Page 102 of A Lick of Flame

“Don’t sound so shocked.”

“I somehow didn’t think it would happen.”

“Why not? You are bonded with the strongest, most powerful creature there is. You are special, Maya. Of course she picked you. You’re brave and kind.” Orion takes me into his arms and kisses me gently. “You are everything to me,” he murmurs against my lips. “I love you so much, my love, my wife.” He smiles.

Butterflies flap around inside my tummy. I try hard to smile back at him. I am thrilled beyond measure to be his wife, but…how long will our union last?

“You look worried, love.” He cups my jaw.

“Nothing has changed, Orion. I am still human. I’m still going to get sick and die.”

“Everything has changed, love. There is something I need to tell you.” He gets down on his knees; his eyes glint in the moonlight. My heart is thudding wildly in my chest.

Orion puts his hand on my stomach. “You are pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.”

I cup my mouth with my hands and gasp. I know it’s true. I can feel it. The dragons know. My dragon knows.

I am pregnant.

36

Maya

One month later…

My grip tightens on Raila's horns as she soars higher and higher into the sky, her powerful wings beating against the wind as we rise up and up.

“Ready, Maya?” Orion shouts from his perch on Delphine. They are flying right next to us.

“Yes!”

Weeks of daily practice have prepared me for this moment – riding Raila with complete control and confidence. I feel alive when I’m atop my magnificent dragon, exhilarated by the rush of adrenaline coursing through me.

I’m free.

I laugh with abandon. Orion does the same. Delphine responds with a roar, and Raila lets out a rumble in return. I hold on to Raila’s horns as she takes me higher and higher into the murky gray sky.

“We’re nearly there, love,” Orion shouts. “You ready, Raila?”

She growls, and her whole body vibrates below me.

“I’ll take that as a resounding yes,” he yells.

“Yes!” I yell. “We are ready to do this.”

Looking out over the edge of Raila's back, I see the vast expanse of the desert below. It stretches out like a harsh, unforgiving sea of sand and rock with endless dunes.

We spent a long time brainstorming a solution to finding another of the Lost Kings. Thankfully, we have Raila…the most powerful dragon there is. She’s not just powerful; she is magic, too.

“Okay then, girl,” I tell her, rubbing her golden scales. I project with my mind what it is I need her to do.

She rumbles and chuffs, and then she starts going around in wide, arching circles. I have to hold on tight as she flies quicker and quicker. The air becomes electric. Clouds start to gather where there were none. More and more clouds gather as we continue to circle, going faster still. I hold on tight as the clouds grow thicker and darker. They’re heavy with snow. By the time she is done, I am breathing white plumes from my mouth, and my legs are shaking from having to grip her so tightly. White flakes begin to fall onto the desert below.

“That should do it,” Orion shouts; white clouds puff from his mouth as he does.

The air is chilled, and I am glad for the jacket Orion insisted I wear despite the earlier heat.

Orion laughs as snow begins to fall in earnest.

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