The Raven Flame [The Crown Saga III] (First Draft)

Relic of Katarath

This time, it was my legs that entirely collapsed under me as soon as I stepped down from Nariyath's back. Fortunately, I wasn't the only golden warrior who'd been brought to her knees after three straight days of flying.

Calderon, Ariyah, and Naoki all lay sprawled across the lush moss grounds, their strained breaths flurrying the misted air. "Never again," Naoki declared, his amber eyes faded with exhaustion. "I am never flying three days straight on dragon-back again."

Kova stepped up beside him, lightly kicking his thigh. "Pull yourself together, Naoki," she said, burying her hands in her pockets. "You're in the Golden Realm, less than a mile from the Golden Castle. Raelyn and Arok will get you on your feet in no time after she's healed the chosen ones."

She nudged a lazy head in my direction, and a kaleidoscope of butterflies erupted in the depths of my stomach. Chosen one. I didn't like that at all-too much responsibility. At least I didn't carry all that responsibility alone.

Caiden sat against one of the rock formations, Raelyn on one side and Arok on the other. It was bordering on amusing to watch a healer be healed by another. Caiden had mended much worse injuries than sore limbs, but he could barely lift his hands, let alone tap into his magic enough to perform those miracles. Even Raelyn had needed Arok's help to stand.

"How are you faring, Will?"

Art stepped up beside me, grabbing my arm to help me up. He fortunately didn't let go; otherwise, I'd be slumping right down to the ground again. "I've been better," I said, leaning against him.

I didn't understand how he could walk around practically unaffected by the flight. Pangea standing practically unaffected made sense, but Art had no experience riding on the back of a dragon. Yet, he showed no sign of struggle.

It was admirable but also quite aggravating.

"Your turn, Willow," Raelyn called as Caiden stood up, testing his limbs.

"Thank you, Rae," Caiden said, offering her one of his princely smiles. "I owe you one."

I didn't blame Raelyn when a golden flush crept over her cheeks. That smile had made my knees weaken more than once. "No worries, Atlas," she said, rubbing her neck. "Getting that relic today should be more than enough to pay me back for a little healing."

Arok huffed a cloud of steam at her, showering her back in tiny drops of water. Raelyn squealed and turned to berate him. Arok's expression remained blank, as if he couldn't care less that his bonded warrior scolded him. No wonder he and Nariyath were getting along so well.

"Are you trying to make an enemy of Arok?" I asked Caiden as he caught sight of me.

Caiden chuckled, stopping before Art and me. "Definitely not. I would never want to make an enemy of a dragon. Those beasts are too mighty for any sane person to challenge them."

"Clever man," Art said, smiling behind the beard that had grown entirely too long and messy.

My chest tightened a bit as Caiden looked down at me and smiled. "Raelyn is ready for you," he said, muttering as his eyes carefully scanned my face. "I will be by my mother, discussing the final details of the mission."

I nodded, my cheeks practically glowing. The back of his hand brushed mine as he passed us. Sparks skipped across my skin.

"Stop it."

"You can't be serious, Nari." I twisted my neck to look at the Armor Wing glancing at me through the fading mist. "Stay out of my head if you don't want to hear it."

She scoffed and turned her head.

"Are you ready, Will?" Raelyn stood, gesturing toward the spot where Caiden had sat moments before.