The World Above

Chapter 18 : Love Always Finds A Way

Haven's POV

Night falls. After finishing some assignments, I decide to take a nap. As I'm adding the finishing touches to some summer designs, I hear a knock on my window. I glance at the clock-it's only 9 p.m. I get up to open the window when a huge gust of wind nearly knocks me off my feet.

"I'm downstairs!"

The wind carries the message and disperses just as the doorbell rings. I jump and hurry downstairs. "I'll get it!" I shout. But Matt ignores me and opens the door. I hold my breath, waiting for a reaction. Maybe it's Farris with his half-naked body or Lenna with a new, outlandish hairstyle.

"Hi! You must be Haven's brother! Nice to meet you. My name is Sulya." I open my eyes to see a man who appears to be in his late twenties. He has silver hair that is silky and smooth, accentuating his sea-blue eyes. He has perfect lips and a perfect body. I didn't know dragons could shape-shift into such handsome humans.

At that moment, my mom comes into the hallway. "Who is it?" She stops dead in her tracks when she sees Sulya. "And who might this gentleman be?" she asks Matt, drying her hands with the towel she always carries. Sulya enters the house and greets my mother by taking her hand and kissing it.

Mom blushes slightly, and I roll my eyes. "You must be Matt's friend. Come inside, let me serve you some tea!" She ushers him inside, but Sulya shakes his head. "I'm afraid I can't stay. I came here to pick up Haven." Mother gives me a look that says, 'How do you know such a handsome man, and why is he here this late?'

"See, Mama! I told you Haven is a handsome man magnet! She managed to attract yet another admirer!" Mira shouts from the kitchen. Mother glares at her. "I see... Is there a special reason why you have come to see Haven this late?"

"Ah, yes. Haven is receiving extra history lessons, but her mentor is only available to teach her this late. She needs to go for half an hour minimum or an hour max. I promise to drop her back by 10." He reassures my mother.

Mother hesitates but soon agrees. She, Matt, and Mira follow us out. My family really knows how to embarrass me. Sulya opens the door of his blue Koenigsegg. "Oh Jesus! He's rich!" Matt whispers behind me. But it doesn't surprise me that much. It's creepy how I'm getting used to such luxuries.

I wave and get in. Sulya gets in the driver's seat, starts the engine, and soon my house is a small dot. "OK, you mind telling me how you can shape-shift into a human? Also, where did you get this car?" I immediately start with the questions.

"Shape-shifting into humans is easy. As for the car, let's just say your husband-to-be has a nice collection." He answers with a smile. "No way! You stole from Felix?!" I ask incredulously. "Well... It isn't stealing. I borrowed a car from my master's soulmate." He tries to explain. But now I'm more concerned about what he called Felix.

"Felix is not my soulmate!" Sulya looks at me as if something is wrong with me. "Oh yes, I'm sorry. He is the next-door neighbor's soulmate!" He nods his head seriously as if he's made a grave mistake. "Wow! I didn't know dragons could be sarcastic!" I try to suppress my smile while changing the topic.

"You shouldn't underestimate dragons. Also, don't try to change the subject." Sulya glances at me knowingly. I guess you can't trick a billion-year-old dragon. "Who do you think Felix is to you?" He continues.

"I don't know! Right now, my feelings are complicated!" I feel a blush creeping up my neck. "Is it because you fancy another boy who goes by the name Brandon?" I stare at him. "How... how do you know?" I stammer.

"We've been keeping an eye on you since you were born. We were just waiting for you to turn 18 before revealing ourselves to you. We know all about you, what you like, what you dislike, the people you have crushes on, about your brother Mike, etc." He explains.

"Anyway, we're getting off-topic. Tell me why you think it's impossible to make space for Felix in your heart." He looks at me.

I sigh. "It's not that it's impossible, but this was a big shock for us. We have to adapt, keep secrets, train like hell. Do you guys really believe there's any time for love to blossom?"

Sulya chuckles. "I believe anything can happen. Love always finds a way. Maybe we should suggest the queens and kings of Magix set you two up on dates!" I bury my face in my hands at his remarks. "How long till we reach The Peaks?" I squeak.

"Almost there. Hold on tight; going through the barrier is a bumpy ride!" As soon as Sulya answers, the car starts to hit quite a bit of turbulence. I manage to glance down despite being shaken to death. The crystals look beautiful beyond words at night.

Sulya parks the car in front of the Peak barrier. Madam Yaga comes out to greet us. "Aha! It seems as if you are back, mister, along with the Prophesied Queen. Welcome, dearie!" I bow my head a bit to acknowledge her.

"Well then, old lady, if you don't mind, we are in a hurry." Sulya gets out of the car. Madame Yaga rolls her eyes and flicks her fingers. The barrier opens at once. Sulya takes my hand, and we venture into the darkness.

"Do you want to know a fun fact?" he asks after a while. I nod, then realizing he can't see the action, I reply, "Sure, go on."

"The environment of The Peaks is dark, and many are afraid to venture in here. Not only is it the home of dragons, but also the home to Class 9 and Class 8 species. Only a select few dare to trespass."

"But don't a lot of gods and goddesses have Class 9 and 8 spirit animals? Does that mean they are the ones allowed here?" I ask, my hand tightly gripping his.

"As soon as the Bonding Ceremony starts, all the inhabitants of The Peaks make their way to the Tree of Life, including dragons. But we do so discreetly. As you know quite well, we aren't welcomed." He adds the last bit darkly. I know better than to probe deeper.

The rest of the journey is passed in silence. I admire the beautiful flora growing in the forest. Soon we reach the dragons' lair. Sulya whistles, and a huge cloud descends from the skies. "After you, my lady!" He holds out his hand. I take it and cautiously step on the cloud.

I feel a bit cold as the cloud rushes up to the cave, but Sulya's body heat keeps me warm.

We enter the cave, and I immediately know the dragons had been awaiting our arrival. All of them are standing in a circle on the little patch of land in their human forms. My eyes land on Majesty. She smiles, showing her fangs, "Welcome, O Prophesied Queen!"