“Let’s go out to the gardens. We can have lunch there,” Dalma announced as she burst through the library doors.

Faye had become quite smitten with the castle’s library. The grand library housed two floors full of books, that waited for her to discover them all. The smell of leather and cedar wood filled the air and helped her relax. Since discovering the library, she had found a comfortable leather chaise located near a window with a magnificent view. Faye loved coming to sit by the window so that she could look out into the sky.

It offered a direct view of the cloud-streaked sky. Some days, the clouds floated by, blocking her view of the sun when it rose. On a clear day, Faye could glance down at the world below them.

“I can go outside?” Faye asked, surprised.

“But of course! You’re not a prisoner. You may go where you please. You just cannot leave the grounds.”

“Well, then, lead the way,” she said, scrambling off the chaise. She placed her bookmark in the book she was reading. She wasn’t an animal that would bend the tip of the page. She was a civilized human being who used a bookmark, she thought as she laid it on the chaise. She would return later to finish it.

“The garden is full of such rich history of the Kelmyar Clan,” Dalma told her as they walked along the stone path. The luxurious gardens were plush and green, with high bushes.

“Wow, is this a maze?” Faye asked as she took it all in. The beauty of the location took her breath away. A slight breeze blew her hair into her face. She brushed the strands away as she glanced up at the clear blue sky. It had taken her a few days to get used to the mountain air, but she loved it now. The crisp air was soothing to her as they walked.

“No, not a maze.” Dalma giggled. “It was designed to entertain. Let me show you something special.”

They turned the corner, and there, in a small clearing, was a beautiful bronze statue of a massive dragon.

“Oh, my. It’s beautiful,” Faye breathed as she walked closer to it. The dragon was posed in a defiant manner. The eyes were narrowed, as if it was hunting its prey.

“This is Vander and Feno’s father,” Dalma announced, as if she were introducing Faye to him in real life. Faye stepped closer to the statue, and her eyes fell to the nameplate that was at the base of it.

Tordet Kelmyar, The Dragon Lord.

“He looks so fierce,” Faye noted as she admired the oversized statue.

“Well, he would have to be, with those two boys of his. Vander and Feno were just a handful growing up.” Dalma laughed and shook her head. “He’s the protector of the dragon shifters. He is the Dragon Lord.”

“Wow,” Faye murmured. Living in Blue Creek, she was used to the paranormal world. Vampires, shifters, and witches were commonly known throughout the community. But to know that dragons did exist, and she was in love with one—

She paused. In love? With Vander? She dug down deep and knew that it was true.

“Come. Let’s move on to the next.” Dalma gently guided her by the arm. They continued to walk. Dalma was the perfect guide, giving her the history behind the Kelmyar Clan, and the reasoning behind them never showing themselves.

“So, basically, they just want to live their lives in peace and protect their kind,” Faye confirmed as they came to the next statue.

“Yes. The dragon shifters are one of the most powerful of the paranormal world, and it’s best for them to stay hidden.”

“Who is that?” Faye gasped as they came upon a fierce dragon who appeared to be ready for battle. The fierceness of the eyes, the display of the sharp talons, caused her breath to catch in her throat. She could almost feel the power radiating off of it as she stared at the copper statue.

“Go ahead. Look at the nameplate.” Dalma gave her a nudge and a smile.

Faye stepped up to it and looked down at the nameplate.

Vander Kelmyar, The Warrior.

It was a depiction of her dragon.

Her warrior dragon, who was currently off ensuring that she was protected by taking out the threat of an evil dragon.

She reached out a hand and laid it on Vander’s dragon. She allowed her fingers to trace along the smooth metal of his arm and down to the talons, as she stared up in awe at the massive statue.

She closed her eyes and sent up a short prayer, knowing that wherever he may be, he was probably in danger, trying to keep her safe. But, looking at the fierceness of the dragon in front of her, she thought it was the evil dragon who should be worried.

“He really cares for you.” Dalma’s soft voice broke through her thoughts as she came to stand next to her.

“And I, him,” she murmured, opening her eyes. She wished that she could tell him how she felt at the moment, but knew that she would have to wait. Their relationship was a whirlwind, and blowing by too fast. Her mind and heart were in the middle of a battle. Her mind screamed that this was not normal, and that they should take their time getting to know each other, while her heart was steadfast in its belief.

You love who you love.

Even though she was in the midst of an internal battle, something whispered to her to hold on tight. He was the one for her. She slowly backed up from the statue, unable to take her eyes off Vander’s dragon. She just knew that it would be magnificent in person, and she couldn’t wait for him to return.

“Now, let’s move on. We have more of the family to show you,” Dalma said with a twinkle in her eye.

“These statues are beautiful, and I’m sure they don’t do their dragons justice,” Faye replied with a laugh. She entwined her arms with the older woman’s, thrilled to be able to learn more about Vander’s family.

“They don’t. I’m sure Vander has planned to have you meet—”

Her words were cut off by the sounds of a deafening roar from above. Faye covered her ears and looked above as a shadow passed overhead. She froze in place as her eyes locked on that of a black dragon. It was larger than she would have ever expected. It was easily longer than a few hundred feet. Her mouth flapped open as she watched it fly away. She didn’t need to be told who the dragon was.

Gamair.

“Oh, no!” Dalma gasped, pulling on Faye’s arm. “We’ve got to go!”

Faye didn’t hesitate as she turned and ran behind the older woman. For the woman to be the age she admitted to, she sure could sprint. Faye glanced behind her and found the black dragon headed straight for them. She picked up her speed, wishing she had kept up the workout she had abandoned so long ago.

Darkness surrounded them as the dragon reached them, blocking the sun with his massive form. She would not be able to outrun a dragon.

“Dalma!” she screamed out as the rough talons of the dragon grabbed her by the waist, plucking her from the ground. She fought to release herself, but was no match for the dragon’s tight grip as he carried her off.

“Faye!” Dalma’s voice drew faint as the dragon flew away.

She looked down at how far they were from the ground as he carried her away from the castle. She let loose a scream, and scrambled to hold onto the leg of the dragon for dear life. She wouldn’t survive if he decided to let her go.

A distant roar filled the air. Faye glanced back down at the castle and saw a smaller dragon making it’s way toward them.

Dalma.

Hope filled her chest that Dalma’s dragon would be able to save her. The smaller dragon was swiftly making her way toward them, but Faye’s hope was soon doused. Gamair’s chest rumbled as he discovered they were being followed. A bright beam of light shot from the black dragon.

Faye screamed as she watched the energy ball slam into Dalma’s dragon.

“Dalma!” she screamed as she watched, horrified, as the smaller dragon fell from the sky, disappearing through the clouds. She tightened her grip on the dragon’s leg as tears clouded her vision. She didn’t want to think of what could have happened to the sweet dragon shifter. She prayed that Dalma would survive.

A new fear entered her chest. If Gamair was here, where was Vander?