ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

MATES...

***author's pov***

As they stepped outside the coven, a loud, thunderous growl erupted from the sky, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The kings tensed, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons, scanning the skies for the source of the menacing sound. But Valeria, instead of being alarmed, smiled softly.

"That's Ancalagon," she murmured, a note of affection in her voice.

The kings froze, their shock palpable. “Ancalagon?” Alexander's voice was filled with disbelief, his eyes wide as he looked toward the sky. “The most powerful dragon in existence... is yours?”

Valeria chuckled, a rare softness touching her features. “He’s not just mine. He was mine in my past life, too. I think he's just wishing me goodbye for now.” She gazed up at the sky, her eyes tracing the faint outline of the colossal dragon soaring in the clouds.

Kian, visibly taken aback, shook his head in awe. “The great Ancalagon, bowing to you... That’s... unbelievable.” He glanced at the other kings, sharing their stunned expressions. None of them had ever seen the dragon, let alone heard of anyone capable of commanding such a mighty creature.

Jerone, still skeptical but impressed, muttered, “Of course. If anyone could tame the strongest dragon, it would be you.” He crossed his arms, his gaze flickering with a mix of grudging respect and lingering frustration.

Asher remained silent, his eyes locked on Valeria with newfound fascination. The sight of her, standing there so calmly while a creature of such magnitude acknowledged her, stirred something deep within him. He had yet to see the full extent of her power, and now he knew she was far more than they had anticipated.

Valeria glanced back at the kings, her smile still lingering. “Don’t worry. He won’t attack... unless someone threatens me.”

The kings exchanged wary looks, still coming to terms with the idea that this incredible, terrifying dragon was now tied to Valeria. She had more power than any of them had anticipated, and it was clear that her connection to her past life as Zelerious's queen ran deeper than they had realized.

As the growl faded into the distance, Valeria turned to face them fully, her expression growing serious. “Shall we go? There’s still a lot we need to figure out.”

With a final glance at the sky, the elemental kings nodded, their minds racing. Valeria was more powerful than they had imagined, and this revelation only deepened their determination to protect her. But it also raised new questions—about her past, her connection to Zelerious, and how all of it would shape their future together.

As they continued on their journey, the kings couldn't shake the awe of knowing that Valeria had tamed the fiercest dragon known to the universe. It was a testament to her strength, and perhaps a reminder that she was destined for something far greater than any of them had yet understood.

As they continued their journey, Asher couldn’t help but steal glances at Valeria. His sharp eyes traced her every movement, mesmerized by the power and grace she now carried effortlessly. The woman he had heard so much about, the one he had imagined all these years, was standing right before him. But this was no ordinary woman—this was a queen, powerful beyond comprehension, and yet somehow more captivating in this new form.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched her. She had changed so much from the tales, from the memories of Elanora. Her aura was different now—stronger, more controlled, but still with the same deep connection to the universe around her.

As they walked, Valeria felt his gaze on her, and for a moment, she glanced back at him. "What?" she asked with a soft chuckle, catching him in the act.

Asher shook his head, the smile never leaving his face. "Nothing. It’s just... I didn’t expect you to be so..." he hesitated, searching for the right word. "...magnificent."

Valeria raised an eyebrow, not quite sure what to make of his compliment. "Magnificent? I’ve barely done anything yet."

"That’s exactly the point," Asher responded, his voice low, yet filled with admiration. "You’ve done nothing, and yet you hold more power and grace than any of us could ever imagine. It’s like you’ve stepped into a new form entirely."

Valeria looked down for a moment, taking in his words. There was still so much she didn’t understand about herself, about her connection to these men and the universe itself. But Asher’s words made her realize that perhaps she wasn’t the same person she used to be. Maybe she truly was growing into something new.

"I don’t feel different," she admitted, her voice softer now. "I still feel like I’m missing pieces of myself."

Asher stepped closer, his gaze never wavering. "Perhaps. But the strength is still there, even if you don’t see it yet. You were always meant for something bigger, Valeria. Even now, I think you’re starting to realize that."

Valeria didn’t respond, but something in her stirred at his words. There was a truth in what he said, one that she couldn’t fully grasp yet, but one that felt undeniable.

Asher continued to smile at her, all the while unable to take his eyes off her. He had always imagined what it would be like to finally meet her, to stand beside her. But this—this was beyond anything he could have anticipated. Valeria was becoming more than just their mate. She was a force of nature, a queen in her own right, and he couldn’t wait to see what she would become next.

And all the while, as the group moved forward, Asher stayed close, his thoughts consumed by her new form and the powerful connection that was starting to awaken between them.