Page 88 of To Match A Dragon's Fire

“It’s very real, just new and in need of nurture. Enjoy the fun times ahead.” Bemouth was still laughing as he stood back, ushering us deeper into the cavern.

It’d been so long since I’d seen him this excited, and I somehowknew. Even before he stepped aside, I could feel the change in the air.

Everything from this moment on would be different. Earth had given us a gift.

“Today is a special day for us all.” He beamed, leading Ember to the runes on the cave wall.

“Is this the prophecy?” Ember blew out a slow breath as her face lit up with wonder.

The ancient runes were written in our language. She wouldn’t be able to read them.

But she traced her fingers across the engraved stone anyway, mouthing little whispers to herself as if they were familiar.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away—couldn’t believe this was happening.

So many years. So many lifetimes come and gone while we waited, stagnant, unchanging.

First born of fire.

Strength forged of flame.

When a dragon’s heart dies…

“These look newer.” Ember frowned as she stood back to study the marking near the break in the circle.

Life begins again.

“That one is new.” I swallowed down the emotion in my throat, scarcely breathing as I stepped up beside her under the ancient runes I’d studied my entire life,knowingthey would never change.

I was wrong.

Earth always provides.

And I was a fool to doubt Her.

“When?” I asked Bemouth.

The fire of new discovery shone in his eyes as the old dragon removed his glasses to wipe up a stray tear. “A few minutes ago. The earthquake loosened some of the rock to reveal it.”

“Impossible,” I whispered, still looking at Ember as I leaned on the cave wall, sagging against it with relief and trusting it would hold my weight.

After all this time, She chose to speak to us now. Through Ember. My miracle.

First born of fire…I traced the image identical to the symbol etched on the cave wall, now a small pattern seemingly tattooed on Ember’s neck rightabove the twin marks of my fangs claiming her as mine.

“Nothing is impossible.” Ember shivered under my touch, looking up at me with adoration and a burning curiosity in those beautiful hazel eyes. “We just haven’t figured it out yet. So, tell me about this prophecy…”

27

Ember

Take Me for a Ride

Emerging from the cool depths of the cave into the late afternoon heat felt like entering another world. I reached up to touch the mark that had magically appeared on my neck after Kieran had bitten me, sealing the claim between us.

This was a whole new world all right.

One where I was somehow linked to an apocalyptic dragon prophecy. I had more questions than answers after leaving the cave.

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