Chapter Chapter Twenty-Three

Maya walked like a mindless zombie into the infirmary, seeing everyone in slow motion as they tried to revive Drake. A chill stole on her skin and she knew there was nothing anyone could do for him.

Danya....her strangled cry echoed in her mind.

Move closer to him. Danya’s voice faltered. She, too, was uncertain if she could save him.

Maya pushed her way through the mass of people until she stood in front of her mate. His eyes were closed and his body had already gone cold.

Wren grabbed Maya’s shoulders, shielding her from the grotesque sight of her mate. “There is nothing the you can do for him, Maya. He is gone.”

“No!” She exclaimed looking around at the solemn faces. Everyone shifted their grief-stricken eyes from hers. “Who gets to say that he dies today?”

“The heavens are never wrong.” Queen Malenna said softly.

A large droplet of a teardrop rolled down Maya’s eyes and splotched on Drake’s cheek. Everyone gasped when they saw the tear shimmer with red energy and percolate into his skin.

Lie beside him and hold him to your heart. Believe that you can make him better. Danya’s voice sounded, this time with more confidence.

“What are you doing?” Wren scolded.

Maya crawled up the bed right before the healer covered his body and cuddled him with all the blood on his shirt. “I am going to heal him.”

“That is utter nonsense!” Wren gritted his teeth, defeat ringing in his words. “Though your dragon was created from godly powers, you are not a god to decide who lives or who dies!”

“But it is the gods’ will to give their subjects a second chance when they have a good enough reason to do so. I love him, isn’t that enough reason for him to live?” Maya asked softly.

“If you tip the scales of life and death, you will have hell to pay!”

“Oh shut up, Wren. Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not like you haven’t tried bending the gods’ will at least once. And what of the Mage of Life? Why hasn’t she tipped the scales with all the lives she saved?” Queen Malenna rolled her eyes.

Wren clamped his mouth shut and walked out while Maya sent a series of prayers to the heavens starting with....I am new at this. I don’t even know how many gods there are up there--but Drake still has a lot to live for. We have just found each other....if fate is cruel as to tear apart a beautiful love meant to be shared to the fullest by two people who have overcome so much to be with each other then why did you create true mates and unconditional love? As a way to toy and mock your creations? I don’t believe it even for a second. What I believe in is your mercy to let Drake live and do more for this world and the human world....

Maya’s skin shimmered and the red flames spread over her body and over Drake’s engulfing them in a fiery cocoon. She laid her head on his chest, wanting to catch the first heartbeat and closed her eyes. Though he lost a lot of blood, the evidence of it drenched in his clothes, Maya believed in him to turn away at the gates of the next life and return to her.

Everyone dispersed quietly leaving the healers watching over them while the others tended to the wounded.

The battle was over and like what she told Aleric, that day goodness won over evil. Some rogues were apprehended and locked up. There were a lot of wounded soldiers some missing limps and others burnt and deformed. Their screams and wails echoed in the infirmary as more healers poured in to try and help them.

One of the healers moved forward and rolled the bed that Maya and Drake occupied to a private room to give them privacy then went back to attending the wounded.

Drake stood in the purple meadow watching as pinks and reds painted themselves of the canvas of the skies. The sun was coming down for the evening.The breeze that passed over him carried some of the fragrant purple petals of the small flowers that were covering the hills. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Where was he and why he feeling a certain anxiety fill his heart even though he felt he was in a place that was supposed to give him some measure of peace? He rubbed his hand over his heart and sighed softly. He wanted to move forward, curiously wondering what was on the other side of that hill but the heaviness of his heart refused for his legs to make the steps.

He felt as though he was leaving something of utmost importance behind. He was confused as where the feelings came from and his mind was addled. He caught sight of the person standing next to him and when he turned it was as though he was looking into the mirror. There was another version of him in that uncanny place.

His image turned to him and smirked then his eyes flashed.

Red! Panic hit Drake so suddenly. Red could not be out of his body or both of them were going to perish!

“How?” Drake asked him.

Red inhaled deeply and sighed then placed his hands in his pockets and turned to leave. “Figure out for yourself.” He muttered.

Drake frowned at the dragon that was walking slowly through the flowers away from him. “Where are you going?” He called out. “We need to figure out this together. We need to get out of here.”

Red stopped and gave Drake a side glance then pointed to a spot just in front of him. Drake didn’t understand why the dragon was acting so strange suddenly. Red was the most outspoken and impulsive dragon Drake had ever known. He was supposed to panic for the both of them. He acted quickly and effectively but now, he was walking away, leaving him alone in that crazy place.

Drake turned to the direction the dragon was pointing and a young female flitted over the petals, her face bright with mirth. She was young, about seven or eight years old and she was oblivious to him and Red. Drake opened his mouth to say something to Red but the dragon was gone.

The child bent down and collected a few of the purple blooms then got up again and approached him then stopped right in front of him and looked up. She looked awfully familiar yet he couldn’t place her anywhere. Her chocolate brown eyes bored into his with intellegence that surpassed her age. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She was beautiful and her caramel skin shone in the sun like bronze and gold.

“These are for you.” She said as she held up the flowers.

Drake swallowed hard and accepted the bouquet. “Who are you?”

She grinned up at him her smile radiant making him feel the anxiety bubble inside him even more. There was something about her that he felt like he needed to know. “Danya.”

“Do I know you from somewhere? Have we met somewhere before? Where is this place?” Drake asked.

Danya began walking and Drake followed her. “We have not met before but I know you and I know someone you need to remember. This....” she gestured their surroundings. “This place will determine your fate, warrior.”

Drake frowned. “My fate? What fate?”

Danya stopped and turned to him, her eyes solemn and sad. “You are hanging in a balance between life or death, warrior and there is only one thing that will tip the scales; the thing that is making your heart ache; her memory.”

But Drake felt like Danya was talking in riddles. He had no idea what memory he had to remember or what happened to him to make him arrive there in the first place. “Her memory?”

“Yes. You need to show the heavens that you are worth saving or else you are heading to the afterlife.” She turned up to the setting sun. “You don’t have much time. Once the sun disappears from the skies, your fate would have been decided.” She moved towards him, the top of her black tight Afro-locks reaching just below his chest and placed her hand over his heart. “I will stay with you until you remember but listen to the song your heart is singing. Remember the words to the song and sing it back home.”

When he touched her, her fingers felt very familiar yet different somehow. Now, Drake was positive that he knew who she was but he couldn’t remember her name.

She grinned up at him and slipped her small fingers into his hand. “Come, I want to show you something.” She pulled him towards what looked like a pond surrounded by blue boulders and pink willows. She climbed over one of the boulders and settled cosily, drawing her knees up and resting her chin on them then giggled. “This is the best place to watch the sun set. Come sit next to me.” She patted the place beside her.

Drake found that he was compelled to sit next to her. There was something about that child that touched the inner walls of his heart and he felt like he wanted to move mountains for her. “Danya...help me out here.”

Her smiled faltered a bit but she didn’t tear her eyes from the blazing orb that was slowly descending from the skies. “I can only do so much. You have to do the rest. We are all bound by the laws of the universe. If I do anymore than this, catestrophic consequences will occur.” She turned to him suddenly, her eyes desperate. “You have to try your best and remember the song your heart is beating to.”

Drake breathed in hard and turned to the fiery orb in front of him. He noticed that red was standing a few feet from them, his arms crossed across his chest and his face unreadable. He, too, was waiting for him to remember the song that would take them away from there.

Drake closed his eyes and listened to the thudding of his heart. There was no rhythm in it, just the calm beating of a normal heart...stuttering after every three beats. The stuttering reminded him of a feeling one got when they saw that one person that made his day. A frown marred his face....why was his heartbeat strange as if it was beating for someone else.

“I have someone in my life.” He suddenly blurted out.

Danya brightened. “Did you hear the song?”

Drake rubbed his hand over his heart again. “Yes....” He frowned looking up at the sun that was already halfway down the horizon. “I can’t remember her--” He turned to Danya’s chocolate brown eyes. “Those eyes....that skin....” He breathed in hard. He knew those eyes because he had looked into them a million times over, wanting to drown in them and not come out. He had touched that skin and tasted it, he knew every mole, dip or mound on that skin like it was the map directing him back home.

“What else, warrior?” Danya asked.

That voice...he knew that voice and it shook the foundations of his being to the very core of him. “You sound just like her, just like my.....”

I can’t imagine living anywhere without Drake, because I love you so much and I want to be here with you.....

The words echoed in his head and he grimaced at the pain laced with it.

See....I told you I will protect you one of these days....

Drake’s heart swelled and threatened to explode in his chest with the emotions that were filling it. “I--I--”

“You remember her.” Red stated.

Drake ran his hand through his hair as tears gathered in his eyes. Why was there so much pain accompanying the memories? Why did he leave her behind? How could he be so cruel?

“Say her name, warrior.” Danya coaxed softly. “Show the Heavens that you remember her. She had asked that they show you mercy and the heavens have heeded her pleas because they were pure and true, just like her heart and soul. Call out her name and return to her.”

Drake grabbed his head as his tears can out uncontrollably. The pain in his heart was just too much. He couldn’t believe he wanted to be so selfish to such a selfless female, his female, his mate. “She’s my breath...she is my life. She is everything to me and more.”

“Say her name, Drake.” Red said looking at the sun that had become a small slice just a few seconds from disappearing in the horizon. “Say it!” Red exclaimed.

“Maya!” Drake roared out loudly tears running down his cheeks. “Maya!” He wailed helplessly feeling as if he had lost the biggest battle he had ever fought.

Flashes of what happened began to pile up in Drake’s head and he fell over against the boulder as darkness descended around them. He saw her beautiful face, her smile and her gleaming eyes. He heard her laughter, her panic, her assuring words. He felt her touch on his skin, her lips on his. He heard her cries when she climaxed and her sweet whispers to him.

The images stopped and Red and Danya appeared standing above him....only Danya was no longer a child. She was Maya, grown, beautiful and smiling down at him.

“See you on the other side.” She whispered.

“The let’s get the fuck out of here.” Red grinned wickedly as he suddenly shimmered into a ball of fire and entered Drake’s chest.

Maya felt warm but it had nothing to do with Danya’s fire surrounding her. She was comfortable and content, slowly making her way out of a dream. As she was about to stretch and get her cotton candy filled head to try and figure out where she was, arms tightened around her and a growl of warning thrummed underneath her.

Her entire body froze in place as she tried to remember what happened to land her in that awkward situation. The last thing she recalled was getting information that Drake had been gravely injured and that he was in the infirmary. After that, she recalled seeing him on the bed with a terrible wound on his stomach. She recalled Lord Wren’s angry voice echoing in her head. She should not play God, she remembered him telling her.

The last memory she had of that terrible day was the string of prayers she did for Drake, asking the Heavens to give him more time in that world. Even Danya didn’t know if she could save him but she tried with all her might.

Now, it felt like a dream all over again because Drake’s hold on her was something she knew even if she had gone blind. She was in Drake’s arms! She didn’t want to move because she didn’t want to lose this dream and wake up to a nightmare where Drake was no longer with her. Her throat closed up with tears just thinking about losing him.

A steady heartbeat drummed into her ear against his chest. Was this all just wishful thinking or did Danya really save him?

“You belong right here with me, Maya.” She heard the raspy whisper come out from his lips and her head snapped up.

His eyes were still closed but she could see that color had returned on his clammy skin and he was breathing. Drake’s arms tightened around her again and a scowl appeared of his face.

He was alive! Danya saved him.

It was the memory of you that saved him. Most dead warriors hardly remember about what had happened to them while they await their judgement but your warrior remembered you and the Heavens heeded your pleas for more time in this world. Danya’s smiling voice shimmered through her head.

Emotions overwhelmed Maya that she started crying loudly against his chest. She couldn’t believe it. She muttered her thank yous to the Heavens believing that there was someone watching over that world, keeping everything as it should have been or sometimes bending the rules a little bit to carry out small favors.

“Hey, hey, hey.” She felt him cuddle her closer and it only made her cry louder. His warm lips landed on her cheek then rasped “Why are you crying?”

“You died!” She hicupped. “And--I--I never thought I was--going to see you....again.”

Drake lifted her chin and made her look up into his violet eyes. It truly was him. She knew that intense look, that fallen angel chiseled face and those delicious lips that were pulled into a tight and concerned line. He was frowning and all Maya wanted to do was brush the curled locks from his forehead and rub away those lines away the kiss those lips of his until they soften but she still couldn’t believe that he was there. She felt as if she did something wrong, he would perish for good.

“I’m alive, Maya. I am truly here.” He assured her, touching her cheeks lightly.

“Then kiss me and prove it that you are real.” She pleaded with him.

Drake didn’t wait to be told twice. He pulled her tightly into his arms and leaned forward before his warm and moist lips touched hers lightly as first. Relief shuddered Maya’s body when she felt the action all the way to her bones. Drake placed several butterfly kisses on her lips, teasing her softly then finally took them into a time-stopping kiss just as the door flew open.

“Heavens be kind!” A familiar voice exclaimed but Maya didn’t want to deal with anyone at that moment. She just wanted to be kissed into oblivion by her mate. “He is alive!” Sabine exclaimed rushing out of the room. “He is alive!”

A giggle escaped Maya’s lips as she took control of the kiss, kissing Drake like there was no tomorrow. She crushed her soft and pliant body against his hard planes.

“How did you manage to escape the rogues? I thought they did something terrible to you.” Drake pulled back and cupped her cheeks.

Maya grinned. “Danya helped me. I have my very own dragon right now. Apparently I might be Sabine’s relative.”

Drake was shocked. “I met Danya. She led me back to you.”

“She is amazing.” Maya said and felt warmth and pride flitter in her mind. Danya was happy. “She helped me and Serensa from Aleric--” Her eyes shrouded in pain and sorrow. “I am sorry about Aleric, Drake. I can’t believe he could do such a thing.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore. He is gone and you are safe. That is all that matters. Where is Serensa? Is she alright?”

“Serensa is alive but she is not alright. Aleric managed to....” Her body shuddered and when remembered how Aleric appeared in the cellar after mating with Serensa. “Danya took her away to protect her.”

“It’s okay, we don’t have to talk about it.” He hugged her close but Maya saw the deep sorrow that had settled in his eyes. It was going to take a while for him to recover from what he went through and Maya was going to make sure that she was right there beside him, keeping him safe and loving him.

“I love you, Drake. I love you more than life itself.” Maya muttered against his chest.

“I love you more.” She felt him place a kiss in her hair and a wicked thought entered her mind as she envisioned their quarters suddenly the infirmary disappeared and their room appeared.

“How did you do that? You are dragon, not a Mage.” Drake asked when he found himself in their bed.

“Did I mention Danya is the Fyr Dragon also known as the Scarlet Shield? She has been giving me a tour down her memories.” Her body shivered when she recalled some of the bad memories Danya had shown her.

Now, Maya understood where Danya came from through the dreams and glimpses of the past. She understood what happened until the war gods created her. Four other Mortal Locks were created before time because the gods knew there would come a time when they were needed. Each Mortal Lock was a being unto itself and it needed the right circumstances to be reborn into one that is worthy and acquire powers that were needed for the bleak future. Maya could feel Danya gaining her powers with time.

“The Fyr Dragon from Myths and Legends?” Drake’s eyes widened in shock.

“The one and only.” Maya smirked. She couldn’t help it because it was so cool that she had her own dragon.

Drake breathed in hard and ran his hand through his hair, but the overly long locks went back to their original position. “That is news...but we will talk about that later....right now.” He rasped, his eyes flashing as he hungrily looked at her.

Maya rolled her eyes, baffled at the sex-drive Drake had. He had barely survived death yet here he was wanting her body with every ounce of his being. She was no different. Her body was so tightly strung that she was surprised she didn’t snap into two pieces when she went down to kiss him.

A long purr escaped Drake’s lips as he rolled over and pinned Maya’s body under his, lavishing it slowly and cherishing every moment he spent with her as if it was the only time he had with her.

Pain seared through Drake’s cheek as his head snapped to the side. Drake was very sure the Lord Mage had shuttered his jaw. Blood pooled in his mouth as he straightened and looked up at the raging male who had veins of white energy rippling against his skin. The yelp coming from Maya who was standing on the other side with Queen Noelle and Queen Lyrah didn’t help because it made Drake felt his heart tug in his chest.

“You died for three days?!” Tyran roared at him as if he was reprimanding an errant child. “You don’t get to die, Drake! Not now, not tomorrow and certainly not if I can help it!”

The entire hall went silent with Queen Malenna losing her color while she was sitting on her throne with Wren on one side holding her hand but his eyes laughing at Drake. Drake could have felt humiliated after being punched in the face by his King but Drake had a different emotion swelling in his chest; relief and pride. It just went to show how much Tyran cared for him. The male was terribly lousy at showing emotion and now he was infuriated when he was given news that Drake died for three days.

Drake felt it was just a few hours but it was three full days and Maya was right there sleeping next to him.

“Beat the boy any more than that, Tyran and you’ll surely kill him.” Rhol gruffed crossing his arms.

“He died for three days!” Tyran bellowed. “One more day in that hole will make no difference!”

Tyran received the information about Drake’s death on the second day and he came charging in with bruises and cuts together with Byron, Zach and Feror all looking as if they have been thoroughly whipped. It turned out that there were dragons hiding in Orisidia’s estates. Feror and the Lord Mage ambushed them and killed most of them while the rest were arrested for crimes against the enchanted world.

Every male in the room was angry with him....well all except for Wren and the grinning and excited Sabine. Drake wondered where fate went wrong in relating Maya with Sabine.

“Forgive me, my king.” Drake inclined his head to the Lord Mage.

“That does not even in the slightly help your case, boy!” Tyran snarled. “What made you so careless? I taught you better than that! How could you die from such a measley wound?”

Drake didn’t want to mention but both Kings who were looking down at him in fury both almost died because of measley wounds. For all he knew, that might cost him yet another punch.

“That’s enough!” Maya exclaimed breaking away from Noelle and Lyrah then rushed and stood between Lord Mage and Drake. “I don’t know why he has to apologise for dying but you are being too hard on him. Stop it already!”

Zach and Feror went into fits of coughs while Lyrah and Noelle cleared their throat noisly. Queen Malenna and Lord Wren were utterly stunned and Byron was smirking but Rhol threw his head back and barked out in laughter.

“Step aside, human.” Tyran snarled at Maya, taking a step towards her. Drake rolled his eyes. The Lord Mage always wanted to appear so intimidating, the fellow, it didn’t matter who he was dealing with.

“No!” Maya growled, her eyes flashing red as she too took a step towards Lord Mage. Tyran’s eyes turned completely white and his body swelled with energy.

There was a sudden swash sound as two fiery wings burst out from Maya’s back opened up giving th e illusion she was bigger than the Lord Mage. She held her hands up and two fireballs swirled with energy.

“Are you for real?” Tyran suddenly asked crossing his arms across his chest as the energy died away from his body.

“I am the Scarlet Shield, Drake’s Scarlet Shield so you take a guess.” She told him.

A chuckle escaped Drake’s lips. What a picture the two painted for everyone’s amusement. Maya was tiny as compared to the Lord Mage yet here she was threatening him.

“This is getting ridiculous.” Queen Malenna got up from her chair and walked to them. “Calm down Maya, the Lord Mage has a heart made of stone so his way of showing relief or gratitude is a little more physical and might be a little painful but believe me when I say he is elated to see Drake alive.”

The Lord Mage scoffed and turned to Drake. “Pull that stunt again and I will personally stamp your death certificate in your blood.”

Drake cringed lightly. “And I don’t doubt that for a second.”

Maya turned to him, a frown appearing on her face when she saw the bruise of his cheek while everyone else started moving away towards the dining room. “Are you okay?”

Drake nodded but he couldn’t help but grin. “What made you think you could take on the Lord Mage?”

She shrugged and moved closer then whispered. “Ever heard of the poison-less snakes that strike but make sure to miss their target so that their enemies don’t figure out they don’t have poison? It was sort of like that. Danya is still not very strong but I put up quite a show didn’t I? I was so terrified I almost peed in my panties!”

Drake couldn’t help falling in love with Maya all over again. She placed her hand over his cheek and warm sensation went through him.

“There, good as new.” She said then sighed when she saw the bruise was gone. “I hope what Queen Malenna said about the Lord Mage is true. I hope he truly is grateful to see you alive.”

“Believe me, he is.” Drake was sure because he saw the relief and the pride that shone in Lord Mage’s eyes. “Come, I want to make an announcement for everyone.”

Drake was caught in a tug of war between the two Realms but he knew where his heart lied and he wanted to make it clear to the Kings and Queens who were present. Drake took Maya’s hand and led her to the dining room where everyone was waiting to eat.

“I need to say something to you all so please hear me out.”

They all knew what was following and everyone anticipated what decision he had made. He turned to the Lord Mage and smirked. “Lord Mage, you are by the far the most egotistical motherfucker I have ever come across. You are infuriating, overbearing, impulsive, occassionally childish but you are also my best friend and my Lord Mage. I could have not gotten where I am today with your rather....thorough guidance.” Drake cringed when he recalled what he went through before he became the Second in Command. “I knew I made the right choice going with you and staying with you all this time--but I feel like I have overstayed my welcome in the Realm of Spells.”

“What?” Zach’s eyes widened in surprise.

Drake knew the other commanders would take it harder that he had made the decision of leaving the Lord Mage’s army and returning back home but he had no choice. He had the Glaeder Clan to take over, not to mention Queen Malenna lost almost half of her army that was somehow infiltrated by the enemy. She needed someone she trusted to help her build her army once more, someone she believed in and Drake knew Queen Malenna trusted him as much as she trusted her brother. They were the only ones who were true and worthy around her.

“Zach, try to understand. With you, fishboy, mutt and kitty there, why would you need me? You are by far the best warriors in the enchanted world and you can do without me.”

Zach got up. “But we are brothers!” He growled. “We took that oath to remain brothers until the end.”

“And we will remain brothers until the end. It will never change. The only thing that will change, will be that I will be here in this Realm.”

Zach gritted his teeth and curled his fists. “Who will be the second in command?”

“You.” Drake stated then turned to the Lord Mage. “If you give me permission, I would like to bring forth two names of commanders as well.”

Lord Mage grunted softly, his eyes severe but accepting. “I knew I had this coming so I have made my own nominations. He got up and sighed. “I knew once to accepted to come here and help Queen Malenna that you would want to stay. I made a promise to Queen Malenna that when the time came and you wanted to return I would allow you to. You’ve grown well, Drake. Not only are with a warrior to reckon with but also you are wise beyond your years. I would have killed to keep you in my ranks but I can’t.”

Drake’s eyebrow arched up and so did everyone else turning to look at Tyran. It was rare to see the male talk like that so to Drake, it meant a whole lot more than anyone could imagine.

“Drake, I could never replace you, but I will not beg you to stay. You belong here, helping your Queen rebuild this Realm to its previous statuesque grandeur. With that said, I am adding two new commanders,” He smirked turning to the three males standing in front of him. “Zach, you will be my new Second in Command, Feror and Byron will be my new Commanders.

The males groaned but Tyran grinned maliciously at them. Drake knew what was to follow.

“And I name Drake the Realm of Fire’s new Second in Command. Since my ranks have been depleted tremedously.” Queen Malenna was beaming at him. “I want you to take the task of recruiting new commanders.”

“With your permission, I would like the new commanders to train in the Realm of Spells until the turning of season.” Drake requested.

Queen Malenna turned to the Lord Mage who just shrugged and that earned a lot more groans from the males. Training with the Lord Mage was a nightmare come true but Drake was positive the males would turn out alright.

“Done.” Queen Malenna nodded.

“In the meantime, we need put together a team to go and find Serensa.” Wren said suddenly. “Her family is worried.”

“You don’t have to.” Maya quickly answered. “She--she is safe. Danya made sure that she went somewhere safe and that with time she will return....but not now.”

Wren narrowed his eyes at her. “But her family--”

“--will understand that she has been put under the royal protection and taken somewhere where she is safer.” Queen Malenna cut her brother short and turned to Maya and nodded to her lightly. “What you should be grateful of, brother mine, is that she is alive.”

Wren ground his teeth together and kept his mouth shut.

Drake turned to Maya and smiled at her. “I want to take you to the place where I grew up. I want to show you the people of my Clan; the Glaeders.”

Maya nodded with excitement blinking in her eyes. “I’d love that very much.”

Drake looked back and Lord Wren sat quietly beside his sister but Drake could not deny the pride that was blinking in his eyes. Drake felt it all the way into his bones that he had made the right choice. He left his home all those years ago because he was a coward and he couldn’t bear meet anyone’s eyes because of the shame he felt being Kruk’s son but now, he raised his head and met everyone’s eyes because now, beyong eveything else, he knew he was better than his father a tenth fold. He was going to stand in front of his people and lead them in right direction. He was going to rid the Glaeders of the greed of power because it wasn’t worth it losing your soul over such a thing.

He hoped that whoever wanted to persue that road sat down and read the past. Both Rogue Leaders were dead and more rogues were in prison so it wasn’t worth the fuss. Drake was going to become the ideal leader of the Glaeder and the ideal Second in Command, one the youngsters would want to follow and become.

Drake went to settle down and pulled Maya on his lap while Byron, Feror and Zach settled down him, each one cursing him for putting them in such terrible situations but Drake merely smirked knowing that one day the males would come and thank him for what he did. Queen Lyrah and Noelle both had tears in their eyes, begging him to reconsider and knowing fully well that without him there, there was no one to keep the Kings in check but Drake had already made up his mind. He bet the Jinn King was gloating with happiness inside now that Drake would not be there to have Lyrah jump into his arms at every chance she got.

As it was, the were growling at him in warning because both queens had left their chairs beside them and were sitting beside him. The Kings had nothing to worry about because he had the one light in his life sitting on his lap. He didn’t want anything else when she was there. She was more than enough and he looked forward to spending long lazy hours with her.

Drake stood with a glass of brandy in his hands and his eyes intense. He was having a meeting with the two Kings and Queen Malenna. He didn’t know why the called him but the severity of each one’s face told Drake he was not going to like what they were going to tell him.

“Drake, I think you are male enough to survive what we are going to tell you.” Tyran started eyeing the other two ancients with him. “Before I killed Ron during one of my many violent tempers, he mentioned several names and he said that their blood was on my hands and the hands of the rest of the ancients.”

Drake remembered that. He even remembered asking Lord Mage what it was about but the male didn’t mention it again. “I thought you didn’t want to talk about that....why does it concern me now?”

Tyran moved his boots uncomfortably as if trying to find the right words to say whatever was bothering him. “You need to know because those people that Ron mentioned were the incarnations of the Mortal Locks.”

But Drake still didn’t understand though a terrible chill was stealing against his skin covering his body with a blanket of fear and desperation. “What are you saying?”

Queen Malenna moved forward and placed her hand on Drake’s arm then squeezed it lightly. “What we mean is that they were like Maya. They were the Mortal Locks. They were beings made from the direct godly powers after the gods prophecized a battle between their creations and a dark force that could not have been won without them. Shalima was the incarnation of the Mortal Book Morton, Nessy was the incarnation of the Thyest Bow Shor, Mariel was the incarnation of the Light Sword Wrya, Morris was the incarnation of the Coral Spear Jiser and Kafer was the incarnation of the Scarlet Shield Danya.”

The battle against the Dark Energy was a lost story because no one knew the details of what truly happened. People made it up as they went along so several versions of it were published and no one knew which one was actually true. Only the ancients who took part in it knew what really happened. Drake didn’t even know about the Mortal Locks so this was heavy news to him. He had always remembered them being objects, not people.

“So, Maya being the Scarlet Shield, what does that mean?” He asked softly even though his heart cried that he didn’t find out the truth.

“It means a great battle is ahead.” Rhol growled softly. “If the heavens are incarnating the Mortal Locks, they have forseen a great war in the future and they are preparing us for it.”

“What--what happens if Maya is the Scarlet Shield? What happened to Shalima, Nessy, Mariel and the others?” Drake felt his throat constrict.

The ancients looked at each other then Tyran straightened up and said. “They died when they released the Mortal Locks energy to lock away the Dark Energy.”

Drake’s heart heaved in his chest to the point he thought it was going to fail him. He clutched his chest and opened his mouth then pulled the air through his mouth. “Isn’t there any other way to battle the Dark Energy?”

Queen Malenna pursed her lips and blinked rapidly to keep her tears at bay. “There is no other way. We tried to save the people who carried the mortal energies but we couldn’t. They were lost to us and to this world.”

“But why?” Drake asked.

“That’s the way of the heavens. The chosen ones have a great need to protect that they are ready to lay down their lives at any time needed. That is how they were created by the Heavens and we shouldn’t question the Heavens’ will on us.” Queen Malenna said.

But it didn’t make sense to Drake that one day Maya had to die in order for the enchanted world to see another sun rise. He had become selfish with her because since he returned from dying, he was in a state of nervousness as if anticipating of something that would tear them away again. Now, he understood why and he wasn’t ready to lose her.

“Maya will not die.” Drake gritted his teeth.

“Drake--” Tyran started.

Drake raised his eyes at his King and growled. “I will fight the heavens if I have to but they will not take Maya away from me. Not now, not ever.” He stalked away.

Maya breathed in the beautiful air and sighed in content. She had never felt so alive like the way she was feeling at that moment. She leaned against the balustrade of her sleeping chambers with Drake and watched as fire flies dotted about the skies and gardens below. It was such a beautiful place surrounded by mountains that were lush with vegetation. There were several people loitering around the royal gardens below. She even caught sight of a couple dashing into the bushes with giggles and whispered words. A blush painted itself against her cheeks.

Maya was worried though. Ever since Danya told her that Serensa was somewhere safe, no one had heard or seen her. She kept on asking Danya where the dragon was but Danya assured her that the female was alive and well far away from there. She did confirm that she was pregnant with Aleric’s baby but Danya made sure that she had a peace of mind and not try to hurt the baby.

“Why wouldn’t you tell me anything?” Maya asked Danya loudly pouting at the fact that Danya was not being very open.

Because that baby she carries is more important than you can imagine. She will be in danger when people realise her pregnancy. You can’t know because Sorcerers can break someone’s mind and get information easily. Danya said softly lazily floating in her head.

Before she could say anything else, Maya felt warm arms go around her small waist and grinned as Drake placed a kiss on her temple.

“What are you doing out here in the cold?” He asked her standing behind her and shielding her from the chilly breeze that was moaning across the land.

She shrugged lightly and leaned against his chest and sighed. “I was just asking Danya about the dreams she has been giving me. They creep me out. I dread what is coming tomorrow.”

Drake suddenly stiffened against her. “Me too....but I will be with you in every step of the way. Now, it is my turn to protect you against whatever it is that we are going to face in the future.”

Maya frowned and looked up at him. “You sound so terrified right now. What happened?”

Drake tried to smile but Maya knew her man better than he could imagine. “I just don’t want to lose you. I will fight for you Maya.”

Maya nodded. “I know you will.”

“And I was thinking....would you want to go into the human world with me?” He shrugged sheepily. They have never had a first date so the best thing was to try and give her something that would make her face brighten, making him forget what the ancients told him about her.

Her eyes widened. “What? Really? But I thought--”

He placed his finger on her mouth. “You can see your friends and family but they should not see you. I just want to do something great for you.”

“Oh Drake!” She hugged him tightly feeling tears stinging at the back of her eyes. “Yes, I want to go and see my family.” Then he pulled back and touched her face.

“You are everything, Maya, you are my life itself. I love you so much.”

“I love you more.” Maya stood on her toes and placed a kiss on his lips.

Maya wasn’t sure about the future and what it brought for her, Drake and the enchanted world, and Danya--the all knower kept so much from her, but with the way Maya was feeling, she didn’t care. What she cared at that moment was that she was sharing it with Drake. It felt as if every moment she spent with him was dire and that she had to cherish these priceless moments like the sand grains in an hour glass. She loved him with all her being and was ready to die a thousand deaths over to save him. She didn’t want to be anywhere else because she was the keeper of her Dragon mate’s heart as he was the keeper of hers.

“Come with me.” Drake took her hand and led her back inside.

Maya giggled like the woman who was taken by her lover into the garden bushes. Loving a Dragon wasn’t so bad, she thought lightly as Drake started attacking her clothes even before they had reached the bed. More giggles and yelps could be heard in the cool evening, a sign of hope for the bleak future.