Page 80 of Sanctuary with a Dragon
“I do.”
“Do you vow to guard the strength of your kind, to protect the weak, to shield the innocent, and to lead not with pride but with wisdom?”
“I do.”
“Do you swear, before the eyes of your people and the spirits of those who came before you, to carry this mantle until your last breath, with strength, courage, and unwavering resolve?”
“I swear it.”
Virion had me kneel, then placed the crown upon my head.
A deep rumble built in my chest, low and resonant, until the entire hall seemed to vibrate with it. Fire licked across my skin, bright and alive, and the air itself shuddered. I felt Elandor rise in strength within me—not as a separate consciousness this time, but as part of me. Our hearts beat in unison, our breaths merged into one rhythm, and we became one.
Heat surged outward in a flood of gold and scarlet light. My body stretched, bones reshaping, scales rippling down my arms as wings unfurled from my back with a sound like thunder. Gasps rose all around. The floor trembled beneath my talons, but the fire that surrounded me didn’t burn. To me, it was life itself.
I lifted my head and released a single, echoing roar that shook the rafters and sent sparks spiraling toward the high ceiling. It wasn’t a sound of dominance or fury, but a vow—a promise to my people that I would always protect them.
Elandor and I were one.
Finally, wholly, one.
When the light dimmed, I stood before my people as the Prime of the Shifters—dragon and man, no longer divided. The glow from my lantern flared in answer, its flame dancing joyfully as if in recognition.
Virion’s voice rang out over the stunned silence.
“Then let it be known: by oath and by spirit, by willand by truth, Alaric is now Prime of the Shifters. May his reign bring unity, strength, and honor.”
The hall erupted. My people shouted, “So it is!” Their cheers thundered against the vaulted ceiling.
I gave one last roar before letting the fire fold inward. In a flash of light and heat, I stood a man again, my fire-red robes re-forming with me as the enchantment took hold. A ceremonial robe was draped across my shoulders, and a clear glass globe filled with everlasting fire was placed in my hand. With the other, I reached for Everly.
As she shyly wove her fingers through mine, the roar of celebration swelled until it nearly deafened me. She rose on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek, then whispered in my ear, “Long live the king.”
I gazed at her, my miracle, my mate, and my heart leapt at the thought of our wedding in a month, when she would finally be mine. I cupped her cheek, looked into her eyes, and whispered back, “Long live the queen.”
Then I kissed her to the cheers of our people.
Epilogue
ALARIC
The day of our wedding finally dawned. Elandor woke me, from his pure excitement spilling over into my emotions, well before the birds were up. And when I rolled out of bed, I was right there with him.
Our wedding.
To our mate.
Was today.
From this day on, she would be ours forever, and we would be hers.
Elandor and I had lost all sense of embarrassment when it came to how we felt about Everly.
We’ll always be sappy for our mate. I think it’s an unwritten rule that we should be.
Agreed. Also, I’m glad your excitement woke me up early. I forgot that the whole world is here to witness thewedding, and I need to be out there early for hosting and kingly duties.
Surely justhalfthe world is here…
