All Chapters of Dawlya’s Dragon: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

42 The day was peaceful, exactly what everyone needed. Guards lounged under the warm sun, soaking up the rays like contented lizards. Kyle sat beside Brie with Avi’s application in hand, sending it back to her twice when he found sections missing. Avi quickly learned that royal administration was far less forgiving than basic training. With Daxen and Morgan’s arrival, the dragon games became lively. Challenges were issued between flights, and a planned hunt was scheduled for later in the afternoon. Through it all, Avi couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on her, a sensation that proved true every time she caught Baylin, Daxen’s son, studying her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. Fortunately, Cain noticed too, and stayed close. After the afternoon meal, the four highest royals Brie, Trace, Mikan, and Daxen, disappeared into a conference room to discuss the Dawlya threat and the path forward. Their sentinels remained stationed in the hall for security. Cain stood with them

44 Cain sat on a rock at the top of the waterfall, water roaring beneath him while his thoughts roared just as loudly. He’d lost control. He yelled at Avi. He buried his face in his hands. “She’s never going to forgive me… Maker, she’ll never let me mark her now.” Out of the corner of his eye, a spiral-horn frog hopped onto the rock beside him and croaked. Cain let out a tired sigh. “How am I supposed to protect you when you transform into something a hawk could swallow?” The frog croaked again. “What do you want, Mikan?” The frog shimmered, elongated, and in a blink Mikan sat cross-legged on the rock, smirking. “I like frogs. It’s small. Safe,” he said. “And I like sitting next to you where you can protect me.” Cain rolled his eyes. “How are you?” “Oh, I’m wonderful,” Cain snapped. Mikan chuckled. “I can’t believe you made it this far without showing her what an ass you truly are.” Cain stared straight ahead, jaw tight. “So,” Mikan asked lightly, “when are you going to apolo

46 Brie walked outside and spotted Mikan alone on a rock at the far end of the clearing. The moment he saw her approaching, he climbed down as if preparing to escape. “Mikan, could I talk with you?” she asked gently. “Another time,” he said, brushing past her. “I need to get ready to leave for the capital with Trace.” “Talk to me, Mikan,” Brie insisted, stepping into his path. “I know you weren’t happy about the decision we made. Is there anything I can do to help you?” He let out a humorless, broken chuckle. “It was a wasted dream, Brie. There’s nothing you can do.” “So tell me what it is,” she pressed. “What does the South have that would let you rule the system?” Mikan exhaled sharply. “So someone told you.” He shook his head. “Forget it. It’s over.” Brie tried again, but he cut her off this time raising his voice. “It. Is. Over. I was willing to wait until you died to take the throne, Brie, but I’m not going to build my destiny on the death of Rodic and Connor. I won’t. S

48 Trent stood abruptly, shock softening his usually stern features. He walked toward Avi as if in a dream. “Avin?” His voice cracked. Avi smiled gently. Trent gathered her into a fierce embrace. “My beautiful granddaughter…” A tear slid down his cheek. “Missed you, Grandfather,” she giggled against his chest. “Can’t breathe.” “Oh sorry, sorry.” Trent loosened his grip, though he kept one hand on her shoulder, unwilling to let her out of reach. “Trent, let the child breathe,” Duncan teased with a smile. At that moment a councilman suddenly burst into loud laughter. Trace turned toward him. “Something funny, Councilman?” “Forgive me, Sire, I meant no disrespect.” The man wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. “You just announced this officer is your daughter and the sentinel’s girlfriend. It finally clicked why you nearly burned Cain alive. You weren’t trying to punish him, you were trying to reduce him to ash!” A ripple of laughter moved through the council, Trace included. Ev

50 Avi didn’t even remember falling asleep. When she finally opened her eyes, she recognized the room in her chamber at the royal villa but she had no memory of how she’d returned there. A soft touch stroked her hair. She rolled over and found Cain lying beside her, relaxed but watching her closely. Avi looked sad. Quiet. “What’s wrong?” he asked gently. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Cain frowned. “What do you have to be sorry for?” “I didn’t mean to use my magic.” He exhaled, long and tired. “Avin… your magic is part of you. You used it to help. Ravier was choking Linka and Puc you saved them. You don’t need to apologize for that.” Then he added with a crooked grin, “Though maybe next time just tell me to let go instead of shocking me.” Avi flushed. “Sorry about that.” “That,” he chuckled, “is something worth apologizing for.” She snuggled closer to him, and he kissed the top of her head. “So,” he murmured, “are you ready for some fun?” Avi cracked one eye open. Her look sai