Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series
Her Elemental Dragons: Embrace the Dark: Chapter 22

We spent the rest of the night alternating between sleep and sex, but in the morning, I was ready to get going. I couldn’t sleep well in the temple, even if death didn’t bother me as much now that I could control it—not that I planned to test that out anytime soon. More importantly, now that I’d mated with all five of my men, I could head to the Life Temple and become a dragon myself. Assuming the Life Goddess would give me her blessing.

Varek’s dragon form was huge and his scales were shiny and black, like a dark lake under a moonless night. He practiced flying over the barren field around the Death Temple for a short while, before feeling confident he could fly us back the short distance to the palace.

As we approached Soulspire, we noticed other dragons flying over the city, both my parents and my mates. ‘A show of force?’ I asked. Varek growled his agreement.

When we landed, we found the palace on lockdown, a safety measure put in place by the Silver Guard after the attacks on the city and the assassination attempt last night. My mother rushed out of the palace and glanced between me and Varek, who had already resumed his human form.

“Is it done?” she asked.

“Yes, I’ve bonded with all five mates,” I said.

Kira then reached out her hands to Varek. “Welcome to the family. I know we got off to a rocky start, but you are one of us now.”

Varek took her hands, though he looked uncertain. “Thank you.”

“We want to go to the Life Temple immediately,” I said.

Mom nodded. “I think that is a wise idea.”

“Do you know what I should expect?”

“No. I’m sorry. Things were completely different for me. Hopefully your meeting with the Life Goddess is a lot easier.”

My parents had gone to the Spirit Temple and fought my grandmother and her mates, while a huge battle was waged outside. When they’d defeated her, they’d released the Spirit Goddess and separated her into the twin Life and Death Goddesses. After banishing the Death Goddess back to her world, the Life Goddess gave Mom her blessing. I was grateful I didn’t have to go through all that.

Kira wrapped me in a hug. “When you get back, we will celebrate. We’re all very proud of you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I gave her a squeeze and then stepped back. She nodded at us both, and then went to speak to some of the guard.

My other mates swooped down into the courtyard, returning from their patrols of the city. I embraced them all, and felt through our bond how relieved they were that I had returned.

“How did it go?” Erroh asked.

I exchanged a glance with Varek with a secretive smile. “It went well.”

“Better than well, judging by her moans,” Varek said with a smirk.

My cheeks heated and I cringed a little, worried the other guys would get upset. But Carth only chuckled and said, “She does get pretty loud sometimes.”

The other guys grinned and I scowled at them all. “I do not!”

That only amused them more.

“You seem different,” Parin told Varek. ‘Lighter, somehow.”

‘A night with the princess will do that to a man,’ Varek said.

‘No more of that nickname,” I said, but then paused. “Unless we’re in bed, anyway.”

They all laughed, and I couldn’t help but be amazed at the change in the group from only a week before. Even with the threat of the Unseen looming over our heads, we’d become a team. Maybe even something more.

We all freshened up and had a quick bite to eat before leaving for the Life Temple. I rode on Varek’s back, surrounded by my four other dragons like an honor guard. As we flew, I thought about how this would be one of the last times I would ride on the back of a dragon—soon I would be one myself.

It was a short flight heading south of Soulspire, and soon the Life Temple came into view. The temple had been rebuilt after it had been destroyed in the battle against the Black Dragon, and unlike the Death Temple nearby, this one was surrounded by vibrant plants and animals. The temple itself sat at the top of a hill overlooking the plains, and was nestled against the side of a mountain with a waterfall running down it, which turned into a river that ran through the valley and nourished life there. The building was made of gleaming white stone, with dark green ivy wrapped around its large pillars.

The High Priestess was outside when we arrived, tending to a garden of beautiful flowers with a rabbit watching her. Nelsa was in her fifties, with very long blond hair, sun-kissed skin, and kind blue eyes. She wore a simple white gown with no sleeves and her feet were bare.

Nelsa gave me a low bow and a warm smile. ‘Hello, Sora. We’ve been expecting you. We got word you were at the Death Temple this morning.’

Her priests stood at the arched doorway and gestured for us to enter. They bowed as we passed through it into an open-air courtyard with a bubbling fountain in the center topped with a dragon figure made entirely from plants. A black and white dog ran up to us and wagged its tail, while brightly colored birds perched along different spots in the courtyard and squawked loudly.

“Do you care for some refreshments?” Nelsa asked, as she led us further into the temple, the dog happily trotting beside her.

“No, thank you,” I said, as I drew in a deep breath of fragrant air. Being here felt so right to me, more so than any of the other temples. I’d grown up with the Life Goddess’s magic, and this place was like home.

Nelsa led us to a door on the other side of the courtyard. “The Life Goddess awaits you.”

We stepped through it and were outside again in a large garden full of flowers and plants, with butterflies flitting through the air. The waterfall could be seen above us, and a stream of water gurgled nearby. A small fire pit had been set up and danced with flames, while large, smooth rocks provided seating. All of the elements were represented in this place, and it resonated deep inside me. The only one missing was death—probably because no one had planned for this fifth element to become involved.

My mates fanned out behind me, glancing around. Parin touched one of the smooth rocks. “Impressive.”

Varek scowled. “I shouldn’t be here.”

“Nonsense,” I replied, while holding out a hand. A bright blue butterfly landed on my fingertips. “You’re as much my mate as any of the others.”

“We’re here, now what do we do?” Carth asked.

“The Life Goddess needs to be summoned,” Zain said.

Erroh’s face brightened. “Oh, I researched this the other week. Auric gave me some old texts. Sora needs to prove that she has all the elements, and then the Goddess shall appear and give her blessing.”

“I can do that.” I sucked in a breath, then took a step forward. The elemental power inside me was still fresh and new, but it was easy for me to reach. First air, from my oldest friend, Erroh. I made it swirl around me, the wind rustling my hair and dress. Next, water, from my flirtatious lover, Carth. I gathered it from the stream and made a ball of it in my palm. Third was fire, from my devoted protector, Zain. I pulled it from the fire pit and made the flames dance in my other hand. Then it was earth, from my solemn mate, Parin. I made the ground under me rumble and thrust up, lifting me above everyone else on a piece of jutting rock.

That might have done it, but I couldn’t forget my final mate, Varek, even if no one had expected him. I let out a burst of death magic, making the grass under my feet shrivel up and turn brown in a circle around me.

The sun overhead seemed to brighten until it was blinding, and we all had to throw up our arms to shield our eyes. When the light dimmed, a huge, shimmering dragon stood before us, seemingly made of light. Flowers bloomed at her feet and butterflies perched on her wings. She gazed down at me with a kind smile that filled me with warmth.

“Hello, my child,” she said. “You have bonded with all of your mates and control all the elements. You are ready to become my champion.”

I bowed my head, feeling breathless but also relaxed. It made no sense. “Thank you.”

“I realize my sister threw in a complication, but you handled it well. I cannot fault her for wanting to be represented and worshipped as the other Gods are.”

I hesitated, but then asked, “Forgive me, but where are the other Gods? We expected to meet them at their temples.”

“Once your mother became the Silver Dragon, we decided to retreat from the world and let mortals control their own fates. We had so easily been corrupted and nearly led the world to ruin, we thought it would be better for our champions to guide humans and elementals into the future.”

“There are many who no longer want the Dragons to lead,” I said with a sigh.

“I’m certain you will replace a solution to the troubles you face.” She bent her head, touching my forehead with her snout like a kiss. “You have my blessing.”

As soon as she touched me, she vanished. At the same time, shimmering scales rippled across my skin, while my body expanded and shifted into something much bigger. I grew claws, fangs, and a tail, then spread my sparkling wings wide. As I did, dozens of colors moved along my scales, refracting the light and forming rainbows. Pride and exultation filled my chest. I’d prepared for this moment every day of my life, and now I’d done it.

I was a Dragon, like my mother.