Page 34 of Embers of Fate
Surprise flickers through me, followed by a rush of affection. “A plan?” I echo, shaking my head. “Sam, really. I don’t think we can prepare for any of this. Not when we don’t have a clue what’ll happen. No one alive has ever witnessed a Draken shift into his beast.”
“Andthat’swhere you’re wrong,” she counters, leaning closer, her eyes alight with a knowing gleam. “Thereissomeone who’s witnessed a dragon shift. And not only that,” she pauses for effect, her lips curving into a secretive smile, “shemarriedhim.”
My eyes widen, awe and disbelief clashing within me. How did I not think of it sooner? “Juliette Deveraux,” I mumble, meeting Sam’s gaze head-on. “You spoke with the Grand Witch who just came back from the grave?” The thought makes me dizzy, but then again, it could just be my dragon awakening.
“I did,” Sam confirms, her tone dry and matter-of-fact. “But don’t worry. I told her nothing. I simply said I was curious as a witch to learn these things. And she was more than helpful.” Pride and satisfaction radiate from her, a grin splitting her face. “And now, I have a plan.”
“Okay,” I breathe, my throat going dry as the reality of my impending shift hits me once more. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
Sam flinches, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “Really? You’ll do as I say?” A mischievous glint enters her eyes, her lips twitching with barely suppressed amusement. “In that case, my first order for you is that we have some cake. After I sing to you Happy Birthday.”
I can’t help but smile, her playful demeanor chasing away the shadows of my fear, if only for a moment. “You’re gonna sing to me?”
“Mm-hmm,” Sam nods, her nose crinkling adorably. “And you’ll have to pretend to like it, as I’m a terrible singer.”
I reach out and take her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips and pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. “I don’t think you could be terrible at anything, even if you tried.”
A blush stains Sam’s cheeks, a rosy hue that makes my heart skip a beat.
“I’m so happy you’re here…” I tell her, my voice rough with emotion.In my life,I add silently, the words too big, too profound to voice aloud.
“I have a gift for you,” she whispers, her tone low and intimate, sending a shiver down my spine.
“A gift?” I start, surprise and wonder filling me. “Sam, you’ve already spoiled me enough.”
“It’s never enough,” she insists, her voice stern and unyielding. “Anyway, you’ve earned it.”
Laughter bubbles up in my throat, clear and joyous. “Earned it?” I ask, my eyebrows shooting up in astonishment.
“Yeah,” she confesses, utterly shameless. “I wouldn’t be spoiling you had you turned out to be a jerk.” She grins, throwing me a mischievous look that tells me she’s not lying.
“Oh, I’veseenhow you treat jerks,” I taunt, memories of that fateful night at the club flashing through my mind. “I’m just glad there are no bottles nearby.”
She punches my arm, her lips pursing in a pout that I find utterly adorable. “That guy had it coming!”
“Ow!” I laugh, rubbing my arm in mock pain. “I know! I was there, remember?”
“Anyway,” she continues, her eyes sparkling with excitement, “your gift.”
“Yeah?” Curiosity burns through me, my heart racing in anticipation.
She slips her hand under the table, pulling out a classic red square jewelry box with gold detailing.Cartier.
“Sam,” I breathe, stunned by the sight, by the implication of such an extravagant gift.
She tilts her head, delight dancing in her eyes as she takes in my astonishment. “Don’t worry. I’m not proposing,” she teases, grinning devilishly.
I crack a smile, even as my heart clenches with a bittersweet longing.If only she were...
“Open it,” she urges, her voice soft and expectant.
With trembling fingers, I take the box and flip it open, my breath catching in my throat at the sight that greets me. There, nestled in the velvet lining, is a signet ring, the embodiment of my family’s ancient legacy. The gold ring bears a meticulously chiseled dragon in a rampant pose, its wings spread wide and its mouth open in a silent roar. Flames curl around the beast, while tiny ruby eyes gleam with lifelike intensity. Intricate Celtic knotwork surrounds the dragon, and at the base, a motto is inscribed: “In Flammis Gloriam.”In flames, glory.
“Wow,” I mumble, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness, the significance of such a gift.
Sam gives me a half-smile, her eyes shining with emotion. “I thought it would be fitting,” she says softly. “I never imagined it would besofitting.” She slides closer, her hand coming up to cup the side of my face, her touch gentle and reverent. “You’re the first dragon shifter in three hundred years, Nik. You might be the last dragon the world ever sees.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, tears burning at the back of my eyes. I swallow hard, trying to master the storm of emotions swirling inside me.
