Page 99 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

We all straightened, attention snapping to him as his vast wings lifted, framing the moment in gold firelight. The ceremony itself was short and sweet—no theatrics, no unnecessary words. Siergen spoke of bonds—of choice, of loyalty, of the power of love in the face of war. His booming cadence made the vows feel intimately real.

Since Jax’s mother could not hear the dragon’s words, Naia stood at her side, translating each line with reverence, her voice trembling with pride.

“I am yours,” Jax vowed, voice raw.

“And I am yours,” Ferrula answered.

When it was done, Siergen lowered his massive head, a rumble of approval vibrating through the ground beneath our feet.

Then chaos erupted—cheering, laughter, the crush of bodies as Thrall squad surrounded them. Riven clapped Jax on the back, Cordelle nearly knocked him over in a hug, and Naia kissed Ferrula’s cheek with tears in her eyes.

We shouted and cheered as Ferrula pulled Jax into a fierce kiss, Narvea bellowing her approval while Koddos roared, his wings flaring wide in triumph.

Kaelith’s voice slipped into my mind, firm and steady. You must return to Warriath. Zander has matters that need tending.

And you… you must see to Loretha, I said.

I glanced at the little silver curled under Hein’s wing, its flank rising and falling with steady breaths.

Yes.

Jax laced his fingers through Ferrula’s. His grin was boyish, his eyes bright. “Koddos has asked for the honor of carrying you to the Ascension Grounds. Will you ride with me?”

Ferrula’s lips curved into a smile that was soft in a way I’d rarely seen from her. “It will be my honor. Besides, Narvea wants to stay with the young ones.”

Jax waited, patient and proud, as Ferrula gathered her skirts. She hiked the hem just enough to step into Koddos’ saddle, then swung both legs neatly to one side, graceful despite the dress. Jax mounted behind her, strong hands wrapping around her waist as he settled into place. He pulled her onto his lap without hesitation, and she didn’t resist. Together they looked fierce and utterly unshakable.

Koddos launched into the air with a thunderous sweep of his wings, Ferrula’s sash streaming like silken flame behind her. Naia followed close behind, her mother clinging to her waist, Temil’s orange wings beating hard to keep pace.

I slid onto Kaelith’s back, the familiar rush of her strength grounding me. Around us, the others mounted, dragons shifting into formation, waiting for the signal.

Just before Kaelith leaped skyward, Siergen’s voice entered my mind, vast and heavy with meaning. I look forward to yours and Zander’s ceremony.

As do I, I whispered into the bond, my hand tightening on Kaelith’s reins.

Thank you, my dove.

A startled laugh slipped from me. You haven’t called me a pet name in some time.

In honesty, I feared Kaelith might chase you away.

She wasn’t exactly fond of me, that’s for sure. But I can’t say I blame her. She knew who and what I was before I did.

Yes… but you should ask her why she shunned you. The answer is not what you think.

I twisted in the saddle to catch one last glimpse of him. Siergen turned away, his golden wings catching the sun as he strode from the clearing. At his side, Namiren followed, small but glowing in his father’s shadow, the future of the horde etched into his every step.

The flight back to Warriath was slower than usual, the sky thick with wingbeats as Kaelith kept to a steady pace. The squad rode close, huddling protectively around Jax and Ferrula as if they still couldn’t believe what had just happened. Their laughter and teasing carried on the wind, shock and joy woven into every word.

“Married on the Dragon Isle,” Riven called over the wind, shaking her head. “And with Siergen officiating? I’m not sure anyone back at court is going to believe it.”

Ferrula only smirked, her arms looped over Jax’s as he held her in his lap, the pair of them looking untouchable.

When we finally swept over the walls of Warriath, dragons circling down toward the Ascension Grounds, the soldiers below erupted into cheers at the sight of us. Kaelith landed in a storm of dust, wings folding tight as I slid down, Zander dismounting Hein at my side.

Major Ledor was already waiting, his expression a mix of relief and weariness. Zander strode to him, speaking low and fierce, his posture all command. I couldn’t hear their words, but when Remy approached next, Zander’s jaw clenched. Their exchange was brief, curt. Zander nodded once, his anger barely leashed, then turned on his heel and mounted the podium.

“Riders,” his voice carried over the gathered, steady and strong, “the war is over, and we usher in a new age of peace.”