Chapter 49: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Alyssa

The ground shook as we watched tons of toxic gases enter the atmosphere. The fighting died down after the volcano erupted. The dragons scattered in all directions, trying to avoid the poisonous clouds forming quickly.

“I have never seen anything like this since the Yellow River Flood of 1887,” Merlin’s face showed genuine fear.

“What do we do now?” Ethan said.

The other kingdom leaders were closing in. Thankfully, everyone seemed accounted for, even though some were visibly hurt.

“What the hell happened?” Alexandria coughed.

“We managed to stop Elijah, but we were too late to stop the eruption,” I said.

“There has to be something we can do? Jeff and Renna, you said you were taught emergency maneuvers in this situation,” Vincent said.

“But it was more of a way to stop it from erupting, and it won’t work on an eruption of this magnitude,” Renna explained.

“Merlin? Any ideas?” Alex said. “Is there something you can do?”

“Even though I am the most powerful wizard to walk this earth, I’m not equipped to stop tons of energy spewing from the ground. Nature is something that even I can’t fight against.

Energy? I examined the scene. Lava was pouring out, and soon, we would have to retreat to a safer distance. The sky was beginning to darken due to all the soot and ash. But it was all because of a massive energy in the ground. “I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t like it,” Dahlia said.

“But will it work?” I asked her.

I could hear Dahlia sigh in my head, but she didn’t answer. “Dahlia?”

“Yes, it might work, but it will come with a price,” Dahlia sniffed.

“We will worry about that later,” I said to Dahlia. “Merlin, this while eruption, can it be concitered a form of energy, is that what you said?”

“That’s one way to think about it, yes,” Merlin nodded.

“Renna, Jeffery, an you brainstorm with me for a second?” I quickly discussed my plan with them to absorb the power of Yellowstone to stop the eruption.

“Alyssa, there’s no gurarantee it will work. Are you sure you want to do this?” Renna said.

“We have to try. Everyone listen up! We all need to work together! You all need to get the following instructions to your kingdoms. Ice and Water dragons, you need to cool down the ground as much as possible and keep the lava contained. We have the help of the earth dragons, who can clear the forest around and stop the fires from spreading. Wind Dragons are the fastest fliers; you guys have to try to blow the smoke to the middle of the eruption, making it the only possible way upwards, all the way through the atmosphere. Lightning dragons, you need to fly close to them and absorb the lightning to protect the other dragons. Everyone else needs to fly close to the smoke, and it will create a vortex that will help keep the smoke contained,” I said to the leaders of the kingdoms.

“But the eruption could go on for months; it’s not like we can contain it for that long,” Alexandria said.

“I’m not expecting you to contain it for that long, Alex,” I smiled.

“I know that smile; what are you thinking?” Vincent asked as he grinned.

“It’s Merlin said; the eruption is nothing but energy,” I gave him a sad look.

“I don’t get what you’re saying,” Vincent took a few seconds on what I said, but he quickly figured it out. “NO, have you lost your damn mind!?”

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Alexandria said.

“Alyssa is going to try to siphon the energy into herself,” Vincent growled.

“It might be our only shot at stopping this,” I said.

“I have to agree with Vincent; this is preposterous,” Alex said.

“You discovered that power only two days ago. You’re not doing this, END OF OF DISCUSSION!” Vincent protested.

“I can’t just stand by and watch as my father’s plan kills millions or billions of people,” I scowled at Vincent.

“Alyssa, I understand that your powers are growing fast, but no golden dragon has ever able to contain this much power,” Merlin said.

“You mean Alyssa might die?” Audrey gasped.

“Most likely,” Merlin said.

“That’s your plan? Alyssa, that crazy!” Megan said.

“You heard them! This is crazy!” Vincent yelled.

“Craziness runs in the family,” I shrugged.

“That’s not funny,” Vincent scoffed at me.

“Alexandria, can you make sure that everyone knows thier roles?” I asked.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, good luck,” Alex said.

“I can’t say I agree with this idea. But I understand why you are doing this, just come back in once piece alright,” Audrey said.

“Thank you guys, I’ll do my best,” I nodded.

“Alright everyone, let’s get this show on the road,” Alex said.

“We’ll do everything in our power to slow this down, the rest is up to you,” Renna said. “Good luck,”

The leader left their position, but Vincent looked at him with fear and sadness. “Please don’t do this! I can’t lose you, I don’t want to feel the heartbreak when Annabeth lost Izzy,”

“I can’t just sit by and watch while everybody else dies. Especially knowing I could have done something and I’ll never be able to live with myself walking away. Are you telling me that you wouldn’t do the same?” I said.

“No, I would do the same thing you’re doing. I can’t lose anyone else, I need you in my life. I want to raise a family with you. I know it’s selfish, but it’s true. I can’t lose you,” Vincent clenched his teeth as tears fell from his eyes.

“Our bond is the greatest thing I treasure, but I have to do this. No matter what happens, I want you to know that the last few months have been the best of my life. I never thought I’d find happiness after everything, but you proved me wrong. I’m so lucky to have met you, and be your fated love, I love you, Vincent,” I cupped his cheek.

“Don’t say it like we will never see each other again. You’ll survive this, and when you do. Let’s start a family,” Vincent said.

“I’ll do my best for you,” Vincent hugged me tight, and I could feel him shivering. He was scared, and that made two of us. I took the time to remember all the small details of this body. My head perfectly fitted against her shoulder as I hugged him, how his hands wrapped around my body as if I belonged there, making me feel like this was the only place I belonged. Right in his arms. I am indeed Vincent’s perfect match.

Everyone was doing their designated jobs. It appeared that the fire around was being kept from spreading, and the vortex created by the dragons contained the smoke for now. It was getting more powerful by the minute, so there was no telling how long they could hold it.

“Your plan is working, but the force of the eruption is still growing. I’ll have some magic users help the dragons, but they might only stay and help briefly,” Merlin said. “If you are going to go something, now’s your chance,”

“Just shut it will you!” Vincent yelled at Merlin.

“Vincent, I can’t go until you allow me,” I said.

“Don’t put me in this position, I’m begging you,” Vincent said.

“Vincent, I love you with all my heart. But I can’t do this if you’ll hate me for it,” I said.

“I could never hate you, love. Now, go and show them what a golden dragon can do. This is not a goodbye; we’ll both survive this. You’ll survive this,” Tears were streaming down Vincent’s face, and I could feel my tears threatening to emerge.

My lips touched his. We could taste the sweet taste of our tears but didn’t care. As we kissed, we held each other in a tight hug; neither of us wanted to let go. I admit I was terrified, and a guilty feeling engulfed me to put Vincent in this position. But I knew he was strong enough to continue, no matter what happened. But if I was strong enough to stop this, it was another matter. “I love you, Vincent and no matter what happens, I’ll always be with you,”

“I’ll see when it over,” Vincent said.

I turned away from Vincent, and instantly, I could feel a lump in my throat. “We don’t have to do this, Alyssa,” Dahlia said.

“Yes, we do,” I said.

I couldn’t look back; I knew I’d probably lose my small courage if I looked at him again. I started shifting into my dragon form before thinking more about how stupid this was. I took off into the sky, feeling Vincent’s eyes on me as he turned to help everyone. I flew towards the eruption.

It took some time to get through the swarm of dragons flying around, but I finally got through and right into the middle. Everything was pitch black, and I could feel the immense head all over my body. The smoke started to burn my nose, and I tried to breathe calmly, but that’s not easy when your heart beats out of your chest.

“It’s been an honor, Alyssa,” Dahlia said. ”

“Let give it everything we got!” I yelled.

I tried to hover as still as possible while I closed my eyes and focused on my surroundings. I lowered my flight, and I could feel the heat getting stronger. I could feel the energy within me and tried to focus on the power beneath me. It’s all just energy.

I started to focus my power, but the head and soot were blurting my vision, and my wings were sore from the heat. I then started to feel a familiar sensation in my feet. I got it.

“Dahlia, I got a link to the volcanic energy. Let’s go,” I said.

Vincent

Everyone was tired, and the soot was getting out of eyes and noses. I used every element I copied from every dragon type to help everyone. But I saw golden light coming through the smoke. It was getting brighter, and all the dragons stayed still in midair, too stunned to say or do anything. A golden barrier contained all the smoke, and the light was getting brighter by the second, and we had to shield our eyes. It was dead quiet when the light faded.

I felt a pain in my chest as a slight rain of soot poured down, and the smoke cleared. I roared to the sky to call Alyssa and Dahlia, but nothing happened. I could only see a large field of hardened lava. Alyssa did it. Again, I looked around for her, trying to find her dragon form. I dived bombed toward the ground and saw Alexandria and a few others follow my lead. My body shook as I could keep myself in dragon form, and Astarot was distressed.

As I landed, I shifted back to human form, my hand clutching the pain in my chest. “Fly around and find her! She has to be around here somewhere!” I said as Alexandria and the others nodded their heads and took off. I ran around the field, searching for my mate, and heard a roar, “Alyssa!” I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, almost stumbling a few times. I also ran towards the sound and noticed a few other dragons there. I felt a presence behind me, and Alex’s claws wrapped around my shoulders and carried me the rest of the way. She set me down, and I walked past all the dragons sitting down.

“Alyssa?” But what I saw was everything I feared. I thought the pain in my chest was Alyssa injured but alive, but it was mate bond breaking. Jacob was holding Alyssa in his arms. Her skin was white, and her golden hair was covered in soot. “No,” I took Alyssa from Jacob’s hand and held her in my arms.

“I’m sorry, Vincent, but she was like this when we found her,” Jacob said.

“Come back to me, love. Don’t leave me, please,” I begged as I held her.

My eyes became blurry with tears, and I didn’t move as they started streaming with tears. I held Alyssa’s cold body in my arms and ran my hand over her face. I could feel a lump in my throat. Is this happening?

“The energy was too much for her to contain,” Merlin said as he saw me holding Alyssa.

“Alyssa, open your eyes. I can’t lose you like this,” I held her body close to mine, but it became real when I didn’t feel a heartbeat as I pressed her up. Alyssa was gone. I kissed her forehead gently like she was made of glass, and I was afraid to break her.

Everybody stood around me, either in human or dragon form. Not one word was said, tears streaming down their faces. Alyssa made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us without a second thought. The eruption was stopped, and although there was a lot of damage after the earthquakes all over America, all was not lost. No one felt like celebrating. They watched as I wept over my mate, holding her body close. My mother once told me a story about an undying love between two dragons. These two dragons stood together through trials and tribulations and overcame everything they went up against together. I wonder if Alyssa and I are those two dragons from the story this time. This mate bond was known as The Dragonbound.

Not all stories have a happy ending, but some do, and I’m hoping mine has a happy ending. But then I felt some invisible force pulling me somewhere close. The pain in my chest faded, and something was being restored.

“Why are you crying, you lovable goof?” Alyssa said weakly. “Didn’t we win?”

“ALYSSA!” Before I could let Alyssa speak, my lips crashed into her ashy lips, and I wrapped myself tighter around her. Alyssa pushed me back and took a deep breath.

“Can a woman breathe? Alyssa coughed.

“I felt our bond break, but I feel it again. You were so cold, I thought I lost you,” I made our foreheads touch.

“I told you I would do anything to get back to you and always keep my word. And everyone is staring at us,” Alyssa laughed nervously.

“All I see is you,” I kissed her again. I helped Alyssa off the ground and held her close to me so she could keep her balance. As soon as Alyssa stood, Audrey came crashing into her, almost making her fall again. “Audrey, back away!” I growled.

“You scared us and I’m sorry.” Audrey said.

“It’s alright, I’m okay. I think,” Alyssa smiled. “But I feel weird,”

“You just stopped the most enormous eruption known to man, so that’s normal,” Alex said.

“It’s over, we’ve won and you just saved the world,” I said.

“Guys, I hate to ruin the moment, but this place is about to be fill with mortal to cheak this place out. Merlin, can you open a portal to Varrfarrinn?”

“Yes, I can,” Merlin smiled.

We soon returned to Varrfarrinn, and people in the streets started celebrating. Everything was over, Elijah was gone, and war with humanity was averted. But even though. Night came, and I found Alyssa standing by the balcony, looking at the full moon. “Alyssa, are you okay? You’ve been acting strange since we got back,”

“I figured out why I felt weird back in America. It’s Dahlia, I can’t feel her,” Alyssa said.

“Astarot told me that we felt weird too, but he thought nothing of it. He thought that Dahlia was sleeping so he didn’t try to reach her,” I said.

“When we were inside the eruption, I started absorbing the energy. It started out well, but the point was too much to handle. Every fiber of my being hurt, and I came close to losing consciousness, but the last thing I remember was Dahlia taking over, saying she would take care of us the rest. The next thing I remember was waking up in your arms,” Alyssa sobbed. “Dahlia’s gone,”

“We need to see Merlin, he might be able to help. I’ll call Merlin and ask him to meet with us,”

“I feel empty with Dahlia, it’s like a part of me is missing,” Alyssa said.

“We’ll figure it out.

Alyssa and I met with Merlin, and he was Jacob and Audrey. “What seems to be the problem, Vincent?”

“It’s Alyssa, shes not feeling well,” I said. “I was hoping you didn’t mind taking a look,”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Merlin said, and then he entered the balcony. After some time, he came out. “I’m sorry, Vincent, but it’s not good. It appears that Dahlia took over in America and shielded her. It may have been too much for her to handle. Dahlia and the rest of her abilities have gone dormant,” Merlin explained.

“So she’s not a dragon anymore, but I still feel the mate bond between us!” I said.

“Alyssa is still technically a dragon; she just can’t shift or use her magic and there’s nothing I can do. I’ve lived since the Arthurian Age and have never seen this happen. Dahlia is still alive, but she’s in a deep sleep,” Merlin said. “Also, you’re mate bond is special Vincent; never lose it,”

“So Dahlia might return to us,” I smiled. “And I won’t; I’ll keep Alyssa safe.

“It’s hard to say, but I have high hopes that Dahlia will one day awaken. But there is no way of knowing if that’s a week from now or in ten years. I wish you the best of luck,” Merlin bowed and walked away.

“Oh Alyssa. After everything she’s done, everything she’s been through, she doesn’t deserve to lose her dragon,” Audrey said.

“I’m going to talk to her,” I nodded. Alyssa was still looking at the moon, sadness filling her face. “Hey,”

“Did Merlin tell you everything?” Alyssa asked.

“He did and Dahlia will come back,” I said.

“But Dahlia might never return, so what do I do now?” Alyssa asked me.

“We’ll figure something out, my love. We just have to have faith,” I smiled. “It doesn’t matter to me if you’re a dragon. I don’t care how you look; nothing will change my mind. I’m not going anywhere,”

And that is how we put an end to Elijah’s evil reign. It came with a price, and we lost a lot of good people along the way. But in the future, we won. What will happen after this? Well, I’ll worry about that later.

I have Alyssa, my fated mate.