Page 36 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

Zander stepped forward then, crossing the distance in a few long strides. His arms wrapped around his brother in a tight embrace, one that said more than words ever could.

Around them, Stormforge’s riders grinned and clapped each other on the shoulders. A ripple of joy moved through the group, their relief tangible. Even the dragons seemed to ease, their tails swaying and their wings relaxing at their sides.

For a moment, the war felt far away.

For a moment, it was just brothers reunited—and the people who loved them, smiling like they’d won something back that mattered more than any crown.

Zander and Dorian stood a little apart from the others, the din of Stormforge’s laughter and the deep rumble of dragons fading into the background. I lingered close enough to hear, Kaelith’s presence humming at the edge of my mind.

Zander’s tone was clipped at first, but as he spoke, the whole story unfolded—Theron’s treachery, Inderia’s betrayal, Severeth’s infiltration, the Crimson Sigil’s growing threat. Dorian listened quietly, his expression calm, the slightest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

When Zander finished, Dorian’s smile widened, warm and proud. “You did so well, little brother.”

Zander exhaled, something unspoken passing between them before he spoke again. “The crown is yours, Dorian.”

Dorian’s eyes dropped for a moment, then lifted back to meet Zander’s gaze. “The poison had a lasting effect on me, Zander.”

“You’ll heal,” Zander said quickly. “You look⁠—”

Dorian reached out, clasping Zander’s shoulder with a firm grip. “It rendered me infertile. That is the reason I stayed away from you.”

Zander froze, his eyes narrowing.

“I did not know how I was infected,” Dorian continued, “but I needed you to be whole. Theron is a traitor, and now…” He glanced at the dragons circling above before fixing his gaze firmly on his brother. “Only you can ensure the next generation for Warriath. You have the magic, and the dragon, to lead.”

Zander took a single step back, as though putting distance between himself and the weight of the words. “What are you saying?”

Dorian’s hand stayed on his shoulder, grounding him. “I’m saying you must take up the mantle of king.”

The words hung there between them, as heavy as the crown itself.

Zander shook his head quickly, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “You do not need heirs to be king.”

Dorian’s smile was small, almost wistful, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I must do what is right for our kingdom.”

He turned from Zander to where Lirane stood, her expression already clouded with worry. Gently, he touched her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin as if he were memorizing the feel of it. “I cannot give you the children you deserve,” he said softly. “As much as I love you, it would be unfair for you to bind yourself to me knowing that.”

Lirane’s eyes flashed with defiance as she stepped closer, cupping his face in both hands and forcing him to meet her gaze. “I have low levels of magic,” she said firmly. “My skills are best as a dragon rider. As a fighter. My place is by your side, Dorian—with or without children.”

For the first time since he’d landed, Dorian’s smile warmed, deep and genuine. “You’re certain?”

“I am,” she said without hesitation.

He leaned his forehead against hers, their bond unshaken, their choice made in front of all of us.

My heart sank at the tenderness between them, but it was Zander’s face that hollowed me out completely. His anguish was raw, unguarded—more than I’d thought possible for him to show in public. It wasn’t just about the crown anymore.

It was about the cost of it.

Dorian turned back to Zander, his expression calm but resolute. “I know our father will fight this, but he has lost the horde. His bond is gone. You are the only choice. I will help you and act as your second-in-command.”

Zander’s shoulders tensed, his eyes darkening to that dangerous shade that meant he was one breath from violence. “This is not over, Dorian. I will take up the mantle until the war is over and allow you time to heal. Meri may be able to help you.”

Dorian smiled, but the look in his eyes made it clear he didn’t believe in that particular miracle. “As you wish, my brother.”

The moment hung heavy between them before Zander finally turned away, and that was all it took for Thrall Squad to close ranks around him—like they’d been waiting for the signal. Ferrula stepped to his left, Jax and Naia flanking the other side, Tae and Riven just behind, each of them wearing the same fierce, unshakable loyalty in their expressions.

Lirane’s gaze shifted to Zander. She placed her hand over her chest and bowed her head slightly. “What are your orders, my king?”