Coming Next:
Dragonlings forever
* * *
The adventure may be ending, but the magic will live on forever.
* * *
After days of laughter, wonder, and unexpected farewells in Empress Nali’s palace, the Dragonlings prepare to return home—but not before one last wild ride. From mischievous sea monkeys to Asahi’s hilariously ill-advised gift for Drago, every moment has become a memory they’ll treasure for a lifetime.
They’ve crossed worlds, faced challenges on their own and together, and discovered new strengths within themselves. But the greatest lesson of all? Saying goodbye doesn’t always mean the end—it just means the beginning of something new.
As the portal opens one last time, the Dragonlings step forward not just as the children they were, but as the heroes they’ve become. Stronger. Wiser. Forever bound by the adventure that changed them all.
Because no matter how far they go, they now know one truth:
They are never truly lost… and never truly alone.
Part IX
Dragonlings Forever
Chapter Forty-Three
The early morning sun sparkled over the harbor of the Isle of the Monsters, dancing on the water like a thousand flickering flames. Fishing boats moved up and down on the water in a gentle rhythm. On the docks, the sails of the ships slapped against the masts as dock workers exchanged greetings in a flurry of languages. Below, the merchant stalls sent up a delightful assortment of scents: fresh sea salt mixed with sweet spices and the warmth of fresh bread.
Jabir sighed, lost in thought. He had come out just before dawn and watched the sun come up. He hadn’t moved from the stone balcony since arriving just before dawn.
With another deep sigh, he drew his legs up to rest them on the low stone railing and leaned forward so he could rest his arms loosely across his knees. Below, the city shimmered in celebration of another perfect day.
Children laughed. Market stalls bustled. A distant musician played a rambling melody on a reed flute.
He lifted his hand and rubbed it over the ache in his chest.
All he could think about was Jewel—her fingers brushing his, her laugh, the way the early morning sun had turned the lake into a mirror when they said goodbye. Their last kiss.
And the way she’d whispered, “One day I hope we will meet again.”
Had it already been three days?
He didn’t feel like himself today. Didn’t feel like a Reykill. Not the son of one of the most powerful dragon shifters in the universe. Not a prince. Not even a troublemaker.
He just felt… lost.
The door creaked open behind him. He ran his hand over his burning eyes.
“Morning,” Bálint’s voice was warm and sounded like he was still half-asleep.
Jabir didn’t look around.
Bálint stepped outside barefoot, his dark hair tangled and his clothes rumpled. He carried a plate piled high with flakey pastries and fruit skewers that dripped juice onto the rim.
“If I had known you were up already, I’d have let you answer the door. But then, there might not have been any food left for me,” Bálint teased, offering the plate to him.
Jabir shook his head with a faint smile. He kept his eyes averted.
“I’m not hungry.”
