face. If only I had her confidence.
DIDN’T DREAM LIKE usual that night. I understood a couple of my dreams but why I’d dreamt about me turning into the dragon that killed Brian was still a mystery. Isabel thought it had to do with the fact that I felt responsible for his death. She sure had good theories and I thought maybe I should go with that. I still dreamt about Cara though, dreaming about being a dragon. I missed her so much. I missed the sky, the wind soaring through my wings and against my scales.
The next day we took an elevator to Elm. The protesters were there once again. This time their posters read “Proved you wrong once, we’ll do it again”. I didn’t answer any of the questions the reporters yelled at me.
At Elm it was ten times worse, but closer to the theme park I had more support from people who did believe that I was who I said I was. An old lady put a necklace made of flowers around my neck. “You look just like your father, but you have your mother’s grace,” she said in a sweet tone and smiled a crooked smile.
“Thank you,” I replied and was led away by Sir Robert. We met Borgen who spoke to the media in front of the themepark.
My heart was thumping as I dreaded the moment we would have to open the vault. That vault hadn’t been opened for eighteen odd years, what if it never opened again? Would I be able to live like a normal person, to never feel the wind in my face or to glide through the air again?
Lucille held my hand tightly in hers. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered as we were led into a private area to wait for Borgen to finish with the press.
Queen Margerite and King Helmut were waiting for us inside with Constance and Master Longwei.
Lucian’s mom gave me a tight hug. “The vault will open, you’ll see.”
I nodded and took a deep breath. It’d better open.
King Helmut and Sir Robert spoke softly to one another but I could hear every word they were saying.
King Helmut was apologizing to Sir Robert about so many things.
Sammy’s eyes glistened with tears as she just stared at them and she couldn’t help but smile. Isabel went over to her daughter to give her a hug. I wished Blake was here to see this.
When all the media’s questions were answered Borgen came to fetch us and took us to the vampire tree.
We came to a clearing and found a huge oak tree. There was a huge opening and many bystanders watched, mostly press and friends of mine with their families stood around.
Borgen even asked a couple of people to move away from the clearing. “We don’t want you to get hurt when the vault opens up.”
Gasps filled the air as they moved further and further away until Borgen was sure they would be safe.
“How big is this thing?” Becky whispered.
“Shush,” her mother scolded.
My heart thumped louder and louder. “Please open up.” I mouthed fast with closed eyes.
I could feel a pair of hands rubbing my arms and embracing me in a hug. By the smell I knew it was Lucian’s mom. “The vault will open,” she whispered in my ear.
Becky and Sammy were right next to Lucille and Isabel. Sir Robert stood close to me. Constance took the spot next to her sister and they both gave me their identical motherly smiles. It was so creepy seeing them together.
“Elena, this is it,” Borgen said and reached out an arm for me to come closer to the vampire tree. “Put your hand in the mouth.”
I looked at the tree and saw the face of a dragon carved out.
I glanced at Becky. “Does it hurt?”
“Elena,” Sammy said. “Don’t listen to her. She’s overdramatic, remember?” She wiggled a finger and I laughed at how Becky bumped Sammy playfully.
“Only a little bit,” Borgen said with a smile.
“Elena who knows what is down there. Pain should be the last thing on your mind.” Becky finally gave her two cent comment and everyone laughed.
The cameras stood ready and even the media was standing close to document this great event. I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders and I turned my head to see who was behind me. Isabel smiled. “It will open, Elena.”
I gave her an unsure smile in return and closed my eyes as my hand touched the rim of the dragon’s