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It was getting late, but the celebration was still rocking. They’d had a delicious meal, followed by a delightful dessert table and an open bar that everyone was enjoying. The younglings would be leaving soon, then the real party would begin.
Justice made her way out to the jungle garden out back and stood under a night sky filled with stars and a bright moon. So much of her life had changed in such a short time. After she’d lost her family, she had tried to accept that she would spend the rest of her days living a lonely life of seclusion.
But now that she’d found her keeper, she would never be alone again.
“Nights like this are meant to be enjoyed,” Jade Vyper said as she suddenly appeared next to Justice. “It is a vastly different view from space, is it not?”
Justice had to force herself not to startle. Jade had a habit of transporting in and out when one least expected it. “It really is,” she admitted. “How was your trip home to Ilius?”
“It was nice to see my mother and fathers, though it is no longer home. Strange how that works,” Jade murmured. “Once you find your mate, terms like home and family suddenly hold different meanings.”
Since Justice had just been thinking the same thing, she simply nodded. No one could keep a secret around Jade for very long, not that it was her fault. She didn’t go digging around in people’s heads for fun. At least, Justice didn’t think she did.
Jade simply knew things.
It could have been a basic Dragon Warrior skill, or perhaps it was because she was part Ilius. Either way, she had an uncanny way of reading people and situations.
“I finally have a chance to speak to you in private.”
“Is something wrong?”
Still looking up toward the night sky, Jade shook her head, making her long purple locks dance in the breeze. “Nay, there is nothing wrong. I am glad you have chosen to use your real name, Justice.”
“I am, too. I’m not sure if I ever said it to you directly but thank you for allowing me to heal here. This is a good place. It’s—”
“A family,” Talon said as he stepped outside and joined them. “This is your family.”
“Aye, it is our family.” Jade smiled and placed her hand on Justice’s shoulder. “Enjoy your evening, and honor to your mating.”
With that, she disappeared again.
Talon blinked in surprise. “What the hell was that?”
Justice shrugged. “Dragon Warriors love being cryptic sometimes.”
“I know, but—” Talon let out a loud gasp and grabbed hold of her arms, turning her to face him. “Holy shit, she healed you.”
“Wh-what?”
“Your scar. It just…disappeared.”
Justice’s hand flew to her face, her fingers searching for the familiar scar, but it wasn’t there. “She touched my shoulder. Jade never touches anyone but her mates unless she has to.” Tears of gratitude stung her eyes. “I said I would keep my scars until I could reclaim my name.”
“What about your wings?”
She met his gaze and braced herself for the agony of releasing her wings. When she called them forth, there was no pain. All she felt was pure joy as two majestic white wings burst from her back, tearing through her tunic. Closing her eyes, she let the tears fall.
She truly was free from her past now.
“They’re beautiful, my love. My one, my only,” he whispered, resting his forehead against hers. “You are beautiful, keeper of my heart.”
“I love you, Talon. Thank you for helping me get here.”
“Here in my arms is where you were always meant to be.”
She sent him a watery smile. “Hold tight, keeper. Let me take you to the stars.”
Talon pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She flapped her wings, once, twice, then with a jubilant laugh, launched them into the sky.
The End
