Emory woke up, wincing against the headache that attacked her like a pack of rabid wolves. She felt better, though. The blinding pain in her shoulder and all over her body had finally packed its bags and left. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the light in the room, and she realized she was in Kane’s round bed in his lair.

Just like that, memories of her fight with Raius rushed back, and she shot up swiftly, looking herself over. Good, she was not a dragon. But was that real? Did she really defeat Raius? And why did she still have these glyphs on her body? She was only half-covered in a pair of cloths, so she could see how the glyphs had almost completely covered her entire body now.

She heard the sound of her wait staff approaching and watched the door, waiting. Liora, Nerys, Elara, and Thalia entered and gasped before hurrying to her side.

“Imperial Consort, you’re awake!” they shouted as they knelt beside her.

“Thank goodness. You’ve been out of it for three days,” Nerys said.

“Three days?” Emory’s eyes widened in shock. “What about the unification?”

“The Crimson Wing had to put it off. But the treaty has been signed between all four territories, and Qaelasyn Province became the capital of the Empire yesterday,” Liora told her.

Great. This trial had interfered with her union to her mate. With a hiss, she pushed the cover off her legs and climbed out of bed.

“Imperial Consort, are you strong enough to be on your feet?” Nerys jumped up, and the others followed.

“Yes, I am well. I need to get cleaned and dressed to see the dragon lord.” Emory huffed. If they signed the treaty last night, then he should still be with the elder dragons. Not to mention, Rahl and Trey would still be in Qaelasyn.

“We will prepare you, your imperial highness,” Elara said, bustling about.

They helped her bathe in the brook, their movements very delicate, even with her assurances that she was feeling better. The warm water soothed her, the gentle flow of the brook washing away the residue of her trial. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth filled the air, creating a calming atmosphere. Emory could feel the care in every touch as they washed her hair and gently scrubbed her skin. There was no pain any more, but she understood their worry.

Once done, they returned to the bedroom. The scent of the oils they used to anoint her skin was heavenly, a blend of lavender and jasmine that relaxed her muscles and cleared her mind. They worked in harmonious silence, each movement so fluid and practised. Emory watched them work, impressed by their skill. They must have done this a lot to be so adept at it.

Liora held up a flowing golden olive-green robe, the fabric shimmering in the light. Emory slipped into it, feeling the soft material against her skin. They used the same magic oils to detangle her hair and brush her curls up into a very effortless ponytail. She looked at herself in the mirror, and smiled.

She thanked her staff, appreciating their care and attentiveness. “You’ve done well. Thank you.”

They bowed, smiling at her. “It’s our honour, Imperial Consort.”

Stepping out into the hall, Emory followed them to the door, deciding against using the doorway. If she’d been bedridden for days, she needed to take the time to walk around for a bit, to feel the solid ground beneath her feet and clear her mind.

As she walked through the halls of the dragon king’s tower, her wait staff wasn’t the only ones escorting her. Rimyrth and his regiment had been waiting outside the door and now flanked her. The sounds of the tower—distant conversations, the rustle of robes, the faint hum of magic—surrounded her, making her feel connected to this place and its people. The scent of incense and ancient stone filled her senses, and she could hear everything contained within these walls.

Turning a corner, she spotted Rahl approaching from the opposite direction. His eyes widened when he saw her, and he quickened his pace. His Lycan warriors followed swiftly behind him.

“Emory,” he said. “You’re awake.”

“Rahl,” she greeted, trying to keep her tone light. “Yes, I’m awake.”

He nodded, his eyes scanning her as if to ensure she was truly alright. “You look” different,” he said, then his gaze dropped to the glyphs on her neck and lingered.

“I feel different,” she admitted. “But I’m still me. How are things on your end?”

“The treaty was signed, as you probably know. But’” Rahl trailed off, his gaze lingering on her band of escorts. “Is it possible to have a word in private?”

Emory studied him, noticing something different in his countenance. There was a vulnerability, a raw honesty that made her heart ache. Could it be that the divine dragons had indeed removed the link and released his Lycan? If so, she needed to speak with Dairdat. But going off alone with him in her mate’s tower felt wrong. She should be trying to find Kane. Yet, seeing Rahl standing there, she felt a rush of conflicting emotions.

He looked breathtaking in his royal attire, a deep blue robe with silver accents that made his blue eyes sparkle. It highlighted his powerful physique in such a way that made him look even bigger than he was. His hair was neatly tucked around the crown on his head. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt an urge to reach out, to stroke his face, to feel the warmth of his skin against her palm.

“Ladies, Rimyrth,” she said, turning to her escorts. “Could you give us a moment?”

Her attendants and guards exchanged glances but nodded, retreating a few steps to give them space. Rahl’s guards did the same. Emory took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she turned back to Rahl.

“What’s on your mind, Rahl?” Emory asked softly, her eyes searching his.

He stepped closer, his familiar scent enveloping her senses. “Did something happen to you? For whatever reason, Seraphine’s weird mark on my chest simply vanished the night we arrived here” and my Lycan came unbound.”

She scratched her brow with a small laugh. “I had to pass a trial to prove myself to the divine dragons, and I asked them to do that for you as a reward.”

His brows hiked in surprise. “Why would you do that? You owed me nothing.”

“It was the lesser of two evils.” She shrugged. “Anything to avoid driving a knife through your heart.”

He chuckled. “Thank you, I owe you everything.” She managed a smile. “I have been thinking about you, a lot.”

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. Memories of stolen kisses, battles fought together, and their undeniable connection rushed back. The guilt gnawed at her, knowing that her heart was divided. She cared for Kane deeply, but there was a part of her still stuck on Rahl, and she didn’t understand it.

“I” I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Rahl’s eyes softened, and he reached out, his fingers gently brushing against her cheek. With a shake of her head, she stepped out of his reach.

“You can’t do that, Rahl. Not here,” she warned quietly.

“Maybe things happened for a reason. Your unification ceremony being called off and-”

“Don’t say that.”

He took a breath, pausing as he stared at her. “I apologize.”

“Rahl, I’”

Before she could finish, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her protectively. She felt the warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart, and for a moment, she allowed herself to just be in his arms.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, Emory realized just how much she cared for him. But the guilt of betraying Kane’s trust jolted her. She pulled back slightly, looking up at Rahl.

“I need to see Kane,” she said. “I guess I will see you around.”

She walked away from him without waiting for a response, and her escorts rushed to catch up with her. They reached the chambers leading to the royal court, and she paused, thinking it might be better to pay her brother a visit first. But she didn’t get the chance to really think about it. Kane’s aura overwhelmed her like nothing she’d ever experienced, and she swallowed, watching as the doors at the end of the hall creaked open.

Her mate stepped out in the most resplendent attire ever, and she gasped a little as she ogled at him. Kane stood bare-chested, with the glyphs on his well-toned torso pulsing with power. Black metal pauldrons covered his broad shoulders, and his hands are encased in gauntlets made from the same dark metal as his pauldrons. His lower body is protected by a long, flowing black skirt-like garment made from heavy, reinforced fabric. The skirt is divided into panels that allow for movement while providing maximum protection. Each panel is decorated with metallic patterns . Underneath the skirt, are armoured greaves that cover his shins and knees.

A heavy, jewel-encrusted black crown sat atop his silver hair, and his golden eyes shone with an intensity that made her heart race. He moved with a grace that belied his strength, his every step exuding authority and power. Emory felt a rush of emotions—relief, love, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. This was her mate, her king, and the sight of him filled her with pride and awe.

He stepped forward, and his gaze stayed locked on hers. Kane’s long strides brought him quickly to her, his every movement radiating authority and urgency. He reached out, gently cupping her face as she smiled up at him.

“Eilir,” he murmured. “You’re awake. I’ve been so worried.”

“Your Imperial Highness,” the guards and wait staff behind her curtsied. Even though she heard them, her eyes never left her mate.

She looked him over up close and gulped. His presence was overwhelming, the black glyphs on his bare chest and abs giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. “I’m alright,” she reassured him.

He pulled her into a tender embrace, his arms wrapping around her as he exhaled deeply, the gauntlets pressing firmly against her back. “Thank the stars,” he whispered into her hair. “I thought I’d lost you.”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” She pulled away to look at him, giving in to the desire to touch him as she pressed her hand against his chest. “Is this a ceremonial outfit?” she asked, a playful glint in her eye.

“One of many.” He smiled. “I see it pleases you.” He stroked her face, thumb coming to stroke her lips.

“More than you know.” She grinned, feeling an indescribable tingle settling between her thighs.

“Lady Chav’re,” Dairdat called as he and the other elders appeared behind Kane, their robes matching their eye colours. “It is good to see you up and well.”

“Thank you, Elder Dairdat.” Emory smiled, nodding at the Crimson Wing. “Crimson Wing,” she added, acknowledging their presence before turning back to Kane. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“Indeed. Come, join us in the hall and tell us of your trial.” He took her hand, leading her to the throne room with an air of purpose.

As they walked, Emory couldn’t keep her eyes off him, and he seemed to notice her particular lust for him as his lips curled into a smirk. He gave her hand a squeeze before leading her past the elders at the door and into the chamber. She heard Varyn tell her party to wait outside the doors and followed Kane up to the throne.

“By the way,” he began as he tucked her arm in the nook of his as they climbed the stairs. “You look breathtaking.”

She looked over at him, a playful glint in her eye. “Not nearly as delicious as you.”

He looked at her and growled, his eyes glowing gold, and Emory felt his arousal through her glyphs like it was her own.

“We better make this quick, then.” He helped her into her seat and held her face, tipping it up to his as he lowered just close enough to almost kiss her. “We don’t want you too distracted drooling over your mate.”

“Isn’t that how the gods intended it?” she arched a brow, but the mention of gods brought Raius to mind. “Speaking of gods, I may have incited a war with my trial.”

Kane blinked, his smirk vanishing. “You did what now?”

“Yeah, so, there I was, fighting off a pack of wyverns—no big deal, really—and then Raius shows up. And, well, I might have set him on fire. A lot.”

Kane’s eyebrows shot up, and he leaned back slightly the withdrew to sit. “Let’s begin the inquisition,” he said to the court. “After a trial, it is customary for the tried to relay what the divines wanted and how the trial went with the royal court.”

She nodded. “I appeared before the divine dragons and was tasked with wiping out the wyverns Raius had summoned and planned to unleash on our unification ceremony.”

“That scumbag!” Kane roared. “I knew they couldn’t leave well enough alone. I should have his head once I gave the chance to see him.”

“I’” Emory coughed. “My trial was twofold. Deal with the wyverns and bring the divine dragons Raius” head.”

She heard the gasp from the elders, saw how Kane’s eyes widened in shock then narrowed in rage and she knew his rage was because his ancestors had dealt her a near impossible trial.

“And you passed the trial?” Lyra asked. Emory nodded. “That will mean Raius is dead?”

“Yes. Couldn’t have done it if I didn’t’” She paused. “My fire turned green when I faced him. It was quite spectacular, if I do say so myself.”

“Green fire,” Kane repeated. “Like” dragon fire.”

Emory shrugged, trying to play it cool. “That wasn’t the most shocking thing. When I tried shifting into my hunter form, I shifted into a dragon instead. It’s how I could remove him.”

The elders shot up to their feet as Kane now turned fully in his throne to face her. It was mind-boggling for her too, so she understood their reaction.

“Well, you’ve certainly done that.” He glanced around the chamber. “This might complicate things a bit with the gods.”

“Complicate things? They brought this on themselves trying to ruin our unification ceremony. What’s a little divine assassination on top of that?” Emory asked.

Kane chuckled, shaking his head. “Leave it to you to make killing a god sound like a casual afternoon activity.”

“What colour was your scale when you turned?” Varyn asked. The elders looked more mortified than her mate.

“Why?” she asked.

“They worry that if you truly transformed into a dragon, either the divine dragons brought you into the fold and bestowed you with a dragon kin or you were simply possessed by one of them to remove Raius,” Kane explained. “In any way, it would mean the gods will know a dragon removed Raius, which is why they have refused every summon from us since.”

“I see,” she said to herself.

“So, what colour was your scale?” Kane asked this time.

Emory thought for a moment, recalling the vivid details of her transformation. “Gold, with hints of green,” she replied.

Kane’s eyes widened slightly. “Gold and green? That’s’”

“Spectacular?” Emory finished with a smirk. “I thought so too.”

The elders exchanged glances before Varyn cleared his throat. “If she shifted into a dragon with those colours, it suggests a direct link to the golden divine, possibly even a kinship. This changes things significantly.”

“We need to tread carefully,” Dairdat said. “If the gods believe a dragon killed Raius, they might see it as a declaration of war. We must complete your unification rite as soon as possible. Lord Odreil, we will make the preparations for tonight.”

Emory began to speak but trailed off as she felt a familiar, unsettling sensation, reminiscent of sinking into the abyss of her trial. She paused, looking around the room before squeezing her eyes shut.

Dragon Queen. Take your mate and follow the pull to Timeless Yonder, now!

The commanding voice of the golden divine dragon echoed in her mind, its rumble unmistakable. Was she linked to him now? Ugh. Her eyes snapped open, and she rose with a huff, her sudden movement drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

What the hell was the Timeless Yonder?