The Guardian Protector.
And now she was here.
The Seven Kingdoms had nearly been destroyed once before by an alien. A shudder ran through him as the old terror flickered through his mind—the invasion, the death, the desperate, brutal fight for survival. They had only survived because of the Goddess’s intervention, that started with his Carly.
Why now? Why her?
Pushing the dark thoughts aside, Drago led her up the winding marble staircase, his heavy boots echoing against the polished stone. The walls were a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship—carved reliefs of dragons soaring above cities, battling shadowy beasts, and wrapping themselves protectively around the very world.
Enchanted torch sconces flared as they passed, magical blue flames crackling to life, illuminating golden veins laced through the glistening white stone walls. Phoenix faltered slightly, her steps slowing as she gazed up at the dome ceiling. Drago looked around, trying to see it through the young girl’s eyes.
He was proud of his home. Carly’s tender touch had seeped through
—along with the growing pile of toys, shoes, and discarded clothing from the kids, he thought, seeing the scattering of articles his mischievous trio had left just this morning.
“DJ, Stone, how many times have I told you to not leave your stuff all over the place,” he growled, plucking a shirt off a thousand-year-old statue.
“I was saving that for later,” Stone defended, reaching for the shirt.
Drago winced when he picked up a pair of discarded shorts and held it out between two fingers. “This needs to be washed. It stinks.”
“Dad, you’re embarrassing us,” DJ muttered, grabbing the article of clothing and hiding it behind his back.
“I don’t leave my toys and clothes out. They are too valuable—and Mommy charges a half-coin for each full basket,” Roo whispered.
“I’m glad my mom and dad don’t do that. My sister and I would be broke,” Phoenix replied with a grin.
Drago was about to ask Phoenix a question about her sister when he heard her soft gasp as they moved further into the room. Following her gaze, he stared up at the breathtaking, vaulted ceilings. Overhead, every inch was carved with scenes of dragons—not just flying over mountains or hunting—but soaring through the stars, their flaming wings slicing through galaxies, battling dark, shadowy creatures with eyes like voids, and encircling entire worlds in their claws as if protecting them.
But it was the mural at the center that held her frozen.
A massive stone relief, so detailed it seemed to pulse with life, dominated the far wall. The dragon’s wings were engulfed in flames and its light stretched across the heavens; its tail curled protectively around a world that glowed faintly beneath it.
Drago’s voice came quiet, almost reverent. “The Guardian Protector. Born once in an age when darkness rose. They are neither mortal nor divine… but both.”
Phoenix’s head snapped toward him, her eyes wide. For the first time since they met, Drago saw true fear—and recognition—in her gaze.
Her trembling hand lifted, her fingers moving as if she could brush the glowing mural. “That’s… like… me.”
Drago bowed his head. He looked back up at the mural as a deep sense of urgency filled him. Fear for his family, his people, and the Seven Kingdoms filled him. Was the girl’s presence an omen or a gift?
Looking back down at her, he saw the fear and confusion warring on her face. His gaze moved to Roo, DJ, and Stone who were staring up at the image with their lips parted. He couldn’t help think that Phoenix was really not that much older than DJ and as delicate as Roo.
“Maybe. Or maybe it is your ancestor. These walls tell of cycles… of stories repeating.” Yet even as he spoke the words, he knew the truth. She was the one.
Before she could press him for more, a familiar voice called out.
“There you are! I’ve been searching all over—” Carly’s voice trailed off as she stepped into the chamber. She froze, eyes wide when they landed on Phoenix. “Oh… Oh my Goddess… Drago?” She blinked, excitement flickering in her gaze. “Are… are there more humans here?”
Phoenix startled, her lips parting in surprise. “Uh… no. I mean—my mom’s human. My dad… he’s from Valdier. I’m Phoenix.”
Carly’s eyebrows shot up. She mouthed silently, Valdier? Is that alien? her expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
“Yes,” Drago snorted.
Carly’s gaze softened as she looked at Phoenix again. “Oh, okay. Well, then… welcome. I’m Carly. Drago’s mate.” She smiled brightly. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes! Are we having pizza?” Stone exclaimed, his eyes lighting up at the mention of food.
