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Delaney turned and smiled at them. “Anyone thinking that would quickly have that belief dispelled if they watched Falkor with your daughter.”
“He dotes on her,” said Kessily. “I pity the dragon who tries to claim her.”
Dani laughed. “Not only will he have to deal with Falkor, but the rest of them aren’t much better.”
A shadow crossed Kessily’s face. “Not an ideal time to give birth to a child.”
Delaney crossed to her, taking her hands in hers. “I said something similar to Tevryn about celebrating our joining. He told me if we give up all the things that bring us joy and add to the light of the world, the League will have already won.”
“Who knew Tevryn was so wise and poetic?” laughed Dani.
“We came to help you get into your dress. By the way, I think it’s gorgeous,” said Kessily.
“I do, too,” agreed Delaney. “Given what I paid for the thing, I’m glad I get to wear it twice.”
Dani and Kessily helped Delaney into the romantic, slightly bohemian style gown in a rich ivory color. It was strapless and had a sweetheart neckline. The bodice was covered in cotton lace, ending in a lace waistband, with an A-line skirt that extended to the ground. The back scooped down and closed with a hidden zipper beneath fabric-covered buttons. The skirt was a mixture of cotton lace and French lace. It was comfortable and perfect for both her backyard ceremony and the one to be held here at Dragonwyk.
“I take it from the gathering of so many representatives from various clans that most have opted to join the Resistance along with the Phantom Fire,” said Dani as she fastened the last of the buttons on Delaney’s dress.
Kessily nodded. “While we have the majority of dragons on the side of the Resistance, more than a few have decided to back Abraham and his goons, the Shadow League. There’s been some backlash at the idea that members of the Phantom Fire are not being forced to give up their immortality when they take a mate.”
“Warrick said it was long overdue. Tradition is fine, and in the beginning it was probably necessary, but those rules were made thousands of years ago. The world has changed.”
“Do you think we can beat them?” asked Delaney, an edge of fear creeping into her voice.
“Yes,” said Kessily and Dani in unified certainty.
“The Phantom Fire have never been defeated since their creation,” said Kessily, “and I truly believe they will emerge victorious, but I do think it will be a different kind of war—more small and secret battles than a huge battle in the skies or on the ground. The last thing Abraham wants is for the humans to find out about the threat to them and either end up fighting on two fronts or uniting with the Resistance.”
The gathering bell began to sound its knell across Dragonwyk.
“That’s your cue,” said Dani. “You lead, and we’ll be behind you.”
Delaney emerged from the yurt and made her way down to the ceremonial hall. She found it interesting and comforting that she had become so comfortable with those at Dragonwyk. Perhaps Tevryn had been right when he said her soul had always been drakaina.
As she walked up the steps to the altar, she couldn’t help but be focused solely on the man who was her eternal flame. She had never shone so brightly as she did with him, and she knew their love would never be extinguished.
Their dragon officiant spoke the words binding them together as they held hands in the waning light of the afternoon sun and then turned to Tevryn. “You have words you wish to say to your eternal flame?”
“I do. I, Tevryn of the Phantom Fire, claim you as my mate and my eternal flame. Now and forever, I choose to be with you whatever may come. Should you choose not to become drakaina in this lifetime, then I will choose to give up my immortality. I would rather live a mortal life than to live on after you have left this plane of existence.”
Delaney could feel the lump in her throat, and Tevryn leaned down to kiss the tears from her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, she said, “Now and always, through all that may come our way, I pledge my life to yours. Come and grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.”
