Celestial Souls

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

I ran outside and into the woods that surrounded our castle. Looking back, I could see a few scorch marks that stained the walls of the castle, a permanent reminder of the Great Battle. 

Carrying on through the woods, as fast as my feet could carry me I only started to slow when the clearing where I had discovered Ignus’ shell came into view. Stepping into it, I was dazzled just like I was every time I came here. Lush green grass grew to the height where it just managed to tickle my ankle, the wild flowers dotted randomly around stunning in their beauty, the trees, tall and proud, standing like revered sentinels, protecting this piece of sacred forest. Because that was what it was – sacred. Sacred in every single way, this was where I found Ignus for the very first time, where our connection was forged, where my mother always used to bring me to get away from the Royal aspects of our lives.  

The lake on the other side was a deep, clear blue and sparkling in the sunlight, its gentle waves softly carrying the water out to a small gentle stream where eventually it would drop off into a waterfall.

That lake was where most of the kingdom gathered in united grief as we mourned for the Queen of the Dragon Riders and everyone else who lost their lives. We waited until the sun was setting and had painted the sky with its colours. The families and friends of those who had been lost each got a candle ablaze with Dragon fire (that would burn even underwater) and set it down on the lightly lapping lake pushing it out into the darker depths, illuminating our harmonious suffering. 

That was the main thing I remembered about that night. All I know was afterwards my father made a speech but only got halfway through it before breaking down in sobs. He had flown back immediately when he heard that a small fraction of rebels had instigated a battle and that there were a lot of casualties. 

When he discovered that my mother was dead he lost it. He loved her more than life, he still does. We each have a soulmate in this world, no matter your race. Dragon Rider, Vampire, Werewolf, Witch? It doesn’t matter, there will always be one who is the other half of your soul, the only one who can truly complete you. But since this world is vast and has a population of roughly 7 billion, it is rare that anyone finds their other half. My parents were lucky, they found each other in high school and had been together ever since. Well, up to… that night.

A slight breeze pushed my hair away from my forehead and I smiled, closing my eyes, enjoying the coolness. My eyes shot open when I remembered what I was here for and my mouth stretched even further into a grin. I reached into my mind and felt the connection that forged mine and Ignus’ minds together.

Ignus, can you hear me?

You know I can, Blaze, what do you want? I rolled my eyes. He was going through the difficult teenage years.

Actually…

I am not doing your maths homework for you again, you can suffer on your own this time!

Ignus! You love maths! I crinkled my brow, wondering what his problem was.

Well yeah but do you know what I don’t love? Your dad yelling at me and then having that old dinosaur of his making me work all week. My wings are still sore!

I laughed softly to myself, “that old dinosaur of his” was actually my Dad’s Dragon who was always grumpy and mean. Especially to Ignus. He was practically a drill sergeant.

Aw Ignus, it wasn’t that bad.

Try telling that to my achy as hell body. I kicked a rock, wondering how it was possible that my Dragon was so immature. But I wouldn’t trade him for anything. We balanced each other out and were closer than blood.