Spirit Falls

By CC Rose

Rehema and Creston are forced to work together regardless of their differences in their pasts. It’s La’Kera’s imprinting and for Rehema a nightmare with Creston as her guide. In three months time she will be given a station to call home. but that was taking too long. Along the journey around the land of Dangora, Rehema try's to focus and so to does La'Kera. Creston and Rehema fight the urge to rekindle their flame, only to have it dampened when Rehema meets Lucian – another Kindred Spirit.
And Damien’s son.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CC Rose
• Release date: May 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463737019

CC Rose

C C Rose lives in Queensland Australia.Inspired by all things magical, mystical and other worldly, creatures, fantasy and dragons most of all.Aim for the stars, and you’ll land on the moon.

Book preview

Spirit Falls

CC Rose

Copyright © 2019 by C. C. Rose

Smashwords Edition

SMASHWORDS EDITION, LICENSE NOTES

This book is protected under the copyright laws of Australia. Any reproduction or other unauthorised use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re—sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Please do not post or archive on other sites without informing the author. A link to the distributors would be preferred. Please keep this book in its complete original form with the exception of quotes used in reviews. No alteration of content is allowed.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is intended for mature readers of seventeen years and over.

Fantasy adventure, romance, paranormal and adult themed.

Strong sexual content, adult scene, horror and course language is present throughout this ebook.

C. C. Rose is an Australian author and Australian English and spelling have been used in this book.

Dangora is a fictional location; all characters and locations are created by the author and have no connection to actual places or locations in this realm or any other. The land and the people, as well as the kin of dragon are all creations of the authors mind and any resemblance to any real persons, living or dead; locations or names, is purely coincidental.

There is a pronouncing list on the Rehema series website

Cover design by C. C. Rose Coppyright © 2014

Map design by C. C. Rose Copyright © 2013

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Where To Find CC Rose:

All enquires are welcomed: Email

Keep up to date with the Author: CC Rose face book page

Keep up to date with: The Rehema Series facebook page

Visit her profile page at Smashwords

The Rehema Series website

The Rehema Series:

Kindred Spirit

Bonded Spirit

Clouded Spirit

Spirit Heart

Spirit Flight

Spirit Light

Shadowed Spirit

Cursed Spirit

Twisted Spirit

Spirit Falls

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In an ageless world of sorrow,

Bonded for an eternity in unwavering psychic link.

One will complete us entirely.

One will love us unconditionally.

One will bind us wholly.

One will be.

Peace. Hope. Happiness.

Book 10

Spirit Falls

C. C. Rose

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For the ride,

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Chapter 1

The screech of hollow calls echoed to one another as the distant shapes dappled the three moons in darkness. Vipers gathered in the velvet night sky; snaking their way across the dark mountain mass with piercing calls. The tattered leather wings stretched the thirty foot length of their scrawny bodies as the beast hissed; snapping at their neighbour beside them to dash onwards. The hollow pointed snouts released balls of flame into a cloudless night as dark eyes scanned the ever growing view of life in their distance. From behind them came the deathly vragon. Beast of a lost life. Swooping in with thunderous roars. The dark onyx scales creased bright green through their once beautiful hides, were now detached from their Bond and feral with rage and a never ending hunger. The vragons snapped at their prey leagues in front of them. Deafening roars echoed into the distance, matching the screams which followed as chaos and blood-curdling calls rang out. Rahhooohhhh!

I jolted awake.

Scrunching my eyes tight, trying to rid the images that danced behind my lids. The vision had been the same for the past six months. Nothing changed. No star to say where it was, when? Where? No direction or aim of the attack. It was south of the Terrill’s; but how far south? The moons glow wasn’t much to go on, full, and yet … could be any full moon. The three sisters were in view, which ruled out two months of winter. I lingered on the vision, slipping into the realm of dreams. It didn’t last long. The sound of an infant’s cry had me groan. James was awake. Twenty-seven months old and already hating mornings. The sound of Tora rising was soon followed by Karson.

Time to rise.

Time to wake and ready for another day.

It wasn’t until I was standing in front of the mirror, dressed in my Ezan wears that I realised—today wasn’t any normal day.

It was my birthday.

My twenty first. A whole year older.

But that wasn’t the reason for the sudden excitement flooding through me.

It was La’Kera’s first day on imprinting.

Mine—we—we were to leave. Leave the lands and travel around Dangora. I palmed my forehead.

How could I forget!

I rolled my eyes, and returned to my room to retrieve my Dy’Monian wears. White tunic. White breeches and a white cloak. Everything about today was possibly all things Dy’Monian. Not only was it La’Kera’s four years… well in a month’s time she’d be four years. And, wow. It was officially our graduation. Even if we graduated last year or rather. I had passed with mostly wings in all my test. It was just a matter of waiting for La’Kera to get the itch. So they say. And she was officially allowed to head on to begin her imprinting. I breathed deep.

This is it.

The ninth year of the ninth century.

Four years ago, I was a simple girl in a simple town that was attacked by vipers and delgori almost every second month. A month later, and I was chosen, six months later and I met Karson, then Connor, then … everyone else that came into my life.

Now—now I was leaving EzRah.

Leaving the heart.

To roam the lands, to see all of Dangora for La’Kera to imprint and see all, never staying; and part of me wanted to know where my station was. I knew Damien wouldn’t tell. He had kept his mouth shut. All Ryder’s are accompanied for the imprinting. Damien had stated for the last four months that he would be doing the honours.

Today, La’Kera. After so long. Today is the day. I beamed wide, heading to the kitchenette to tousle James’s dark locks and kiss his cheek to give a warm hug to Karson and a warm smile to Tora as they started the morning routine. Watching them as I had done for over the past six months, I was guilty at times for staying so long. I always said I would get my own place, they always insisted I stay. Always insisting I can worry about a house later, after mine and La’Kera’s imprinting.

Excited for today, beamed Karson.

Nervous, I think. La’Kera is excited. Lyr’Rax has told her to keep on the ground until we leave.

He doesn’t want her tired before the day starts. Karson reached across the table, dripping a line of honey on his oats and a small drop on James oats who spooned the gooey mess with eager eyes and a wide mouth.

Wema, have some too. he eyed the honey line, insisting I have some.

Mm … happy?

Wema fly on Wa’Kerwa today.

Yes. Today.

And that’s not all. Isn’t it James. Karson eyed his two and a half year old son with a hint of something mischievous. It’s a special day today.

Oh. Birthday!. Happy birthday Wema. He threw his sticky fingered hands around me in a beat, with more kisses to his over excited giggle. Daddy. Presents. Wema get presents. He was off his seat and running off to look for them. Karson, one step ahead, stood and leaned over the table to reveal a chair with three gifts wrapped and waiting for me.

You shouldn’t have, Karson. I beamed, unable to hid the smile of gratitude.

It’s the least we can do. And, being that it is your birthday, and your day of imprinting… it is both tradition and unavoidable.

Wema. James was in the room again, running to the presents and insisting I open the biggest one first. With a wink, a smile and laughs. I opened the presents from Tora, Karson and James. Receiving wind proofing jackets, thick boots for the coming winter in the north as well as a deep pouch carry bag that was enchanted to hold items ten times their size all in a small duffle bag that was snug fitting and light weight.

Thanks guys. This means a lot. Oh, I am going to miss you all, I held my eyes on Karson the longest. I have been such a pain these past few months.

Nonsense. Tora, please remind our guests that all who act inappropriately around us, are loved twice as much.

Haha hah. I tried to hide the reddening of my cheeks. Karson had been there through some of my worst moments in the past six months. While Damien had organised I take residence in one of the post towers around the city, I always managed to return to Karson’s house. To sleep … or pass out after a bad night on too much wine. I grumbled inwardly. Those were the old days. I haven’t had a single bad night in over two months now.

And we wouldn’t want you to feel bad, Rehema. You have been our guest.

Thanks, Karson. I will miss you most on this imprinting.

Well, it’s not forever, he started in on his oats keeping a close eye on the mess that James was to make now that my presents were safely out of the way. Three months out, a week rest and off to your post.

Still hasn’t told you either, Huh?

Karson shook his head. Sorry. Our friendship might be the cause for it. We both laughed. James held up the empty bowl grinning with a mess of oats around his face and on the table.

More Daddy. More. He chanted as Karson happily allowed his son another helping. He would be a strong boy and even stronger fighter when he was older. I reached out tousling his hair, leaning over to wipe his messy cheeks with the towel, getting a grumpy face for seconds.

He is so cheeky, Karson. I will miss so much of him growing.

Hmm … I will show you all if you like, Rehema. He tapped his temple. Memory tales. He wouldn’t have even looked ashamed in anything he did with James. Nothing he did for his son was shameful. When are you set to head off.

Er … seven I think. Least that’s what Damien informed me yesterday evening in a hurry as usual. He is over worked and in need of a break.

Karson laughed spying the time. I had an hour to say goodbye to them all. Damn. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Tears of sadness or … no. No anger. I will return in three months. This is a right of passage. See the lands. Return and get a post … somewhere in the south most likely.

Karson slid his hand across the table, squeezing mine. We’ll see each other soon enough, Rehema. And yes. Damien is too over worked. With the voters trying to position him in the seat as first choice, things are a little different now.

Hmm … you know, Kings are not supposed to be voted, Karson.

Not in human lore. But with Ryders, it’s a little different. It’s not to be for at least five years yet, and they act as though it’s the most important part of all. Having the right seats chosen now.

All the more reason he will be on break. Taking me and La’Kera around the lands and for the winter months too.

You are less angered by the idea, Rehema. Last month …

You know me, Karson. I can only disagree with him for so long. You know how it is. He insults me, I insult him, he shocks me, and we start again. I teased. Karson chuckled as Tora started on the messy James. Chasing him towards the shower room. Still. Kind of wished it was you heading out with me, Karson. I grimaced in the same echo of my wishes being said aloud. My eyes shifted to his left leg, the wooden stump he’d made himself was hidden by his long trouser pants. It wasn’t that he couldn’t ride on his Bond, he couldn’t do it for long periods and had been taken off scouting or flights. Being a history teacher at Draeos part time keeps him happy.

I know, Rehema. And I would have if there was another way. Have you spoken with—

No. My voice turned cold instantly as I turned to the half eaten oats, but my appetite was suddenly gone. I stood and started gathering the used bowls and plates.

Rehema? His tone was too heavy.

Karson. Please leave it. You know where I stand with this. Don’t make me angry with you. I have an hour left and … I won’t see you for three full months.

You’re right. You can always find more portals to heal and visit me, he teased.

The one good thing I was aware of, willing to talk about and to my discovery. Healing portals. It was an odd thing to do, but it worked. Heal up a portal with nothing more then my dy’monian touch. It lasted an hour at most and then … it was into slumber. Only if it didn’t have all the orbs on place. There were quite a few that did. And it was something Damien actually liked doing with me. Traveling to other areas…well. A step through, and a step back. I wasn’t allowed to leave for a long period of time.

You should at least find time to see him. You two need to talk.

I dumped the dishes in the sink when a knock at the door saved me from screaming at him. Karson was in two minds to say more, but the repeated knock had him shuffle towards the door. I turned my attention to the dishes and started filling the sink with suds and hot water. Irritated at this moment, when I wish I wasn’t. Tugh. Speak to him? See him? I will not.

You should, my light. You pass each other now and again. It is at times rewarding. But you know you shouldn’t leave things as they are.

La’Kera. It’s been over four months. I will not … change my mind on this.

She snorted with anger. A common argument that we hadn’t vented on in a few weeks. Just leave it, La’Kera. I have made choice.

And I have yet to accept ignoring someone as a choice. She went against Lyr’Rax’s order and took flight. Towards the south, towards the one area she knew I hated she went to for solace. She always said it was the crystals. They made her feel less sad. Part of her thinks it’s because I didn’t have his touch in my life. I had … others. Just not his.

Er… Rehema? This came for you. Karson returned and held out and envelope. Sealed with the lightning bolt of Damien’s stamp, I was surprised.

Now he sends messengers to me. He’s turning into a real royal.

He must be busy if that is the case. He wouldn’t normally do this.

I wiped my hands dry and peeled the seal wax free. You have got to be kidding me! I hissed after a read of his words.

What is it?

He wants me to meet him at his tower.

And?

"And what? He didn’t say anything else. I mean, come on. It looked so serious and official. Meet me at the tower. Six thirty. Tugh. So like him."

Maybe he want’s to wish you happy birthday."

Doubt it. I frowned. I’m sure he’d do that when he saw me on take off.

You best hurry, Rehema. He glanced the large mantel clock to the side.

Hmm. I should be back in time, right?

You will be. Won’t miss a good bye hug from you. Go on. Go see what the king of O’Pulsans has to say.

With a nod, I slipped from his house.

Taking a brisk walk across the streets and towards the Guild. I breathed a sense of release when I climbed the stairs and headed towards the north tower. Damien’s room. I was early, which was a good thing. I knocked and no answer came. Damn. He said to meet him here. Was he sleeping in? Doubt it. Damien never slept in.

Finally, the door opened. Damien stood before me, his six foot six height was imposing and felt with the power of his lord title. The sneer of amusement on his severely scarred face was never missed. The battle scar ran the left side from brow to chin, missing his fire blue eyes and splitting the brow and his top lip. Broken, twisted and at times intimidating. The badass as he was. Lean and slim of form for a Ryder of two hundred and twenty two years. Definitely lethal and a hard hit when you least expected it. His piercing blue eyes held with mine as I scanned the white straight hair, trimmed to his shoulders and tied half up. Presented in his usual lord style. His presence held a strange charm, one of leadership and modesty. Taking in his golden tunic, which held the symbol of the grand tree—EzRah’s sigle—and while I noted the lack of sleep. It was his clothes I stared at in shock.

You’re not dressed.

I am, Miss Thorndale, have your eyes failed you?

No. I mean. For the sky. The fly. You’re not dressed. I scanned the room behind him. While he had a sleeping quarter above, this was an office area. One, many visited and to my instant anger, was a person I hadn’t glanced at for six weeks.

No. I am not dressed for the sky, Miss Thorndale, Damien took in my sudden mood change and got right to business. I ask for you to take a seat. I have many issues this morning to deal with and none of them are in a time line of my choice.

I was hesitant to enter and even as I did, I stood to the wall folding my arms. The person across from me was doing the same. His eyes narrowed, his presence became chilly and annoying to be this close to him. Once it was a burning, a current of hope and need—now … now it was just plain ice.

I won’t ask again, Miss Thorndale. You too Creston. Damien took his seat behind the large oak desk, covered with parchments and all kinds of maps. Two chairs in front of his desk were side by side—touching. I pulled mine a few inches away before sitting in it. I hated I was this close and that he was here. I could feel his eyes on me, his brown gaze lingering in my direction to look at Damien as he started writing on parchments and sealing them with the wax stamp. Two seals later he looked up. Time had moved, the room was just as cold.

Miss Thorndale, I know I said I would be taking you and La’Kera around the lands for your imprinting. But I have too much to do here. A new threat is being seen in the north and the awakening of phazers six months ago have caused problems across all areas. I have more issues with reckless and untrustworthy people at this point. He paused and glanced to see I was listening before returning to his papers and started another shuffle of his desk. This time cleaning it away. A man of organisation and order. And he was taking his time for one who was considered out of time.

I would have asked Karson, but he isn’t on active duties as you are aware of. And while it is important to guide those of imprinting, safely across the lands, it isn’t a requirement on who. Damien stacked the pile perfectly straight before looking into my face. I have asked Creston to guide you and La’Kera, Miss Thorndale.

What? No! No way. No! I retorted. I won’t go.

You will and you must. La’Kera has waited a week too long as it is. She is eager to get out and see the lands. You feel it. That is why you are restless more so. It is for the three months—

I don’t care if its for three minutes. I won’t do it.

It isn’t a request, Miss Thorndale. It’s an order. You will be accompanied by Creston Dalton and his Bond Rayn’Nar, is that clear.

Why couldn’t you get someone else. Hell … Ravin would be better. There was a slither of a smile on his lips. I dared a look in Creston’s direction. He was a face of control. Anger, annoyance, ice. He wasn’t the Creston I knew six months ago.

There is no one else I would trust to guide you, Miss Thorndale. You have a way of doing what you will. Creston knows how to handle you. And I trust he will look after you both. You two will remain focused on this. Three months. When you return, I will inform you of your station.

This is bullshit.

Damien stood, six foot six and I sank into my seat. Oh, crap. I shouldn’t piss him off.

Creston. Damien turned his attention to the man in question. Just under six foot, bronze spiked hair and brown eyes. His tanned form was toned more in the past month. I wasn’t sure when he started putting on the weight—muscle. But he was broader, masculine. Still the same man, not too broad, not too slim, but he wasn’t the same man. He gave Damien his full attention as the Lord handed him several parchments. These should aid you. Maps, people and locations. Spells that she is required to use, test La’Kera is to be placed under, and towns you are to visit, those you are to speak with and so forth. The length in which I have deemed enough time for all stops is also added. The first month is the basic fly over, the second you may stay longer and the third; I would assume a length more. Do as I have instructed, and keep mind. Is that clear. Creston didn’t say anything. He stood, holding to the parchments. He paused at the door when Damien spoke. She will meet you in Stone Heart at seven as planned.

No I won’t, I snapped.

As soon as the door shut, Damien walked around his table and leaned down to me. His eyes burning into mine. A snarl of his broken brow and anger was clear.

You will do as ordered, Miss Thorndale. This isn’t about comfort or kindness or old arguments. You are a Ryder. Not a child. You are on an imprinting mission for La’Kera and you will go with whom ever I have assigned. Is that clear?

But… it’s my birthday.

He softened by a fraction, to lift his chin and continue his argument. You will follow his order. You will listen to his command, his words and do all that he ask. If I find you have turned on him, delayed you or hinder you and La’Kera in anyway. I will personally be the punisher. And this time. I will make it personal. You will collect your things and you will go to Stone Heart. Your mission starts this day, Miss Thorndale. Do not disappoint me. He stood taller, I swallowed hard. You need to accept that life as a Ryder isn’t about what you want. But what is best for your Bond and your position. He turned his blue gaze on me. This is Life. Deal with it. Don’t make it harder for yourself. If I have to fly out there to find you or Lyr’Rax has to guide La’Kera from an unknown area because you were not paying attention. You will fail her. Heed my warnings, Miss Thorndale. Don’t make this worse for yourself. Damien had away of speaking so cold, so scary and undoubtedly a twist of truth behind it all that had me barely nodding. Good. He walked towards his window, releasing a heavy sigh. I ask that you remain focused on this task, Miss Thorndale. Do not make this about your personal position between each other.

Why the hell did you choose him. Everything is personal with him. Too damn much. I sighed heavy, and he did the same. Some birthday this is, I grumbled. A length of silence started to pass, the kind we were use to and the kind that let us be—us. It reminded me of the golden ball room dreams…we’ll they were there now and again. Though when they did happen, this was what we’d do. Wait. Talk little, but in a way…honestly.

Why him? I was soft in voice, hating what he was saying. Please, Damien. Anyone but him.

No. I trust no others with you, Rehema. You … have a will about you. Creston knows this and is willing to aid when needed most. I understand you two have not spoken in a time. I ask you put your difference aside. This isn’t about you two. This is about La’Kera—learning her part, her moment. To imprint the lands as one, with you to bear witness with her. Don’t fail her, Rehema.

I was defeated, shocked and all the excitement had melted away. To fly the lands, see Dangora as I had hoped and dreamed to see it. Sure, with Damien it wasn’t all shiny and pretty—but now—with Creston. Ugh. This isn’t fair.

I am looking forward to spending time with Rayn’Nar, I have missed her songs.

I know. It’s not her I hate either. She will guide you well.

As will Creston. He still loves you.

No. I will not talk about this. I will not even have this conversation.

You have yet to have it completely.

I know. And I don’t want to start it.

I turned my focus to Damien, watching me intently. Lord Balrok, I dipped my head and started for the door.

A moment more, Rehema. Damien called for me to stop. He walked to his table, opened his bottom draw and lifted to view a small wooden box, elegant crafted and for Damien to hand it to me with an odd smile and caring eyes—meant ten times more than I could ever think possible. Happy birthday. He held out his hand. And good luck, Miss Thorndale, may the winds guide you safely.

Arms and Claws. I took the gift, trying to deny the sudden flutter in my heart—his. Shit! I hated it was there and worse. He accepted it as though it was okay. The soul dance was always there. I just wish I could stop it. I never could. Never knew how and wasn’t even sure it was possible. I lifted the lid on the wooden box, eager and surprised to have a gift from Damien. His smile was all to knowing once I lifted the small dagger to view. white ivory handle with curve to the blade, and an inscription inside. Winds rise, sun sets, paths kept.

Thanks. I meant it, and was in too minds to hug him. Damien Balrok isn’t someone you hug, even in goodbye moments. Another dip of heads and I exited his tower and headed to Karson’s, finding a slot in my belt for the new blade. I was temporarily distracted by the gift, I almost forgot about the change of plans and telling Karson the sad news, had me seething in rage.

Why did he do this, Karson. He knows I don’t want to be around him. He knows.

Damien isn’t about to let you run off with anyone. Creston is a safe option.

No. Creston is not a safe option. We are going to do more damage—to the trees.

Creston won’t harm you. Or La’Kera. He knows how important the imprinting is, as do I. And I would go with you, but I am not on active duties and with my leg still … not there. He tried for a joke, I knew it bothered him more now, not able to stand the long flights or the long combats, he didn’t even do a run anymore, but still looked as fit and perfectly sculptured as the day I met him. He glanced to James, playing happily with his wooden blocks. Maybe I should have put in for it, just take us longer than three months.

Well, you can still. I don’t leave for five minutes. I teased, and rolled my eyes inwardly. It was cruel of me to even ask that much of him. He’d already lost so much, his leg, his brother.

Rehema. Karson placed his hands on my shoulder, staring up and into his green eyes. The sea green of many shades. This isn’t about you and him. Remember that. Focus on La’Kera. On the lands. Not on what you and Creston have or did.

Easy said then done, Karson. I was fine with avoiding him on the street. Not seeing him all the time. But he insisted on staying here. He insisted on … trying.

He will always try. He loves you as he will always love you and with the way things ended between you two.

And you know why.

That I do. Don’t think less of him for trying to help. I believe this is a big step. Even for Damien to allow it. Creston was banned from mentoring for ten years. Taking you around for guide ship might allow him back into mentoring, and he may be granted his new tutelage sooner.

A tingle of surprise touched me, knowing how much he wanted to return to mentoring and wasn’t able to. He had failed Dawn, his first student and yet, she was doing just fine in Mildura.

I better go, I was reluctant to leave. Karson kissed the top of my head. Embracing me tight.

Take care. Remember. This is about La’Kera. This is her day … and many days to come. She is to see all for the first time. Try and relax a little around Creston. Even if it is just to get through the next three months.

I can’t make any promises, Karson.

I know. I would have liked you two to find your love again.

Karson … please. My warning was there.

Hmm. It is only hope, Rehema. You will find your hope too.

Yeah. Maybe when I find my peace and my happiness. Hope isn’t there right now. I hugged James tight, another warm hug to Karson and I shouldered my pack. Light and sturdy. Filled with all the essential, my new presents included and all that I would need on this trip. Some could be restocked in the towns I visited; I hoped they could. Would Creston even take us to any towns? Ugh. This was going to be annoying. I waved Karson off and headed to the portal stones. To know, this was it. This was the last time I would see him for three months.

We will return, La’Kera informed. I am pleased we are to leave this day. It is a nice day to leave.

Yes. That is true, just a pity it’s with … him.

I hated she was watching Creston getting Rayn’Nar ready. Sure. Saddling a dragon wasn’t easy, Creston made it look simple. Once it would never have bothered me, but with everything that happened in the past six months before, even the last seven. I just—I couldn’t. I pulled from her mind and focused on the task at hand. I need no distractions. I wish Damien didn’t place him as our guide. Why did he have to do things that he knew would make it twice as painful.

I believe he hoped as Karson does. You and Creston need to talk. Ignoring each other for as long as you have, isn’t good. She rumbled softly to Rayn’Nar missing the dragoness in the last few months as a close comfort. She would at times close me off when she spent time with Rayn’Nar and Creston. That annoyed me. She would actually fly with them both, but not share any of it with me. Mostly she knew I didn’t want to see Creston and in truth—today was just the start of all the days I wish not to see him. I wish this wasn’t happening.

I entered into the maze, finding the middle with ease and giving the required note to the guards so that I could pass. I exited EzRah and entered into Stone Heart Valley—Draeos was before me. The warmth I felt when ever I did spy it, made me smile. To lost memories. To never ending moments. The echo of Damien telling me I was slowing in my ten lap run. The far off thought of the gooey eyed fairies when ever they saw me and Creston—no. I will not think about those days. Those days are gone. Never ever. I turned my attention to the high buildings, gazing to my old room. It had been two and a half years since I last lived in that room. So much time had passed already. Scanning the study buildings in the south, the dinner hall in the north, the teachers towers in the west and the docking bay and a longer gaze on the east—the combat yards. Still my most favourite of all places in this academy. I breathed slowly, knowing I had missed it all for so long, and now… I would miss it for a different reason. I headed to the south shuttle bay, saying a silent farewell to the path I’d never walk again. Three months. Would it go fast or slow?

It will go as it needs. We should not hurry this moment. I am to imprint the lands at last. She purred, unable to hide her excitement. The knowledge that Creston was ready and waiting had me hasten my steps. Fifteen minutes later I was at the south dens. Entering into the threshold, taking me to the landing bay in seconds, I headed towards La’Kera without a side glance at the Sapherian dragoness or its Bond. My sight was on La’Kera.

Thirty-one feet from chest to tail, white scales of pearl hues. Two impressive arched horns on her skull and an array of three on each cheek. The arrow shape of her face had slimmed, her neck held higher for the moment as she regarded me. The idea, she was watching me—watching her—had us both laughing and her snorting to nip playfully at my head. I reached to her snout as she lowered her form towards me. Her rumble soothed and relaxed me. Least for the moment it did. My Bond. Exhaling at her beauty, I was at times breathless and dazzled by her white diamond scales. I pressed my body onto her face, since I was five foot five—able to wrap my arms around her head and kiss her between the eyes. She blinked her crystal eyes at me, rumbling as she lifted me from the ground. Gentle in her movements, completely aware of me. I couldn’t stay mad at her. She was my link; always as one. She knew