Mates Part 1 (MxBxMxMxM)

Chapter 6: The Wings of Evening

Rewritten 6/1/25

The golden hues of late afternoon had deepened into the rich purples and oranges of evening as Draken soared through the sky, his massive golden wings cutting through the cooling air with powerful, rhythmic beats. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a fiery glow over Operiel, the kingdom’s cobblestone streets below shimmering with quartz flecks like a sea of scattered stars. The floating island of the castle loomed ahead, its edges glowing with the soft light of enchanted lanterns, its waterfalls cascading down in shimmering ribbons of silver, their mist catching the evening light in a prismatic dance.
Cozbi clung tightly to Draken’s scaled chest, her white cat ears pinned back against the wind, her forest-green eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear as the ground fell away beneath them. The heat of Draken’s draconic form radiated through her simple linen dress, a comforting warmth that battled the chill of the evening air, but her heart raced—not just from the dizzying height, but from the weight of her secrets pressing against her chest, her mission from Hell hanging over her like a guillotine.
Draken’s golden serpent eyes softened as he glanced down at her, his deep bronze skin shimmering with a metallic sheen in the fading light, his spiraling obsidian horns glowing faintly at the tips.

“Hold on, my kitten,” he rasped, his baritone voice a soothing growl that vibrated through his chest, his serrated teeth glinting as he offered a reassuring smile. “We’re almost there.”

They landed gracefully on the floating island’s central courtyard, the polished obsidian tiles beneath Draken’s clawed feet reflecting the evening sky like a mirror. The island was a marvel of magical architecture, its buildings crafted from white marble veined with gold, their spires topped with glowing orbs that pulsed with a soft, amber light. The structures housed the royal guard, advisors, and other castle staff, each building adorned with the same magical aesthetic as Operiel’s streets below—silks shimmering like liquid starlight, floating lanterns with violet and gold flames—but here, the decor was more refined, more regal. Gold filigree traced the edges of every doorway, and statues of mythical creatures—phoenixes, griffins, and dragons—lined the pathways, their eyes glowing with enchanted gems that cast a warm, golden glow across the courtyard. The scent of jasmine and honeyed pastries lingered in the air, mingling with the faint tang of molten metal, a reminder of the dragon shifters who called this place home.

Draken set Cozbi down gently, his massive wings folding against his back with a soft rustle, their golden scales catching the evening light in a dazzling display. He stepped back, his form shimmering as he shifted, the draconic features melting away like molten gold where that gold now decorated Draken's skin with bold, thin gold markings scattered across his face and body. His wings retracted, his horns and scales vanished, and his height diminished until he stood at 6'9", a towering but distinctly human figure. His short, messy blonde hair remained, streaked with platinum threads that shimmered like starlight, framing a face that was still regal but softer without the draconic edge. His light blue eyes, now less piercing but no less intense, studied Cozbi with a quiet warmth, his golden sideburns running halfway down his sharp jawline, blending seamlessly with the blonde hair on his chiseled chest. His white-tannish skin retained a faint golden sheen, and his muscular frame—broad shoulders, sculpted abs, and powerful arms—remained a testament to his strength, even in this form. He wore a simple crimson tunic with golden flame threads, the fabric clinging to his body, paired with black leather trousers that hugged his legs, his massive hands now claw-free but still calloused from centuries of battle.

Cozbi’s breath caught as she took in his human form, the primal heat of his presence still simmering beneath the surface, stirring that inexplicable pull she’d felt earlier. Draken reached for her hand, his grip warm and firm, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles as he led her through the courtyard, the golden glow of the lanterns casting long shadows across their path.