Ember of Hope

“Let’s go back to the fortress; you must be hungry by now” Valiance stood, pulling her up with him.

“Will you eat with me?” She asked hopefully wrapping her arms around his waist.

“You don’t have to ask love. It’s going to take a lot to take me away from your side now” he smiled sweetly.

“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go then”.

When he started walking, she grabbed his arm: “You’re going to make me walk that far? I’m tired Val” she pouted.

“I – uh – I’ll take you back” her heart hammered in her chest in anticipation of his shift. She was sure he could hear her heartbeat easily.

But her happiness was short lived as he lifted her up in his arms, tucked her close to his chest and started walking.

“What are you doing?” she squealed, trying to get down.

“I’m taking you back” he grinned. The bastard had played her. So game on baby she smirked.

“Put me down”.

“Why? Don’t you want to go back?”

“Put me down – I want to fly Val, please?” she batted her eyelashes innocently up at him, putting her arms around his neck.

“Not happening” he grumbled.

But she was adamant – he was going to shift – NOW.

“You can’t even do that for me? Don’t you love me?” she nuzzled closer to his neck – kissing just below his ear.

He made a groan low in his throat and his grip on her tightened. She kept trailing kisses on his neck and jaw line.

“You’re playing with fire woman” his voice was guttural.

“Mmmm you know me – I like to tread dangerous paths. Besides, I’m playing with lightening, Mate”. She whispered in his ear and bit on his ear lobe. “Put me down Val, and shift. if you let your fear even a little foothold in your heart now; it will spread so fast and you won't be able to get rid of it. you need to take care of it now. it's now or never Val. come on now”.

He cursed, putting her on her feet.

“Just remember! Payback is going to be really sweet for me my love”.

“Bring it on Babe”. She grinned. “Now shift – I’m hungry”.

“Me too” he growled. A shiver ran through her body at the dark tone and hunger dancing in his eyes, indicating that he wasn’t hungry for food. Deep down she knew – she was going to be dinner for a big bad dragon.

And to say that she wasn’t looking forward to being the dinner would be a big ass lie.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Hey Damien, You know where Sarah is?”

“She said she wanted to rest. Check in her room”.

“Okay, wait here. I’ll be right back”. Raegan rushed past him towards Sara’s room and nearly tripped on her feet.

“Whoa girl, Slow down”.

“I’m ok, I’m ok”. She barged in Sarah’s room and yelled: “Sarah wake up, wake up”. She threw a pillow at her, “hurry up”.

“What – what happened?” Sarah grumbled sleepily.

“WAKE UP” Raegan yelled.

“Ray, stop yelling in my ear like it’s the end of the fucking world. I swear to God I’m gonna end you some day for killing my brain cells by waking me up so early”.

“No you are not – you love me too much – now come on Damien is waiting outside for me and your lazy ass”.

In pajamas she got up and followed Raegan outside still grumbling incoherently.

“What’s the emergency Red? Where we goin’?” Damien asked.

“I wanna show you something really cool” she was giddy.

“Where’s Val?”

“Oh he’ll be along, don’t worry. Now get your asses moving”

“Where are we going anyway? How far do I have to walk” Sarah asked while eyeing Damien longingly. Like always, the dragon didn’t miss it and chuckled: “You want a ride?” he displayed his teeth in a hideous grin.

“No, no, no – we are walking. It’s not that far Sarah, stop with your 2-year-old tantrum already”. Raegan rolled her eyes. And so they walked.

“Okay guys, we are almost there. Now; when I ask you to close your eyes, do so okay? No peeking”.

As expected her best friend flipped her off while the gentleman/dragon bowed; smirking “as you wish milady”.

It was never a good idea to wake Sarah up early. You’d be dealing with her grumpy ass all day long. And every time you try to talk to her; she’ll rip you a new one. But her surprise was so worth it.

“Okay, close your eyes – both of you” they had reached where the woods started to thicken “and no cheating – I’m warning you guys”.

When both of them had their eyes closed, she whistled.

“Aren’t you going to wait for Val?” It was Damien.

Valiance was now standing next to her, with his arm draped around her shoulders.

“You can open your eyes now”. Her voice was high pitched with delight.

The instant Damien opened his eyes and saw Valiance; it was like a scene turned to slo-mo. He was shocked to stone. Only the slow blink of his eyes was any indication that he was still a living, breathing creature and not a statue. He was so still.

“Who’s this Ray?” Sarah, with her eyebrows raised, was oblivious to Damien’s reaction. But both Raegan and Valiance were looking at Damien with smiles so big on their faces that they didn’t even hear her.

“Hello! Earth to y’all. Care to introduce the outsider?” Sarah tried once again. Raegan broke out of the trance and turned to her, Cheeks puffing out a breath, she said: “Don’t be dramatic Sarah! Meet Valiance D’evreux – my mate”.

“Who? Your WHAT now?”

Raegan grinned at the baffled look on her best friend’s face. “Yeah, that’s right hon. He is my mate”.

“This is Valiance? As in… the dragon Valiance? He is human Raegan … How?”

Raegan giggled. “Yes, the dragon Valiance”. Before they could say anything else Valiance was hugging the shell shocked dragon who still hadn’t moved. The hug brought him out of his stupor. “I’m very glad for you brother”. He whispered, nuzzling Val’s shoulder with his snout. “I told you to have faith, didn’t I?” Damien murmured, separating himself from his friend. He tipped his head in front of Raegan: “Thank you Raegan. You have my utmost gratitude for breaking my brother’s curse”.

She bowed her head slightly then reached forward and placed a hand on Damien’s face. “I wish she realizes soon Damien. I wish you get what you deserve… very soon”. She whispered near his ear.

Sarah grabbed her arm and started dragging her away, yelling over her shoulder; “sorry guys, we need some girl’s time. See ya”.

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