Dex's dad sat in front of us again with a small wooden box in his hand. The box was a dark wood with gold lining. In the center was a carved golden mermaid. It was actually a very beautiful box. "Here." He pushed it toward Dex, his face full of rage. Dex opened the box and looked inside. He rummaged through its contents, before quickly closing it. He looked seriously at his father again. "Where is it?" He asked him slightly accusatory. "Where's what?" He asked, he held a small smirk, very obviously lying. "Her pearl. It's not here." Dex was getting mad. I could hear it in his tone and see it in his eyes. "Oh no. Is it not there? What a shame." His dad smirked at him, as he reclined back in his seat. What a conniving dick. "Don't give me that. Where is it? You know it's rightfully mine." Dex's hand was in a fist beside him. He was too obviously upset and his dad seemed to like that. "I can't help what's lost." He shrugged his shoulders. "You're welcome to come look at home." D
Ash's P.O.V."Where's your sister Ash?" Mom's all knowing eyes caught mine. I just smiled at her and lied through my teeth with confidence."She's in the garden checking on the flowers for tomorrow." She looked at me a while longer, before she sighed in relief. She bought it. "Good. Let her know I need to speak with her when she gets back. I'm surprised you're not with her." She patted my cheek as she walked past me. She's always been so nurturing. I feel bad for mom. She wants nothing more than to have all her children happy and healthy, but Ember has made that hard. Mom knows Ember has been through hell, but Ember doesn't realize that mom has been through it with her. It's not my place to tell Ember how to feel about mom. I can nudge her toward opening up with mom more but it's always a fight with her. I'm just glad she told mom about her wolf and ability. I wasn't going to be able to keep that secret much longer. Honestly, lying here lately has seemed to become second hand na
Ember's P.O.V.It's never good when mom just randomly asks to speak to one of us. I wonder what she wants. I knocked on the door of her study, knowing she'd still be there. She's usually in there until 8 or so. It's only 7 now. Dex managed to get me back in time. He did manage to spring a quick hug on me unexpectedly. It's okay, because he didn't try anything. It was more like a grateful hug. I still have a lot of the crimson kelp left. Like a lot. I bet I have enough to go down and meet this infamous mother of Toni. "Come in." I heard mom's voice from behind the door. She sounded focused, and had a bit of monotone going. "Hey, Ash told me you wanted to talk?" I entered, closing the door behind me. She was reading, but when she noticed it was me she immediately stopped. She got up from her study and gave me a tight hug. "We need to talk about Ash." She told me looking me deep in the eyes. There was something there…worry? "Um okay. What's up?" This is either really important or
"Let's go sleepyhead." Ash violently shook me awake. My eyes refused to open. I pushed him away wanting a little more sleep. He just shook me harder instead. "Alright, alright. I'm up." I looked at him through slanted eyes. "Good. Let's go have breakfast and help set up. They'll be here in like 3 hours." He sounded so excited and yet nervous. I know that mix of emotions too well. "Okay hold on, let me wash my face and brush my teeth." I dragged my body off the warmth of my bed... I am so sleepy. I washed my face with cold water in an attempt to wake me up more. After I brushed my hair, and my teeth, I left the bathroom. I'll get dressed in my gown and get myself looking better in a couple hours. "Okay let's eat." I smiled at him. Food always helps my mood. We ate a huge breakfast and for once I ate more than Ash. I needed the extra nutrients to make up for my lack of energy. We helped out at the garden and throughout the palace. The event will take place in the large glass bui
It seemed everyone had split. The current kings and queens were talking amongst themselves and mingling with one another. The heirs were talking to the other heirs on this side. We decided to make our way towards a small group of the heirs in the corner. They eyed us carefully, they were warned about us it seems. "Hello and welcome. I hope you're enjoying the festivities. I am Ash the next in line to the throne for this Kingdom." Ash introduced himself very politely. Everyone bowed their heads politely, but it was stiff. Done only for politics sake and not because of mutual respect. I really am starting to hate some of these elves. "I'm his twin sister, Ember." I gave them all a warning glare. I'm the one that will punch you in the face if you say or do something wrong. Too bad I can't say that out loud. "You guys are the part dragon kids right?" One of the more arrogant males asked. He had his light blonde hair tied back in a long tight ponytail. He was one of the more handsome
Arrogant elf, who's name I really need to learn, stepped away from the door. He slowly made his way towards me and I took a step back. My back hit against the sink counter, making me feel cornered. "Aelfric told me how sweet you tasted and I wanted to see for myself. I am sure you don't mind, since you're a dragon and all. Hey you never know, maybe I'm one of your destined ones." His hand touched my face. I think I might commit murder today. Aelfric seems to have made it out of here just fine. So he's at this guy's kingdom now, spreading lies and rumors. Like what he did here wasn't bad enough now he's telling everyone stories about me. Fuck, if I could I would kill Aelfric myself. "Aelfric told you wrong. Touch me again and I'll break you." I warned him.I pushed past him, bumping his shoulder along the way. He grabbed my wrist and turned me into him. My chest landed against his torso. He was quite a bit taller than me. "Don't be like that. You don't have to be shy." He wrapped h
Ash's P.O.V. (After Larminiel left them at the summit) Ember has been surprising me every day since she's gotten her wolf. I had no idea she could use her ice magic like that. It's amazing she was able to do it for the first time like that. I don't think she realizes how naturally talented she is at times. Ember and I headed towards the group of heirs that had split away from their parents. These will be the people I'll be dealing with when I become king. It's better to get to know them over the current kings and queens. They eyed us carefully, they seemed to not trust us. "Hello and welcome. I hope you're enjoying the festivities. I am Ash the next in line to the throne for this Kingdom." It's the best way I know to break the ice. A simple yet polite introduction Everyone seemed accepting of it as they bowed their heads politely. Perhaps there is a chance this group won't mind me being part dragon. They aren't as set in the old ways as these elder elves. "I'm his twin sister, Em
Ash's P.O.V. (After Ember spoke with her mom in the hall)"Knock knock." Ember's voice entered the room. I'd been left alone hearing everything that happened to Ember while I was being rejected. I'll kill Hunter before he becomes king. No one messes with Ember and lives. "You know that's not how knocking works." I joked. She'll try to fix me if she knows that my dark magic was released. I can't let her know. I like the way I feel right now. I feel powerful and carefree for once. The weight of the world doesn't feel heavy on my shoulders. Levi has gone dormant for now, the rejection from our mate was too much for him. Brontus consumed some of the dark magic with me and he's ready to go out and find a girl to fuck. Just two months and Ember and I will be 18 and our dragons will begin their mating seasons. I am sure I won't have a hard time getting a girl without the pheromones, but I know the pheromones will make it so much easier. I'm excited for that part. Maybe I'll find Serena w
"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