Twice a year, Jaggar Gilgen attended The Mating Ball, and twice a year, he left without a mate. He was beginning to think that they were not out there.

Every dragon knew that the dragon curse would come for them if they did not bond with their mates. The curse was a vile one that dragons tried their best to avoid. If the talons of the curse captured a dragon, they would fall into a slumber until the end of time.

Dragons were meant to live for centuries, if not millennia, but would do it only with their mates.

Jaggar wanted that—a lifetime loving two dragons.

He wanted what his good friend Colton had just received, which was both of his mates. Serni and Raven were an extension of his friend. The triad were newly mated and bonded, and they were safe from being claimed from the dragon curse.

Jaggar was worried that he would run out of time. He and Colton had grown up together, since their dragons were too young to breathe fire. Jaggar was beginning to feel the slumber come for him, and he refused to just roll over and submit. He would fight to the death until he could find the two people that would fulfill his triad.

“Thank you for inviting me to hear your presentation.” Jaggar held his hand out for his host. Cadun Mysad was one of the dragon ambassadors that were researching ways to put an end to the curse. Cadun and his team had been doing research for the past century, and were no closer to finding the cure.

“We appreciate you coming to our island to hear the presentation. We’re hoping in the coming years to have a breakthrough. My team has been working tirelessly to find a way to beat the curse. I hear another dragon succumbed to it a few months ago, just here on Pleasant Island.

Jaggar cursed. He could feel the sweat bead on his forehead with the thought of falling into a forever darkness.

“Well, we trust you and your team. Colton will be pleased when I inform him of the data that you have.” Jaggar stood from his chair.

“Why don’t you stay another night? Today is the anniversary of Pleasant Island. Five hundred years ago, this island was settled. It will be fun,” Cadun assured him as he came from behind his desk. “There will be single dragonesses at the party.”

Jaggar paused at the thought. He hadn’t had any luck at The Mating Ball, so why would he have luck here at a random celebration? He looked to his host, whose face held a look of hope that he would accept the invitation. Jaggar sighed and ran a weary hand along his face. Cadun had found his mates, Pica and Rusten, a century ago, and all were happy in his triad.

“Stay. One of them could be here,” his dragon begged.

“I’d be honored to stay to celebrate the island’s anniversary,” Jaggar said. He silently hoped his dragon was right.

His animal was restless and desperate; he wasn’t meant to spend forever alone. Dragon triads were commonly two males to a female, but his friend Colton had the rare chance to mate with two beautiful dragonesses.

Jaggar longed to find his mates, and didn’t care what the combination was.

“You would be an honorary guest,” Cadun boasted as he guided Jaggar out of his office. “The party has already commenced. Anything you should need, it shall be yours.”

“I will graciously accept your generous offer.” Jaggar chuckled as they walked down the large hallway of the ambassador’s mansion.

Cadun threw back his head and let loose a boisterous laugh.

“I’m sure searching for your mate is weighing heavily on you. I’ve been in your shoes, so I know how it feels. Relax tonight. Have some fun and let whatever happens tonight happen,” Cadun advised him.

Jaggar nodded his head as they walked out onto the veranda of the mansion. The party was already in full swing. The sun was setting, and the land behind Cadun’s home was decorated for the celebration. The land merged into the beach, but was dotted with tents, tables, and chairs throughout the yard. Music blared from unseen speakers, creating the perfect atmosphere Jaggar needed to unwind and relax.

Natives of the island could be seen for miles down the beach, celebrating.

“Some party,” Jaggar murmured as his eyes took in the view. His eyes were drawn to the beach, and his animal slammed into his chest.

“The beach,” his beast growled.

“Go. Relax and have a swell time,” Cadun commanded, jogging down the stairs to greet his mates.

Jaggar’s feet moved on their own toward the beach. He weaved in and out of the crowd as he made it to his destination. His eyes lingered on a few triads that were together, and a small hint of jealousy bloomed in his chest. He beat it down with the thought that soon, his mates would show themselves.