Blackheart’s fleet was scattered. His monstrous allies had either surrendered or disappeared into the shadows. As for Blackheart himself, well… Ashure’s smile turned grim.
That villain had made the fatal mistake of locking eyes with a divine force far greater than himself. Now, imprisoned in the Cauldron of Lost Souls, Blackheart would spend eternity staring into the truth of what he’d become.
And Saldusa?
Just another trace of salt drifting in the sea.
“Ashure.”
He turned as Orion and Drago stepped onto the balcony. Drago’s posture was relaxed, but his eyes remained sharp—ever the dragon. Orion’s gaze, as always, held the weight of far more years than his youthful face betrayed.
Together, they stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the group below with bemused expressions.
“They fought well,” Drago said finally, his voice low.
“Like born warriors,” Orion agreed. “But more than that… they fought like future leaders. Their parents should be proud of them.”
Ashure nodded slowly, his heart swelling with quiet pride of his own. He felt Tonya’s fingers squeeze his arm. He looked down and found her watching him with that same steady warmth he had fallen in love with: fiery, fearless, and full of love—and a promise that melted his heart.
His gaze drifted to Amber and Jade. Two girls who had tumbled into his life like shooting stars and who, miraculously, had helped save his kingdom.
Drago’s voice broke his thoughts. “There’s still one more Dragonling unaccounted for. A young boy named Jabir. Since he’s not here, we’re heading to the Isle of the Monsters next. Nali may know where he is.”
Ashure glanced at Tonya, then back to Drago. “If he’s there, Nali will know.”
“We wanted to see if you’d like to join us,” Orion offered.
Tonya gave the men an apologetic smile. “Sorry, guys. Ashure and I have plans. Maybe next time.”
Ashure gave her a startled look before he chuckled. “Yes, we have plans. As much as I’d love to visit with Nali and Asahi, we’ve got something important here that we need to take care of first.”
Tonya smiled and leaned into him. “Thank you.”
His expression softened. “I’m the one who is thankful.”
“What could be more important than driving Nali crazy?” Drago asked with a frown.
Ashure looked at Drago’s confused expression and grinned. “You may find out in a few months. In the meantime, I’ll ask Dapier to return a few items that I might have mistakenly appropriated during one of my recent voyages. Safe journey, my friends. I look forward to hearing about your exciting adventures,” he added, pulling Tonya away.
“There might be hope for you yet,” Tonya laughed before releasing a squeal when he swept her up in his arms.
Drago watched Ashure with a puzzled expression and shook his head as they disappeared.
“What could be more important than seeing Nali?” he muttered.
Orion laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “You’ll find out in a few months.”
“That damn pirate is always up to something,” Drago sighed, turning to look back down at the gardens below.
He and Orion chuckled as a new glitter bomb exploded—harmlessly coating the hedges, two statues, and Zohar in shimmering pink powder.
The teens collapsed into giggles.
And above them all, high in the stars, Aminta smiled.
The Seven Kingdoms was safe… for now.
But the story?
