Chained Dragons Evermore

Storm

Zoe's POV

We both got dressed after what had been a night under the stars. "Come on, let's get back to the house," said Ryker. The following morning I lie in bed and caress Ryker's bare chest. Ryker's eyes grow sad. He tries to mask it but I reach out and caress his cheek. "What is it? Do you still have that bad feeling?" I asked him. "Yes it's even worse now that we've confessed our love," said Ryker. My stomach clenches as I feel Ryker's unease flow through me.

"It's not Noah. It's something else/ Something more. I think it has to do with the potions the dragon hunters have been using on us. The ones that prevent dragons from shifting and the ones that force us to shift" said Ryker voicing his concerns. "Do you think Noah helped them make the potion?" I asked him. "It's possible. Noah is so hungry for power that he'd do something that stupid. All I know is you and I are the first dragon mates in centuries" said Ryker.

"Is that just because of the dragon hunters? Or is there another force, a darker, stronger force that we're not seeing?" said Ryker. "A force helping human hunters kill us" I said. I close my eyes and connect to my inner dragon trusting the answer will come. The word Druids came to mind. When I open my eyes Ryker nods his head as if he knows exactly what I heard. "Druids are back. They've broken our treaty" said Ryker. I didn't even want to think about it.

Druids are powerful wizards. Hundreds of years ago they almost wiped dragons from the face of the earth. The fighting got so bad there was finally a peace treaty that forced druids to leave the continent. "Druids are helping the dragon hunters. That makes sense" I said. "It;s how the hunters have been getting the potions and why they've been so successful in defeating dragons this year," said Ryker. "Do you think Matyas and Sasha know about the druids?" I asked him.

"No Matyas and Sasha have always been terrified of the return of druids" said Ryker. "Maybe this is why we're true mates? To ensure the druids and hunters don't wipe out dragons" I said. "Yes the last time true dragon mates were heard of was right before the druids fled the continent" said Ryker. "We're together to kill a bunch of druids" I said in shock.

"Yes I believe that's why we were paired," said Ryker. "We should be prepared to see druids today too. Even though we're making a surprise attack I assume the druids are watching Noah too" I said. "I bet they've been watching us this whole time and they've been trying to get others to do their dirty work," said Ryker. He gets out of bed and walks to his closet and gets dressed in his special fighting uniform. There's a knock on the door and Alcina enters. "Alcina how are you feeling?" I asked her. "I'm a little sore but I'll make it," she said softly.

She smiles at Ryker then hands me a package. "This is for you. It was my fighting uniform when I was your age. Ryker's father had it made for me. It's made of the finest material to block copper bullets and arrows" said Alcina. "Thank you Alcina. You always bring me the most beautiful gifts" I said happily. "Try it on. Let me see how it fits" said Alcina. I walk into the bathroom and put on the outfit. When I walk back into the bedroom Alcina smiles with excitement.

"It fits me well," I said overjoyed. "It's perfect," said Alcina happily. "It does look good on you Zoe and you can use the extra protection" said Ryker. Alcina ignores his over protectiveness and adjusts the top. "I want you to be careful today Zoe. I've come to think of you like a daughter" said Alcina. She smiles sweetly at me. "I think of you like a mother also. You've been so kind to me from the moment I got here" I said. "That's because I could tell you were right for Ryker. He needs a strong partner to lead him. I'm too old to fight now. I'll be here protecting the flight house until you get back" said Alcina.

"You've earned your leisure," said Ryker. "I want you to be careful too, Ryker. I know you hate when I say that but I mean it. You have Zoe to think about" said Alcina as she looked between the both of us. "I promise I'll live," said Ryker. He hugged Alcina before he took my hand and walked out the door. When I get out front our flight waits on one side of the yard while Lord Garyon and his flight stand next to them. Lord Garyon walks to stand next to me.

"My flight is ready. We'll take whatever direction you give us, Lord Ryker" said Garyon. "Thank you, Garyon. We'll stick to the plan we discussed last night. Zoe and I will lead our dragons first, making sure Noah sees us. Noah won't be expecting you so you'll come behind us, surrounding Noah and his dragons" said Ryker. Lord Garyon nods with vigor. "We're using the element of surprise so stay quiet" I said. "There may be druids fighting with Noah," said Ryker.

"Druids? Impossible" said Garyon, surprised. "Impossible as true dragon mates?" said Ryker. He was proving a point. None of us which we expected to still exist."We'll be on the lookout," said Garyon. Knowing we couldn't tell what's out there anymore. Aiden steps toward me and Ryker. "I've decided to fight and don't you dare try to stop me, Ryker" said Aiden. "I'm not going to stop you Aiden. We could use you" said Ryker. Aiden nods then looks up at Ryker.

"Are you going to give a speech? Dragon lords have always spoken to the soldiers before battle" said Aiden. "Yes and I think Zoe should speak too" said Ryker. We turn to the flight as the air buzzes with energy. I knew the flight and all of us needed the confidence we were going into battle but as one. Three flights joined together one day to take on two. This was going to be a battle that many of us won't return from. Even with Druids on the loose.