from Yarin's camp congregate into the throne room, eager to help give them a place they can call home. I felt privileged and extremely honored to watch this monumental moment in Kieran's first few days as king of the Burning Isles. He seemed quiet and I looked over at him to observe a small smile curling the corners of his mouth. There was a sparkle in his eye as if he had something on his mind."I have an idea," he said, turning to look at me as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder."Oh?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."We can ask Yarin for help with the spell. She may know of a way to either reverse the spell or tamper with it. She's a very powerful mage, and since we are helping her people she may be willing to help us with this," Kieran said, pulling me close against him. "We could be together, with our child like we are meant to be."He placed a hand over my stomach, brushing slightly with his finger. I swore I could
*Ember*Changing back into her human form, Cassidy looked worse for wear with sweat dripping down her forehead and her makeup smeared. She breathed in heavily, holding her hands up in defeat. With a smirk she said, "You win, little one. Fair and square."I narrowed my eyes at her as I extinguished my flames. "That was not our agreement. You didn't follow through with your vow.""Oh Whatever… you're a fire mage… you were strong enough to maim me. Thanks for those burns by the way. You did well for a human," she whispered before Yarin and Kieran's footsteps came running down the sandpit toward us."You did it, Ember!" Kieran shouted excitedly pulling me away from Cassidy and giving me a big hug. He pulled away from me and looked Cassidy up and down with a judgmental look. "Ember, you defeated her dragon form too.""Yes, great job!" Yarin clapped nearby offering me a kind smile."Ember Haiven, you have won Kieran Dzianis' hand in marriage fair and square in a duel with me,"
*Ember*I fumbled around reaching for his hands, "Kieran, how do you think I felt when I saw you up in the air fighting your uncle?""Point taken, but I am still worried," he said."We are going around in circles with this discussion. For now, let’s get some sleep. If I don't rest, I won't be at my best for tomorrow," I explained."Can't have that," he whispered and we pulled the sheets over us, holding one another close."Kieran?" I asked as our breathing slowed. My eyes were drooping with sleep and exhaustion. "Yeah?" He asked."You did great today. Let's not forget how you just vanquished your most formidable foe. I am proud of you," I said sincerely."Thank you, Ember, you’re right. He's finally gone," Kieran sighed, like it was finally hitting him that it was over. "Good night."I answered back as I kissed him on the cheek before falling asleep, "Good night."The next day I was able to actually take a look around the castle without feeling impending doom. W
*Ember*As my confusion and feelings of hurt deepened, I looked away from Kieran. My heart beat heavily and it felt like I had been betrayed by him. If he’d have told me he was still engaged, I wouldn’t have encouraged our interactions. I felt so hurt and I blinked back tears as I thought over Cassidy's words. She was meant to be queen. Not me. I wasn’t even supposed to be here. I wasn't sure how Kieran would be able to get out of this, especially if he was promised to her before we had met. What did that mean for the future child we shared?Resting a hand on my stomach, I massaged the bump, wishing our baby the best future life had to offer. I felt like the carpet had been pulled out from under me, and everything was at risk, hanging in the balance at this very moment in Yarin's hut. Cassidy's eyes had lit with jealousy earlier when she first met me. She didn't seem to understand that what Kieran and I had was real. It went beyond politics. Or so I had thought. Doubt
*Ember*As our kiss deepened, I cleared my mind of everything that had just happened with Kieran's uncle and fell into a daze of pleasure. I could only think about Kieran as his stubble rubbed against my face, causing me to shiver in delight. I desired him so much. I couldn't help but run my hands down his pecs and his abs. He was a beautiful specimen just like his dragon."Sorry to interrupt," Yarin said, clearing her throat. "But Kieran before you get too comfortable… you should probably deal with your fiance. She'll want to know you are alive and what has happened here."My head spun in shock at Yarin's words. Fiance? I turned from her to look at Kieran who was breaking from our embrace. I now seemed like an afterthought to him as he distractedly broke away from me."She's alive?" he asked with a surprised tone walking over to Yarin."Oh yeah, she's alive all right. I heard a rumor that she is living with her father in their summer abode down by The Sparkling Waves Lake
*Ember*I stood quietly next to Kieran and Yarin as we stood under the cover of the trees. The bridge connecting to the castle stood just across from us as we waited. It was quiet, and ominous dark clouds were scattered over the castle as if warning any people intending to visit to stay away. There were so many good reasons to stay away like possible death or malicious intent. Yet, here we stood.This day was inevitable, and I would never have dreamed that one day I'd actually be able to see the showdown between Kieran and his uncle. I absent-mindedly reached for Kieran's hand, trying to disguise the worry that enveloped my entire being. This was petrifying because I didn't want to lose him. He grasped my hand tightly and turned to look at me."Ready?" he asked, his face stoic. He must have been trying to remain as emotionless as possible."Ready as I'll ever be. How about you? Are you going to be okay, Kieran?" I asked worriedly, brushing a strand of loose hair behind my ear.