Emory panted heavily, watching as a multitude of gods appeared in the arena, surrounding her. What baffled her was how they seemed to fill the little arena, making it look boundless, their sheer number intimidating.

“The era of the gods is over,” Emory said.

Did they plan to go back on the terms of the duel and attack her? She couldn’t tell from their Stoic expressions, but she knew she couldn’t take on all of them, even in her dragon form.

“You agreed to my terms, and Aworyn fell, fair and square. You are to leave this realm and choose your own supreme god. Leave us out of your schemes,” Emory said, drawing her swords. “I’m prepared to annihilate the entire Timeless Yonder if you make the mistake of trying to cross me.”

A god stepped forward from the multitude. “Surely you must understand that you have removed the great god of the sky and the great goddess of the night,” he said. “That leaves only one great god. I’m afraid, Emory Chav’re of the dragon fold, you cannot leave this arena alive.”

They all linked hands, and the arena filled with a blinding light. Emory squeezed her eyes shut, wondering why Kane or anyone else hadn’t shown up yet.

“Because this is not their fight,” the golden dragon’s voice echoed in her mind, almost like he was standing right beside her.

Her eyes snapped open, and Emory gasped when she found herself standing in the middle of the divine dragons. Gold, Silver, Black, Red, and Blue. They had their backs to her, facing the gods, as a beautiful multicoloured shield covered her. As she watched the dragons take off towards the gods with a speed she could barely keep track of, she re-sheathed her blades.

Emory swallowed, clutching her chest against the feeling she couldn’t quite place. It felt” it felt good to have someone defend her, protect her, and make her feel like she was not alone. It was even more incredible that it was them, the divine dragons whom she didn’t expect would regard her as one of them.

The gods” light clashed with the dragons” fire, an explosion of power that shook the very fabric of the arena. Emory stood within the protective shield, feeling the heat and energy surge around her. The divine dragons roared, their power overwhelming the gods, pushing them back.

The god who had spoken earlier struggled against the onslaught, and somehow his gaze met her and he glared. “This is not over, Emory Chav’re,” he spat.

“Oh, but it is,” she said with a wicked grin.

The divine dragons pushed the gods back further, their combined power creating a vortex that began to pull the gods away from the realm. Emory watched as, one by one, they were sucked into the void, their cries fading into nothingness.

When the last of the gods had been expelled, the divine dragons returned to her side, their fierce expressions softening as they looked at her. The golden dragon stepped forward and lowered his head to her level.

“The Timeless Yonder is no longer a threat to this realm,” he said, then paused. “You ought to never feel alone. You are part of the fold, queen to the dragon lord. You are never alone.”

She swallowed as she looked at him. In truth, she’d thought he hated her up until now. “Thank you,” she whispered.

The golden dragon dipped his head. “Go now, Empress of Morrian. Your people await.”

With a small nod, Emory turned and walked back through the doorway, the divine dragons watching her until she went through. She emerged in the courtyard, where Kane and everyone else stood, heads bowed in reverence. She looked up at the arena and saw the divines just as they vanished, and the arena slowly dissolved from the bright sky.

Kane moved first, wrapping her in a tight embrace once he reached her, and she grunted against the pain in her body.

“I am sorry,” he murmured as he let her go. “How are you?”

“I ache all over,” she groaned. “Did you see it all?”

“We did.” Trey came up to them. “Kinshra must be bustling with pride. She did a fine job training you,” he added with a big smile. Emory knew her aunt couldn’t be here on account of all the sound.

“To have the divine dragons appear to defend you, you must have made an indelible mark on them,” Dairdat said. “I rarely say this to anyone, imperial consort, but that was iconic.”

Emory chuckled, then grunted against the pain in her ribs, and Kirsten hurried to her side.

“Let’s get you inside.” Kirsten snapped her fingers at her wait staff, and they hurried over. “Imperial Lord, please allow us to tend to your mate. The council needs you, I suppose,” she added before Kane could speak.

Emory watched the tiny frown that formed between his brows and chuckled before walking away from Kirsten to him. “I will be fine, lover. Come find me when you’re done with the council.” Then she kissed him long and hard. “Ladies,” she called and started towards the tower, adding over her shoulder, “Try not to get too lost in the council’s endless debates.”

Kane sighed as he watched her. “I’ll find you as soon as I can.”

She winked at him, then turned to follow Kirsten and the wait staff. Once they stepped into the tower, the doorway appeared in front of them, and Emory led them through.

Much to her chagrin, it took them to the Temple of Divine Dragons instead of her lair, and the healers were waiting, lined up in front of the temple.

“Imperial consort,” all five of them bowed to her. “This way, Lady Odreil, we have prepared the herbs and spells to help you recover,” the healer with red eyes almost like Dairdat’s said.

Lady Odreil. Emory’s eyes widened slightly. It had completely skipped her mind that she was now really fully immersed in the dragon fold. Not only was she no longer Lady Chav’re—that would now pass on to Kirsten—she was the Lady of Qaelasyn. Somehow she found herself here, as Luna, to the entire empire. She couldn’t escape the duty she’d never wanted to be a part of, as it seemed.

“Emory?” Kirsten called, touching her shoulder. “Is something wrong?”

She snapped back to reality and looked at her sister-in-law. Kirsten was the only friend she had so far, and she was grateful for that. Her gift! She hadn’t got around to opening it yet.

“No. I think it just dawned on me that I am Lady Odreil,” she confessed.

Kirsten smiled and took her hand, leading her after the healers into the temple. They led her to one of the private rooms, a black room decorated with black furniture, and Emory smiled as she took it in. It looked very quaint.

Once inside, the wait staff fussed over her, guiding her to a plush chair and bringing cool cloths to soothe her aching muscles. Kirsten hovered nearby, pacing as the healers moved around preparing herbs and such.

Emory took a deep breath and closed her eyes, thinking about her duel with Aworyn. She had faced gods, fought in a duel, and was now the Empress of Morrian. It was a lot to take in, but for now, all she wanted was a moment of peace and a chance to heal.

“Are you really okay?” Kirsten asked, and Emory’s eyes slipped open to see the worry in her eyes.

Emory sighed, leaning back and closing her eyes. “I’ll be fine. Just need a bit of rest and some TLC.”

Kirsten nodded. “We’ll make sure you get it. You’ve earned it, Empress.”

She chuckled softly. “I suppose I have. Now, let’s see if I can get used to people calling me that without laughing.”

Kirsten grinned. “You’ll get used to it. And if not, well, I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it your own.”

“I never thought I’d be thrust into such a role. You’re better suited for it,” she told Kirsten.

“Which is why I am Luna to the wolves, Emory.” Kirsten lowered to the bench beside her. “I could never do what you did, and I disagree with you. You’re a warrior, a raging tempest, and that is exactly what is required from the dragon queen. No one else could ever. You were created for this.”

Emory smiled at her. “Thank you. For being there for Trey and for being my friend.”

“You don’t owe me any thanks. I am happy to be your friend. What I need from you is for you to not be too hard on yourself and too closed up,” Kirsten said as she gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“We don’t mean to speak out of turn, your imperial highness, but we are lucky to have you as empress and mistress,” Elara said, and Emory noticed her attendees as well as Kirsten’s were kneeling in a semicircle in front of her with their heads bowed.

“Why are you kneeling?” she wondered.

“It is the way of the dragon fold, imperial consort,” Lyra said as she joined them. She dipped in a bow. “The wait staffs, warriors, and all in service to the throne must lower their heads and kneel in the presence of the emperor and empress.”

“Not my personal staff. Get up, all of you,” Emory ordered, and she felt the scalding heat that followed her command. It shocked her and appeared to have shocked her wait staff more because they hurried to their feet. “You’re not my slaves. You’re helpers, and to be appointed as helpers to the empress is no small feat, is it?” she asked Lyra.

“Not at all. They were chosen by the divine dragon’s fire, specifically for you, imperial consort,” Lyra answered.

“Exactly. It is your supreme duty to make my life easier, and mine to do the same for you. Only you get to look me in the eye and stand before me. You too, Whitecrest wolves. Stand,” Emory said, and they did slowly. “Might want to change your clothes and everything to match mine.”

“Who is the head staff amongst you?” Kirsten asked them.

Nerys stepped forward. She was a petite woman with black hair and sharp green eyes. “I am, lady Chav’re,” she said with a slight bow.

Kirsten looked her over. “What’s your name?”

“Nerys, milady.”

“Well, Nerys, congratulations on your role. You and your team did a fantastic job tonight,” Kirsten said.

Nerys beamed. “Thank you, lady Chav’re, imperial consort.”

Kirsten chuckled. “See, Emory? You’ve got a fantastic staff on in your service.”

Emory smiled, feeling a little more at ease. “Alright, Nerys, get everyone together and decide on what you would love your new colours and designs to be and let me know when you are ready. And tell Rimyrth to do the same.”

Nerys nodded, motioning for the staff to follow her. Emory watched as they moved out of the room, leaving her alone with Kirsten, Lyra and the healers. Now she stared at the elder, wondering why she was here.

Kirsten stayed beside her, eyes twinkling with amusement. “You know, when we first met, I never thought you’d end up here.”

Emory raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? What did you think I’d be doing?”

“Honestly? I thought you’d probably end up leading a rebellion somewhere or causing all kinds of trouble. I never imagined you’d be here, ruling an empire.”

Emory laughed. “Well, I still might cause some trouble. But I suppose I’ve grown into the role, haven’t I?”

Kirsten nodded, a smile lighting up her face. “You’ve done more than that. You’ve embraced it. And I think the empire is better for it.”

Emory took a deep breath, letting Kirsten’s words sink in. She had come a long way from the uncertain girl who left Broiia.

“How is Kira? I haven’t had the chance to pay her a visit.” Emory wiped her brow and watched the healers come up to her.

“Kira is doing better. She would have loved to be here for your ceremony,” Kirsten said, settling into a nearby sofa, her expression softening.

“I understand,” Emory breathed, feeling the weight of all those who couldn’t be there.

The healers politely asked her to rise so they could examine her injuries. She did as they instructed, allowing them to carefully remove her suit. Once she was down to her black lingerie, they escorted her to the bed, and Emory lay down, staring up at the ceiling with a deep breath.

“We will clean your wounds and apply the herbs,” the chief healer with flaming red hair and eyes said to her. Emory nodded, feeling the cool touch of their hands as they began their work.

“Why are you here, Lyra?” she finally asked, turning her head slightly.

“Because we never really got the chance to talk and get to know one another considering that I am the elder in your service, Lady Odreil. I represent your interests on the council and report to you,” Lyra explained, lowering herself into the sofa opposite Kirsten.

“Ah, another ally. I don’t feel so troubled leaving you alone in Qaelasyn,” Kirsten said, her voice filled with relief.

“But Lady Odreil is not alone. She has the imperial lord, and in time, she will gain friends within the province and the empire,” Lyra replied. “I believe the only reason the imperial consort does not have so many friends is because she was raised in seclusion. She has a beautiful soul and a welcoming aura; it will only be a matter of time.”

Emory smiled softly, appreciating the kind words. “Thank you, Lyra. It’s good to know I have you on my side.”

Lyra dipped her head respectfully. “It is my honour, Empress.”

As the healers continued their work, Emory felt a sense of calm settle over her. The herbs they applied had a soothing effect, easing the aches and pains from the battle. She glanced over at Kirsten, who was watching her with a thoughtful expression.

“You know,” Kirsten said, breaking the silence. “I am so glad you ended up here. You’ve come such a long way, and I have truly gained a sister.”

Emory smiled warmly. “So am I, and it feels good having a sister.”

“You’ve become someone we can all look up to. Queen and warrior, Emory. Your parents and brothers would be proud,” Kirsten added.

“Thank you. That means a lot,” Emory replied.

Kirsten reached out and squeezed her hand. “You’ve earned every bit of it. Now rest and recover.”

Emory nodded, closing her eyes and letting the soothing sensations of the herbs and the gentle touch of the healers wash over her. The room was filled with the subtle scents of eucalyptus and lavender, calming her nerves and easing her aches. She had just begun to relax when she sensed Kane’s presence, his familiar scent wafting to her like a potent pollen. Her eyes snapped open as he entered the room.

“Your imperial highness,” the room chorused as Kirsten and Lyra rose.

“Give us a minute, all of you,” Kane ordered, and they hurried out of the room. He moved to the bed. “Eilir, how do you feel?” He lowered himself beside her, gently stroking her face.

“They haven’t gotten around to doing much yet. You are interrupting,” she said with a smile, and he laughed, a rich, comforting sound.

“I just” I couldn’t concentrate knowing you were back here. The council can wait. You are more important,” he said, lowering his head to kiss her. His lips were warm and tender and seared her weary soul.

She returned the kiss, moaning her pleasure as she held his face. “I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered against his lips.

Kane pulled back slightly. “I’ll always be here for you, Emory. You’re my everything.”

Tears rolled down her cheek, not because she was sad, but because she was truly grateful for him. “I love you, Kane Odreil.”

“And I love you, Eilir,” he replied, brushing the tear away with his thumb. “Now, rest. Let the healers do their work. We have eternity ahead of us, and I need you at your best.”

Emory nodded and closed her eyes again, feeling the warmth of Kane’s hand in hers, the gentle touch of the healers, and the soothing scents filling the room. She was surrounded by love and support, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly at peace.

Even as she drifted into a restful sleep, she knew she would handle whatever came. And with Kane by her side, there was nothing she couldn’t do.