Page 98 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

But she wasn’t alone.

An older woman clung to her from behind, arms wrapped tight around Naia’s waist. Her hair was streaked with silver, her eyes wild yet alert, scanning every shadow of the isle as if danger might spring from it.

Naia dismounted first, helping the woman slide carefully to the ground. Before her feet had even settled, Jax was running across the clearing. He caught her up in a crushing hug, his broad shoulders shaking as he whispered something against her temple.

“Come here,” he said hoarsely, pulling her toward us. His eyes gleamed as he motioned to Ferrula. “I want you to meet Ferrula.”

I slipped down from Kaelith’s back, the others dismounting to follow. Soon we were all clustered close, forming a circle around Jax, Ferrula, and the woman who had clearly given him his steady strength.

“Everyone,” Jax said, his voice thick with pride, “this is Naia’s mother. Her name is Rayleen, but I call her Momma Ray.”

We all murmured greetings, nodding our respect. But Rayleen’s eyes didn’t leave Ferrula.

“You must be my son’s bride,” she said softly, her voice both warm and weighted with emotion.

Ferrula straightened, her scar vivid against her cheek. “It is my pleasure to meet you.”

Rayleen’s lips trembled into a smile as she reached up and cupped Ferrula’s cheek. “No, sweetheart. It is mine. You have brought so much happiness to my children. They both love you.”

Ferrula’s throat worked; her usual sharpness softened into something vulnerable. “And I them.”

Rayleen turned, motioning to Temil with a spark of mischief in her gaze. “My daughter’s dragon was kind enough to transport some items for your ceremony. I have outfits for both of you… if you like them.”

Ferrula’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering. “How would you have something for me?”

Rayleen’s smile deepened. “I made a dress for Naia. But she wants you to have it. I’ll make her another.”

Ferrula blinked, caught off guard, before glancing at her soon-to-be sister-in-law. Naia’s grin was wide and certain.

“Thank you,” Ferrula managed, her voice husky.

Naia shrugged. “We’re family now, Ferr.”

With that, she jogged back to Temil and tugged a rucksack down from the saddle. She rummaged inside and pulled out a carefully folded white garment; the fabric catching the fading sunlight.

“Go into the bushes and change,” Naia ordered, thrusting it into Ferrula’s hands. “I’ll escort you out when it’s time.”

She handed Jax the bag with a smirk. “You’re getting married in five minutes.”

Chapter

Forty

Siergen stood near the boundary of the clearing, a golden sentinel bathed in twilight. To his right, Koddos lowered his armored head, and to his left, Narvea bent her sleek neck. Together, they extended their snouts until they nearly touched, forming a dragon-arch—magnificent and solemn, their scales shimmering in the fading sun.

The clearing went still. Every rider, every dragon, seemed to hold their breath.

Jax stepped forward first. He wore a white tunic embroidered with gold thread that gleamed with each movement. The tailoring was vivid, the lines clean, the fit impeccable. Even his trousers matched, as white as new snow, the fabric heavy with quality. He slid a calloused hand down his side, almost sheepish, clearly unused to such finery. But gods, it suited him.

Then Ferrula appeared.

The dress clung to her as if it had been made for her alone—simple, but devastating. The silver bodice work gleamed as it caught the light, intricate lacing running the full length of the back. It hugged her athletic frame without softening her strength, instead amplifying it, showing her for what she was—fierce, radiant, unbreakable.

Jax pressed his hand to his chest, his dark eyes wide, his breath caught. “I have no words.”

Ferrula, usually so bold, glanced down at herself, her freckles darker against flushed cheeks. “I have never worn a dress,” she admitted, her voice husky. “But it is an honor to wear this one.”

Siergen’s voice filled the clearing, a deep, resonant command that pressed into every mind. Attend, riders. Attend, dragons. Witness.