I woke up, with a massive headache, at the nurse's office. Toni was holding my hand, and Ash was hovering behind him. They both looked so concerned and deep in thought. They hadn't noticed me come to yet. "What happened?" I asked my throat raspy. "I was hoping you could tell me." Ash responded a bit snappy. He was scared. "I remember being in art and then.." I thought about it a moment and then it all rushed to me at once. "Dex.." I whispered his name. Toni tensed up beside me. "What did he do?" Reep was near the surface, traces of his growl in Toni's voice. "I mind traveled by mistake. I have never done that before and I didn't know how to leave. He took advantage of that and got me under his spell again. I only broke away because I heard mom's voice tell me to think about…" I paused for a moment a bit embarrassed. "Think about what? What do you mean you heard mom?" Ash asked a bit inpatient. "I don't know. Her voice just popped into my head like she was there with me. She to
Dad was a great flier. He knew how to fly so that I felt safe in his arms. I've always called him my shadow protector. He's always there but unnoticed until you need him. He gives Ash and I space to discover ourselves while still staying involved. He doesn't pressure us into anything and lets us decide what's best for us. I'm definitely a daddy's girl. I enjoyed the flight over the ocean. I had no idea it was so far. I realize why Eric said I would be gone for a while. Dad let me touch the ocean water as we flew by. It was really nice. I could tell dad was getting a bit tired from carrying me so long though. Usually when you bring your child they are small and not an almost fully grown adult. We approached an island that looked like it was glowing red. I could see dragons flying around it. The largest dragons I had ever seen. Their scales shone so brightly under the sunlight that they almost blinded me. I got a little nervous as we approached. I could see a volcano in the center of
We made it back around 8. I felt pretty tired from all the flying. It was really beautiful though to be up in the sky while the stars were shining. "I love you Tater tot." Dad gave me a big hug "I love you too Dad." We went our separate ways after landing. I headed to Ash's room knowing he was there. "Ashy ash. Where are you?" I playfully sang as I entered his room. "Knock much?" He snapped as he pulled his pants over his underwear. "My bad." I shielded my eyes. "It's safe now." He sounded a bit annoyed. "What's up with you?" He's usually happy to see me after we've been apart. "Just cranky. It's nothing." He smiled at me, but it wasn't his usual smile. 'They won't accept me as king. They all told Eryn they wouldn't hold the meeting with me there.' The faces of sour elders came to my mind and my heart shattered into a million pieces. "One sec. I actually forgot something. I'll be right back." I backed out of the room and closed the door. Those fuckers. How dare they deny h
Toni was leaning against a tree, his leg bent beside him. He was looking up at the stars again. I think that is his favorite pastime at night. He's always looking up. "Hey." I snuck up on him. He didn't jump though. "Hello beautiful." I think my heart just stopped and restarted. He was giving me that sexy crooked smirk of his. "Thank you for meeting me." I started fidgeting with my fingers, getting shy suddenly. "Anytime you want me to come, I'll be here." He grabbed my face, forcing me to look up at him. "I have some good news." I smiled excitedly at him. "Oh? What is it?" His fingers started to play with a strand of my hair giving me goosebumps. It made me want his skin against my own. "I got my dragon." His smile mirrored my own. He was just as excited for me as Ash was. He really cares for me and respects me. 'Thank you Goddess. She's so happy.' Toni's thoughts enter my mind. He was truly happy for me. I really do have the best mate. He's made for me. I feel so sure of o
"Get up! You're both in so much trouble." Ash's voice woke me up. My eyes took a second to adjust to the bright sun. Where the fuck am I? I rubbed my eyes harder. "Rubbing your eyes isn't going to change the scenery. We've been looking for you for a few hours now. Mom's pissed. Hell, I think dad is even mad." Ash shook his head at me. I looked around more, realizing I was in the spot Toni and I had been cuddling last night. I guess I should say still cuddling, since his arm is still around me. "Fuck." Toni muttered as he sat us both up. "I'm so sorry." He slapped his forehead upset. "Your parents are going to hate me." "No they won't. I'm in deep shit though." I sighed. Mom is going to chew me out. "You both better hurry up and get to the palace." Ash shook his head. "Both?" I was surprised, although I guess I shouldn't be. "Yup, both. Now hurry up." Ash repeated, helping me up. "Right, okay." I grabbed Toni's hand and pulled him along behind him. I quickly walked us toward
Ash, Eric, Toni and I all helped prepare the bouquets and hanging flowers for the summit. The flowers were all beautiful pastels of pink, blue and purple with dark green accents to pop. "I blame you." Ash groaned as he wrapped the green ribbon on his 10th clear vase "Rightfully so." I nodded my head feeling bad for dragging Ash and Eric into this. "I'm just glad you're okay. I was worried something happened on mount Ignis that no one wanted to tell me about." Eric chimed in. "No way, little dude. Everything went great there. I got my dragon now. She's super powerful too. Wanna see something cool?" I smiled at him eagerly. He's such a cute kid. His eyes widened with excitement as he nodded his head. A big grin crossed his face. I placed my index finger on a leaf of the flower focusing on the ice magic that Yukina blessed me with. I turned the leaf into ice so pure that you could see through it. Eric's dark blue eyes could be seen through the leaf. "That's awesome!" He shouted as
The wind howled wildly around me, carrying an eerily coldness with it. My heart sped with adrenaline, feeling like something evil was nearby. I looked around trying to get my senses together. It felt like I had been dropped into a nightmare. The tall trees were the only familiar thing. They looked like the ones in our kingdom, but I know I'm not there. I wandered down the path a little more till I came to a clearing. I could see Ash's back, his broad shoulders looking even larger. His hair was blowing around in this crazy wind. Levi was beside him, he was almost as tall as Ash sitting next to him. They were speaking but the wind was so loud it made it hard to hear. "Ash!" I yelled his name, but he couldn't hear me. I approached them carefully, the wind almost pushing me at times with its force. The closer I got the better I could hear them. "It's breaking Ash. We can't control it." I heard Levi yell at him. I could see more of the clearing now. In the distance was Ash's dragon.
It felt like I hadn't slept last night. I slept after Levi sent me out, but I was drained emotionally. I guess it was my turn to put on a facade, even though I knew what was happening with Ash. Ash didn't want to ask me for help and I can't have him mad at Levi for calling me there. 'I'll keep a close ear on his thoughts. If I feel him getting too upset, I'll let you know.' Talia comforted me. 'Thank you' "Good morning, sleepy head. We need to get ready for school." Ash's grin was the first thing I saw this morning, and I had to fight hard not to cry. This is going to be harder than Ash makes it look. "Do I have to?" I hid my face in the pillow, trying to wipe away the mist that had formed in my eyes. "Yes. Come on. I'm sure Toni is looking forward to seeing you." He poked me and I peaked my face out. "Yeah I do want to see him too." I could use a tight embrace from him right now. I sighed and got off his bed, heading to my room. "Hey Ash?" I stopped in front of our adjoining
"That's it, Ember. Just one more push!" The doctor called out to me. Dex held my right hand and my angel held my left. They both lifted me up more as I pushed with all the strength I had left in me. I heard cry as they suctioned the fluid free of her mouth. That sound is indescribable, tears welled in my eyes with the pure joy of having her here with us now. "You did great. Thank you for bringing our daughter into this world, sunshine." Dex whispered in my ear before kissing my sweaty forehead without a care. His eyes were pink and glistening with tears. I could see the love and pure admiration mirrored in them as he looked down at our sweet Nova, that was now placed in my arms. "She's beautiful, mi amor. You're amazing." Toni kissed the top of my head next. The three of us stared down at Nova's beautiful small features. She made the smallest little noises in complaint of being pushed out of me and into this cruel world. I'll make it safe for you Nova, I promise. She had the rounde
Toni had me laying sweetly beneath him. His eyes held such a deep love for me. His gaze was undoing me long before his touches were. He kissed me tenderly, wrapping his fingers in my hair. His thumb caressed my jaw lightly, sending a warmth flowing through me."Toni." I whispered his name, a silent plea to feel him even closer. There's not enough time, not enough of him to make up for the last decade, but I am damn well going to try. I felt like this missing piece of me was finally put back in place by Toni. "Make me yours again." He kissed me with such intensity. He stole the breath from my lungs and the soul from my body. I was all his and I refuse to leave this bedroom until he's claimed me as his again. I pulled his shirt off, breaking our kiss for just a moment. His muscles were just as toned as they had been when we were younger. There was some of Sam in his body, so it wasn't exactly the same, and yet it was perfect all the same. "I love you, mi amor. I'll never leave you aga
Ember's P.O.V."Why did you come, mi amor? You could have been hurt, or the baby could have." His voice was soft, but his tone was firm. My mind was still reeling with emotions. This is Toni. Suddenly everything about my feelings towards Sam just seemed to make sense and I wanted to slap myself for not noticing it sooner. How could I have not thought about it? "Ash had a vision and he told me you were in trouble. So we all came to help. Lucy cast a protection spell over Nova to keep her safe within me. She did consume some of my magic though, so I'll need to see the doctor. It wasn't enough to make me too weak though." I bit my lip, feeling guilty about putting her in danger. "Ash told me he saw Toni here too. He saw you and we rushed over. Why didn't you tell me?" I punched his arm, furious at how he made me think I had lost him again. "I couldn't." He lightly rubbed my cheeks with Sam's calloused hands. "I am sorry, mi amor. If I had told you they woul
Sam's P.O.V.I followed Evelyn out past the barrier of the kingdom. My heart was beating a mile a minute and my hands were clammy beyond belief. In the next 30 minutes I'll be fighting for my life and getting the greatest gift I could have…my angel half. The wind was blowing harshly outside the barrier and the freezing temperature seeped deep into my bones. The wind stung my face and blew snow into my eyes, forcing me to look down in order to see. Evelyn led the way as if this freezing weather wasn't a factor in her mind at all. Nothing phases her, she could be on fire and she would still be walking like nothing is happening. When she's focused on keeping me safe she has nothing else on her mind. She's locked in. "We'll do this here. I'll start setting up the wards. You need to start engraving the ruins on your chest. Do you remember how?" She asked, handing me the flaming dagger. "Yeah, hard to forget." I took the dagger fr
Yesterday came and went and today was Sam's birthday already. I still can't believe how young he is. I groaned at the sun's blinding rays as we all gathered outside in celebration. Ash was kind and with the help of Eric and Lucy, who stopped by today to visit, they set up a small party for Sam. It was just us, nothing big or involving all the citizens here. It was small and intimate and a way for Ash to thank Sam for all he's done. Without him and his sister my brother wouldn't be having this child with Layla right now. I owe them both a lot too and I'll be sure to find a way to repay them both in the future. "Happy birthday, Sam." I told him for about the third time now. It seemed to be the only thing I could say to him. I didn't want to say anything more. I didn't want to start flirting with him or getting to know him better. He'll be leaving tomorrow and I need to be ready to let him go. "Thanks, Ember." He gave me a sma
Dex's words had rung through my head all day. How I may need Sam. How I shouldn't send him away. Is there really a bond? And if there really is, do I really want to open myself up to it? I also can't seem to get past this damn guilt eating away at me. I shouldn't be thinking of Sam. My heart should be fixed solely on Dex, and only him. Now that Toni has left me completely, there's this fissure in my heart wanting to be filled. Sam could fill it easily, but is that really the right choice? It may be easier to accept it, but I don't know that I want to. He's not Toni, no matter how much I wish him to be. The fact he has Toni's memories still bothers me deeply. Every now and again I'll get another glimpse of them through Sam and it kills me. He refuses to tell me why he has them. It's been making me trust him less the more he denies me the truth. I don't understand how he could have Toni's memories. "Where's your mind?" Ash's voice pulled me back from my thoughts. We had flown togeth
The next few days seemed to fly by. Gabriel was back at school and Dex was at my side all day. At night I would have the same recurring nightmare of the day Ash killed Toni. Having lost him again seems to have resurfaced everything I thought I had healed from. Sam and Evelyn kept their distance for the most part, although it seemed like Sam really wanted to be at my side. I sort of missed him, which still doesn't make sense to me. I barely know the man. I attribute this feeling to the fact he looks so much like Toni. He's like this thorn sent by the universe to remind me of what I am missing. Fuck you universe. "You alright, sunshine?" Dex raised an eyebrow at me. "Yeah, just thinking." I chewed on my cheek refusing to tell Dex that I was missing another man. That's ridiculous. "Let me in, Ember. What's going on?" He stroked my cheek lightly with his knuckle. His touch sent those wonderful electric sparks flying through my skin. "I just miss Toni and Sam looking so much like him
Gabriel and Dex and I spent the entire day in bed as promised. We watched movies, played games, and spoke about many things. Dex and I kept trying to get Gabriel to understand, but he refused. He kept telling us that we would see what he was talking about soon. This day was certainly something I needed. Dex always gives me just what I need even when I don't know what that is. Gabriel was taking his bath in our bathroom now, leaving Dex and I alone for the first time today. "I saw Sam was here with you last night." My heart stilled. Is he upset? Is he jealous? Is he worried? "Yeah, Ash had to-" I paused, realizing I never checked on him and Layla. Damn me and my selfish heart. "I need to call him!" I quickly reached for my phone. "What's wrong?" Dex furrowed his brows, sitting up with me. "I don't know. He left yesterday saying Layla needed him shortly after he got here." The phone rang as I spoke. "Hello?" Ash's voice came through. "Ash, oh my gosh, I am so sorry I didn't call
Dex held me flush against his chest on the bed. He had me tucked under the sheets and was lightly rubbing my back. He was doing his best to comfort me. "Ember, I have to leave you so I can care for our son. I'll return with him soon. I'll tell Ash to come over." He told me. "I won't let you be alone right now." He pulled his phone out and called Ash. He told Ash everything. I could hear Ash say he was on his way. "I won't leave until he gets here." Dex tried to comfort me."It's getting late. You need to go to him before he falls asleep. Ash is coming. I will be okay until then." I tried convincing him. I could tell he wanted to argue though. "He needs to say goodbye. He needs the chance to say it. You need to go." He very reluctantly got off the bed. He gave me one last kiss before leaving. My heart was breaking all over again. The small glue that held it together was coming undone. I was loudly sobbing again. The door opened, letting small light flood the room. "Ash?" I cried o