know about dragons.” She sighs wearily. Dragging her closer, I kiss the top of her head, unable to help myself. I need her pressed against me all the time, touching me, feeling her. It’s the only time my dragon settles and is quiet, almost purring beside her.
“Dragons are old, powerful creatures. Once we walked this earth as gods. We were worshiped, this was before my time. There were so many of us, but we started to die out from our own pride mixed with hunters. Dragons.” I shake my head. “Our pride is our downfall. We were only allowed to mate with pure bloods, which meant our bloodlines started dying, wasting away. When two of the strongest were completely wiped out, we decided to pull back from this world, to bring everyone home to Klasfor.”
“Where is that?” she asks.
“It is hard to explain, Neriso,” I murmur as I kiss her head, her warmth settling me as I tell the tale of our people. “It is both alongside this world and not, similar to the fae. We have our own lands, linked through doorways, but all except one was destroyed. The only link to this world, guarded at all times. No one but dragons can enter or leave. Our lands are vast, built into the sky. Golden palaces filled with treasures and jewels this world has never seen. Palaces in the sky...dragons sweeping through the clouds. A vast and rich land, but our people…” I shake my head. “They are greedy and proud. That land was mined until there were no more precious jewels and gold became scarce, until the rich became richer and those weaker died trying to elevate their station.”
“Same story everywhere.” She snorts and I nod. “What happened when you went back?”
“We stayed there. It was our own choice to be locked away from the humans and others. We were untouchable, but the killing didn’t stop. Our lands might have been vast, but pride and strength led to a lot of battles between our own. So a king was chosen to lead us, to set down laws. The king had to fight, to prove his own strength, the only way they would accept him. When I was born, I was different. Some saw it as a sign of change, of the future of our race...others not so much. I was so strong, so fierce, it wasn’t long before I was crowned king, defeating the other in battle. I, of course, let him live, which many took as a weakness, but he was a friend, a mentor, he helped me learn the way. And for years it worked. I led, I ruled...but I always felt so empty, so alone, like I did not belong there. I yearned to leave, my dragon pulling me from that world. So I did. I put laws and a new leader in place, one I trusted, and I left. I just left, Dawn. I searched this world for the reason I needed to be here, but could not find anything. Tired, I retreated to my mountain and slept...until you woke me.”
She sucks in a breath. “What do you think happened to the dragon you put in charge?”
“He is probably dead. The dragon I found was someone he took under his wing, a good kid, so if he was allowed to be killed, then the king is undoubtedly dead.”
I clench my fists before sighing and pulling her closer.
“So...who’s in charge now...who’s king?” she inquires, her eyes confused.
“That’s the question, isn’t it...and why does he or she want to finally leave Klasfor and enter this world after all these years?”
Dawn returns with her dragon hours later, almost night time. She looks happy but her eyes are calculating. He probably answered all of her questions about the dragons. Dawn isn’t the type to ignore a threat against us. But when she sees me waiting, she grins and skips my way. I grab her and kiss her hard. She groans into my mouth and smiles as I pull away. The madness that swirls in my mind like always slows with her presence.
“Where is everyone?” she questions.
“Did you have a good day?” I query, as Aska strides past with a nod.
“I did. Griff, where is everyone?” she repeats, as I take her hand and lead her inside, it’s not safe outside with just me now.
“Nos is working with Lucy on laws and possible council members, on who they can trust. Dume is with Jair, checking the armoury, house, and