Chapter 1

Even after fourteen years, the memories of that night still sting. It’s strange how time can fly, even after such a horrific event.

When Lord Jekia saved me, I knew my life was forever altered. My parents and my sect were gone, leaving me as the last Sun Faerie. That was a lot to digest, but I soon realized I wouldn’t be alone.

Lord Jekia’s family, especially his sons Rin and Rayne, who were my age, would be there for me. I didn’t stay at the palace for long—just a month—but Rin, Rayne, and I remained friends even after I left.

I was taken in by a kind Rainbow Faerie named Anika. We kept in touch through letters, and she visited me occasionally. But as we grew older, things started to change, making me ponder about my future.

I paused on the path that meandered through the fields, pushing back my long golden hair. I was hoping a walk would clear my head, as it usually did. But this time, it was proving to be more challenging.

My day had started off well. After helping Anika open her shop, I went to pick up some items for our home. I planned to spend the rest of the day working on a dress I’d been making.

But my plans were interrupted when I overheard a conversation on the street. The topic of their discussion stopped me in my tracks.

They were talking about Rayne choosing a beta. This news took me by surprise, and I had to confirm if it was just a rumor or the truth. The two older Fae women were known to gossip, especially about the royal family.

But they assured me it was true. The palace had announced it the previous day. Rayne had a wife—his new, beautiful beta.

This news hit me hard. Rayne hadn’t mentioned anything about wanting a beta, and I’d seen him just a month ago. I’d been hinting at wanting more than friendship with him for the past year. I thought if he wanted the same, he’d consider me first.

We’d known each other since childhood, and that could be a solid foundation for us. The realization that it would never happen was devastating. I tried to hide my disappointment from them, thanked them for the information, and attempted to continue with my day.

But it was hard to focus on anything after hearing that news. Eventually, I decided a long walk might help me pull myself together. I hoped the serenity of nature would clear my mind, but it was proving to be harder than I thought.

I looked up at the mountains in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery. Their peaks seemed to touch the clouds. I remembered the stories Anika told me about them when I was a child. These mountains were considered dangerous due to the wild creatures that lived in the surrounding forests. Only the bravest dared to venture there.

But there was a special breed of creature that called these mountains home—the most elite within the Veil.

The Dragons.

I’d heard many stories about the Dragons over the years. There weren’t many left, and the three strongest lived in the three tallest mountains. The strongest of them all, known as the Dragon King, was supposed to be a contender for the ruler of our lands. But he chose to support Lord Jekia instead.

I often wondered about him and the other Dragons. They were said to be beautiful, strong, and intelligent creatures. Their wings ranged from ebony to ivory, and their eyes were said to be the most captivating in the Veil.

A gust of wind tousled my hair and made the hem of my teal dress dance. I pulled my cardigan tighter around me, a shiver running down my spine. The air was chillier than I’d anticipated. Maybe it was time to head home. At least I felt ready to face Anika, to hide my true feelings about Rayne’s beta.

She must be stunning, I mused as I started my journey home. And why wouldn’t she be? Rayne deserved someone beautiful, someone who would love him unconditionally.

But I was beautiful too. I’d heard it enough times to believe it, even if I wasn’t one to flaunt it. My skin was smooth, unblemished, and my long golden-blonde hair shimmered like sunlight. My eyes, a vibrant blue, were always the first thing people noticed.

I wasn’t particularly tall, but I had a figure that I knew was appealing to most. So why couldn’t I catch the attention of the one man I wanted? What was I missing?

I tried to keep my thoughts from turning sour. It wasn’t fair to resent this woman just because he chose her. That was too selfish. I needed to move on, to wish them happiness.

As I neared the woods, an unusual sound broke my train of thought. I froze, straining to listen. The rustling of grass and leaves was constant, but now there was something else—a sound like the beating of large wings. It was unfamiliar, intriguing, so I turned to investigate.

My first thought was that it might be one of the Birds from the Veil. They had dense, large wings, unlike the Fae.

But the figure I saw in the distance was no Bird. It emerged from the mountains, massive ivory wings gleaming in the afternoon sun. I watched, mesmerized, as it flew closer. Even from this distance, I could tell it was a male. His hair, the same color as his wings, whipped around his face. He wore dark clothes that accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular build.

Could he be a Dragon? I wondered. Am I actually seeing one?

He remained high in the sky as he neared. Our eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. My heart fluttered, a strange sensation washing over me. I struggled to identify it.

Was it attraction? Awe? Or something deeper, something I couldn’t yet comprehend?

I didn’t have time to figure it out. The figure swooped past me, then circled back and began to descend. I stepped back, watching as he landed a few feet away.

The man before me was tall, nearly seven feet, and his gaze was intense. His eyes were a striking contrast—black sclera and bright gold irises. His ivory hair framed a handsome face, and he folded his wings as he studied me.

A moment of silence passed before he spoke. His voice was deep, captivating.

“I don’t believe we’ve met, but perhaps that’s my fault. It’s been a while since I’ve left the mountain,” he said.

I was sure now that I was face-to-face with a Dragon. I did my best to remain composed.

“You might not have. I’ve only lived here for about fourteen years,” I replied. I curtsied, holding my skirt and bowing my head. “I apologize if I distracted you. I was just heading home from my walk.”

His footsteps echoed as he approached me.

“You don’t have to be so formal,” he said. “And no, you didn’t interrupt anything. I was just passing time and wanted to get a closer look at you. So, lift your chin and talk to me like we’re equals.”

I did as he asked, straightening my posture and meeting his gaze. He was standing right in front of me now, forcing me to tilt my head back to look him in the eye.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll do it,” I said. “But let me know if I cross any lines.”

“Not at all,” the Dragon replied. “I get tired of all the formalities. Speak freely.”

“It seems like everyone tries to be formal with you,” I observed. “I can see why, though. Everything about you screams alpha.”

The Dragon huffed lightly, a resigned smile playing on his lips. “That’s true, and I don’t blame those who know their place. But I think it would be nice to have a casual conversation with you. It’s been a while since I’ve had that. You don’t mind keeping me company, do you?”

There was something in his words that hinted at loneliness. It was strange. I wouldn’t have thought an alpha could feel lonely. They were usually surrounded by others, and their pride probably didn’t allow for such feelings most of the time.

“Of course not,” I said. “I don’t have any pressing matters, and it’s not too late. I can stay as long as you want.”

“I appreciate that,” he said, glancing down the path I’d come from. “Why don’t we take a walk? I like the quiet here.”

I agreed, and we started walking side by side. It was odd, but I also liked how unexpected this was. It could be the distraction I needed.

“I know this might sound strange, but I need to ask. Are you a Dragon?” I asked.

“I am. My name is Navine,” he said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Navine. I’m Raelina.”

“Raelina,” he repeated, sounding thoughtful. “A beautiful name. And you’re a beautiful Faerie. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like you before, and I thought I’d seen all types of Fae.”

“You might not have, at least not recently. I’m a Sun Fae, the last of my kind. My sect was the only one left, and the lycans wiped them out fourteen years ago,” I explained.

Navine didn’t react visibly, but his voice was more somber when he responded. “I remember hearing about that terrible event. I heard that Jekia saved a young one who survived. I guess that’s you.”

“That’s me. Lord Jekia saved me from the lycan who was trying to kill me. I’ve been living here with Anika since then,” I said.

“That’s good to hear. I know Anika is very nurturing, so she’s a good fit to be your new mother,” Navine said.

“You know Anika?”

“We’ve met a few times, but not recently. Her medicines are useful when needed, and I know I can rely on her.”

No wonder Anika knew so much about the Dragons. She occasionally sold them her medicines.

“I’m glad you think highly of her. She’s been wonderful to me, and I’m grateful she took me in,” I told him.

“I can imagine,” Navine said, nodding. It felt like he was studying me as we walked. “It’s strange, but I get the feeling you’re upset about something. Are you still hurting from that loss?”

I shook my head, deciding to be somewhat honest with him. “I won’t lie. That pain will always be there, no matter how much time passes. But that’s not what’s bothering me today. It’s more about my feelings for someone else.”

“So, you’re worried about being rejected by someone you like?” Navine guessed.

I thought, ~He’s pretty straightforward~. “I can’t pretend that I wasn’t disappointed when I found out that the guy I’ve been crushing on chose a beta over me. But it’s not just about him. I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s next for me. Even though I’m a Faerie, I’m the last of the Sun Fae, and I’m at a crossroads. Should I settle down or should I live my life solo?” I confessed.

Navine nodded, understanding my dilemma. “It’s natural for you to ponder these things. You’re at an age where these decisions matter.”

I sighed deeply. “You’re right. And Anika has been worried about me. She’s asked me several times if I’m considering any of the local guys.”

“And are you?”

I shook my head. “No. I just can’t see them as anything more than friends.”

Navine seemed to ponder my words. “That’s how it should be. Choosing a life partner is a huge decision.”

I nodded, then hesitated before asking the question that had been nagging at me. “I hope it’s not too forward, but do you have someone special in your life?”

Navine shook his head. “No, and I’m fine with that. I don’t have a beta, nor do I want one. I like to think that no one is my equal, although I do recognize that Jekia is a notch above me as the ruler of these lands.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s a bit arrogant, don’t you think?”

Navine shrugged. “Maybe. But I don’t really care. I do what I think is right.” He paused, turning to face me. “But I do enjoy our conversations. There’s something different about you. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to keep seeing you.”

His words surprised me, but I didn’t see any harm in it. He was interesting and, I had to admit, quite attractive.

“I wouldn’t mind that at all. It gets lonely at the cottage when Anika is out delivering her herbs and medicines. Plus, I enjoy our talks. It would be nice to get to know you better,” I told him.

Navine gave me a sly smile. “I’d like that. Now, if I were to propose something, would you hear me out?”

“A proposal?”

He nodded. “Yes. I’ve been feeling like something’s missing in my life, and I think I’ve found it in you. How would you feel about becoming my wife and letting me take care of you?”

I was stunned. “You want to marry me?”

“Yes.”

“But you hardly know me. How can you be sure I’m the right one for you?” I asked.

Navine smiled confidently. “Trust me, I’m a good judge of character. And I want to be clear—I don’t want you to be my beta. You’d be my wife. And you wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I’d take care of you.”

His offer was tempting. I knew the benefits of being with an alpha. But I wasn’t sure what being Navine’s wife would entail.

He was adamant about not wanting a beta, and I wasn’t sure what he expected from a wife.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t say yes right now. Can I have some time to think about it?” I asked.

Navine nodded. “Of course. Take three days to think it over.”

“Three days,” I repeated, mulling it over. “That should be enough time. Should I come to you, or will you come to the cottage?”

“I’ll make sure to stop by the cottage. I can just picture Anika’s face if I didn’t, and I’m not about to whisk you away from your adoptive mom without a word. It’s only right, even if she does know me pretty well.”

“I’m grateful for that, and for your proposal too. Regardless of my decision, there’s a certain kindness in your offer,” I responded.

“Maybe,” Navine said. He gently held my chin and studied my face. “I’m eager to hear your decision, Raelina. I trust you won’t let me down.”

A soft shiver traveled up my spine as he released me and stepped back. His wings spread wide, and a cool breeze brushed against me as he took flight.

I stood still, watching his silhouette shrink as he flew back toward the mountain.

Navine.

This Dragon was dead serious about his proposal, and I couldn’t deny that the idea of marrying him wasn’t entirely unappealing, even though I wasn’t sure what it would demand of me.

I also couldn’t convince myself that I truly had a say in this. It seemed more like he was just giving me room to come to terms with it.

But for now, all I could do was take these next three days to mull it over. Hopefully, by the time he came back for me, I’d be ready to say yes.