Page 41 of The Dragon's Flamebound Mate

I handed them each a packet with the information so they could have it on hand.

“Some of you have already been to these competitions with me, so you know how it goes. Others, this is brand-new for you. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask.”

The team took a break from staring at the eggs and focused their attention on me and Ash, their hands gripping the folders tightly. They may not have said it out loud, but their faces showed the anxiety that had wiggled its way into their minds and gained a foothold. They said it was good not to be too comfortable when you competed, that a little fear went a really long way. If that was true, we were ready.

I took a moment to catch the gaze of each member of my young team, attempting to reassure them. When I turned to Ash, his own trepidation was visible on his face as well. I needed to spend the trip yanking that worry from him. He had enough on his plate with the eggs traveling with us, the first time competing, and being the only eagle Leader.

“The Dragon Flight games aren’t just about skill and cool maneuvers, it’s about teamwork and building community that will last you a lifetime.” That was what drew me to them in the first place. Competition could be found in all different arenas, from music to chess to soccer, but this camaraderie was really unique and special.

“These games have a history. Dating back further than even I remember.” There were a few giggles. Everyone on the team seemed to find constant amusement in my age. “There was a time when dragons flew freely, but so did demons. It was because of our teamwork and community that we were able to send the demons of Earth back to where they belonged.” Those were dark days I truly hoped we’d never see again. “But once the war was done, dragons continued to be ready. Continued to train.”

I loved that something that began as a way of saving dragon kind could turn into something that uplifted it.

“We all come from different backgrounds, but what has made us strong—what will make us unstoppable in competition—is our unity and trust in one another.”

Nearly everyone nodded along. Maybe my message was seeping in. Please let that be the case.

“We lift each other up, and together, we’ll thrive. No matter what happens on the field, we’ll face it as one.”

Ash continued from there. “We’ve forged a bond this season. You all have cemented yourselves as worthy team members and made a significant impact on mine and Zayne’s family. We truly believe in every single one of you. And we’re honored to have been your Flight Leaders this season. Let’s remember that when we take to the skies tomorrow.”

Our team whistled and cheered, and even the eggs seemed to pulse with a glow of excitement.

“Let’s get moving,” I said. “We’ve got a victory to secure!”

No matter what happened from here, this season was already a success in my book. We had turned our team into so much more. They took risks, supported each other, were the world’s best hype people, and understood that this wasn’t about winning, at least not completely. We were still going to win. Probably. Maybe. Fingers crossed.

Chapter 21

Ash

Ihadattendedthiscompetition several times over the years. I had seen my mate’s teams perform, too, of course, but this was my first time here as a Flight Leader, and it was terrifying. How different things would’ve been if we’d ever gotten close enough to each other back then. But different didn’t always mean better, and it was difficult to imagine a scenario where life with him was better than this, with him by my side as my partner in all things.

The number of details we had to keep track of was alarming and something I hadn’t even considered before we arrived. So far, we were managing, but I had a feeling it was one of those situations where if you dropped one ball, they would all start falling.

It was all very “hurry up and wait” while we organized and the competition got started. Or so we thought. Then Isaac tripped over an extension cord and was sure that he had pulled a muscle, which required a quick shift and flight check for him. Susan forgot her lucky water bottle in her dorm room, so she had to go track that down, only they wouldn’t let her into our team area because she’d also left her ID badge behind. It was a whole ordeal I was thrilled was over.

So far, we had been able to avoid Carson, and we all agreed we’d like to keep it that way. It was best not to see him than to have to deal with him, that was for sure. But even knowing he was there added a level of stress to an already stressful situation.

I was introduced to several other teams at the banquet dinner last night. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive, giving my mate and me well-wishes. Clearly, Zayne was a well-respected member of the community. I couldn’t be more proud of him.

According to everyone I spoke to, he was a new dragon now that he was mated. In the past, Zayne avoided the social events, but he went there with me on his arm without a fuss. I even got him to wear a tie. I’d have preferred staying with the clutch all of the time, but this was important. If I wasn’t there, by his side the entire time, people would jump to all sorts of conclusions, including that we weren’t really Co-Leaders and the title was in name only. Thankfully, we were surrounded by people who were at the ready to stay with our eggs.

When I woke this morning, I thought the day would fly by. It always had when I was a spectator. Turned out, it was different when I was participating. The day was crawling by instead of running. Probably because our first flight competition was just after lunch, and our second one would be later in the evening. We had all morning waiting in anticipation.

We spent it watching the other competitions. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Sure, we could learn from their success and mistakes as far as the tiny things went, but if they pulled out something fabulous we needed to figure out, there simply wasn’t time. Either way, we took notes to go over after the games.

Zayne and I sat in the stands, our team a nervous wreck behind us, each of them fidgeting. Next time I was going to give them actual fidgets to make their lives easier and their nerves calmer.

They also took turns sitting in Zayne’s and my room with the eggs so that they were never left alone. Zayne’s parents had come to watch us compete, and they were currently sitting with them. They were going to be the best grandparents. That was for sure.

“Galeclaw’s team is up next,” Zayne said.

I sat a little straighter, keeping a keen eye on the team walking out onto the field. As with all of these events, the teams would first walk out and be introduced to the judges in their human form. Then they would all shift into their dragon forms. Once the judges gave the all-clear, they would take flight and begin their routine. Each team was given five to seven minutes to perform their prepared routine. It was very formulaic like that, even though each routine had its own personality of sorts.

Galeclaw’s team consisted of five members, all returning competitors. They captivated the audience from the second they stepped onto the field. I wasn’t sure if it was their confidence or their reputation that drew everyone to them. Most likely it was a bit of both.

When their dragons took to the skies, their routine was impressive and executed flawlessly. I couldn’t find a single movement to mark them down on, and I was picky. When their score came back—higher than anyone else’s—I wasn’t surprised. We applauded, as we should. I wasn’t the kind of Leader who got upset when other people did well. Bad sportsmanship never did anyone any good.

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