Chapter 118

Chapter 118


I explained everything to Darren about Ivy and Angelica. He seemed very concerned when he heard that Angelica was also the reason for the first war. It was a key issue that needed to be addressed. He also wanted more details on the dragons’ strategy, especially when it came to finally entering the battlefield.

Eventually we made it to the dining hall, no one brought up the fact that we had taken a while. It seemed to be an unspoken understanding. We went over and sat next to Lyle and Dayanara.

“The oppressive anger … is gone.” Lyle looked over at Darren. “The curse was transferring to me. It wasn’t full-fledged, but the anger wasn’t something I could control. I don’t know how you’ve managed as well as you have. I knew it was bad, but I never realized how consuming and dark it was … how draining and controlling it was. I could see myself, but couldn’t stop myself. It was almost like I was watching me from the outside. Ren, I think it’s amazing how much you’ve overcome this.”

“It started getting easier once I met Ally. I’m glad you don’t have to bear the burden of this curse. Thank you for risking your life to protect my Ally—”

“That’s the thing. I didn’t. I didn’t get to do anything. I was poisoned, and it was Issy that protected me. I was worthless. I didn’t even know intruders were there, and—”

SMACK

Dayanara smacked Lyle on the back of the head. “I just couldn’t hear another second of that.” She snorted. I choked on my spit as I noticed Lyle’s eyes bulge open in shock. “I’ve already heard plenty of this while we were hunting for Allissa. Quite honestly, I just can’t hear it anymore. I’ve been tempted into turning him into a plant. Something that can’t talk.”

“Do you really think I’m going to tolerate you smacking me?” Lyle growled, and I could see his eyes flickering with anger. “I want my brother to know—”

“He knows! You should have seen him in there, falling apart when he thought you were dead. HE KNOWS! What an insecure pup. Do you need someone to constantly tell you you’re a good boy and that you’re doing a good job? Should I carry treats in my pocket? Goodness. Look at those damn dragons over there and steal some of their suffocating confidence. From one extreme to the next, and right across the table.”

“What does that mean?” This time Squall had a growl in his voice, and I was worried Dayanara was about to start a multispecies war.

“If I have to hear one more time how amazing and powerful dragons are, I’m going to make my ears explode. Even dragons need help. Don’t boast.” This time Dayanara’s eyes narrowed as she stared across the table. “Honestly, I think your strategy is shit. So yeah, I am pissed. How many lives are being lost right now, all because you want to catch this Angelica bitch?! Seriously? Unite the species. We will all hunt her down. But for the gods’ sake, join the damn war now, before countless more lives are lost! Surely you can see this isn’t the way. Where is Angelica? Have you caught her? Do you know where she is?! No. So your strategy isn’t working. You think this smart, immortal bitch is just going to stroll out in the open? Here I am, la la la … the dragons are not in the war, so I will show myself, la la la … idiots.”

My mouth popped open as my eyes moved over to Gunnar. What was he thinking? She was openly disrespecting his judgment. His eyes were unreadable as he stared at her. I glanced up at Darren to see he was studying him curiously as well.

“Well,” Gunnar said quietly. “Since you know so much, why don’t we just put you in charge of the war efforts? I can see that, with your vast knowledge, you can win the war instantly and put an end to Angelica. How foolish we have all been to not seek you out in the first place.”

“Glad you see things my way.” Her voice was full of sass, and I was waiting for the explosion. This was it. The end of our possible alliance.

Instead, I heard Squall chuckling, and then Gunnar.

“You haven’t changed a bit, but seriously, you can tone down your attitude.” Gunnar gave her a look, which she shrugged at.

“Wait … you know them? Is that why you weren’t nervous flying into dragon territory?” Lyle looked at Dayanara and then waved his hands, “Why didn’t you say something?!”

“I wasn’t supposed to, and didn’t know I had to.” She looked over at me to explain, clearly not interested in talking to Lyle. “It was almost ten years ago when I was training a griffin. He was a bit wild and unruly. He flew us in the wrong direction, and we ended up here. I was greeted by Squall and Gunnar, who were no less arrogant than they are now. But—”

“But alliances were fragile. We were searching for Angelica and knew war would be coming. So, we gave her a pass as long as she kept our meeting secret. Which she did … but she also would stop by from time to time. Up until a few years ago.” Gunnar was now eyeing her suspiciously. “I’m curious why we haven’t seen you in the last couple of years.”

Dayanara, typically the embodiment of strength and composure, had a fleeting look of vulnerability in her eyes. It was a delicate shimmer, like the brief exposure of raw emotion beneath a well-maintained facade. For just a moment, the mask she wore so expertly slipped, revealing a glimpse of something deeper, something unsettled. Then, as swiftly as it appeared, the vulnerability vanished, hidden once again behind her practiced exterior. Yet, that brief exposure was enough to suggest that something significant had occurred, something that momentarily shook her usual poise.

“Sometimes, in the quest for strength and power, people become blinded.” I watched as she tapped the rim of her glass cup on the table, her finger tracing over it as she tried to keep her composure. “It was a dark time in my life. For a while, I shut the world out. My story is my own, but that’s why you haven’t seen me.” I heard her take in a steady breath as she met Gunnar’s gaze confidently. Whatever happened, she didn’t want to talk about it. But she wanted to explain her absence.

“I’m sorry to hear about that. I hope you’re doing better now.” Gunnar’s voice was gentle and I could tell he meant what he said.

“I am. Thank you.”

I noticed that Lyle seemed unusually restless. He looked agitated and I could see he was fighting for control.

Darren noticed it as well. I watched his eyes glaze over, and a moment later, Lyle was calmer.

What’s wrong? I asked Darren while sipping my drink casually.

I’m not sure. It might be residual effects from the curse. Maybe there are still remnants inside of him. We’ll have to keep a close eye on him.

Would Darren be able to, though? We needed to figure out exactly what the dragons were planning when it came down to joining the war.

“I know I’ve sent you dozens of letters. And I’ve voiced my thoughts on this on several occasions. What are the dragon’s plans for joining the war?” I watched as Gunnar and Squall looked directly at me.

“Of course the dragons are joining the war.” Ciera spoke up on their behalf.

“In time—” Gunnar began to say but Ciera cut him off.

“No, immediately.” She turned and looked at Gunnar sharply. “You should have joined from the beginning. Dayanara is right. Sitting back isn’t going to flush Angelica out. You’ve been searching from the shadows and still can’t find her, which means she’s right under our noses … maybe even on the battlefield. We join the fight. We can’t sit back while countless lives are lost. At this stage in Allissa’s pregnancy, she needs her mate by her side. He shouldn’t have to be on the battlefield while she needs him most. We pick up the slack so he can stay with her. You’re welcome to stay in the dragon kingdom as long as you want. And when you journey back, Squall will accompany you.”

I felt a rush of relief. The dragons were finally entering the war. This was the game changer that we needed.

“What if that’s what they’re waiting on?” Dayanara said thoughtfully. “What if Angelica has been waiting for the dragons to join the war? What if worse is coming? I don’t mean to be the one bringing the bad news, but I don’t know. Darren’s strength might not be something we can easily go without on the battlefield.” And just like that, the dread was back. Dammit, if she wasn’t right.

“I’ll fight on the front line in his place.” Lyle spoke up firmly. “I’m his full brother, and my strength is almost on par with his. If I’m there, then you won’t be missing his strength.”

“Lyle—” Darren began to protest.

“I’ve been thinking about this. One of us needs to fight. Am I an acceptable replacement?” He looked at Dayanara.

“You don’t have the experience that your brother has, but if your strength is comparable, then yes. I guess I can switch to protecting you on the battlefield.” Dayanara smiled as Lyle snorted.

“I don’t like it, but I will never be okay with you putting yourself at risk. You will always be my baby brother but I know you are also a capable man.” Darren turned his head to Dayanara. “He is more than capable on the battlefield … but please watch over him.” Lyle had a small smile on his face and for a moment the two brothers stared at the other. I think we all understood them and their feelings. There was so much going on and needed to be done. If my mother was trapped and alive then I needed to direct my focus on that. Especially, since it seemed only she could free my father.

“There is a chance that my mother is alive. My father is alive and trapped in the other realm and I think it’s my mother’s job to free him. I don’t understand it, but Darren thinks she might be in the elven forest. We need to go there before we head home.” I listened as Ciera clicked her tongue.

“You’re going to be birthing that pup any day now.” She shook her head. “Okay, Squall, you go with them. Take them to the forest and see them back to their kingdom once they’re through there. Then, you will take your soldiers to hunt down Ivy. Gunnar and I will assemble our army for war. Dayanara, you will take Lyle to the battlefield WHEN we leave with our troops. I want us all arriving together. First, we’re all getting a good night’s sleep. No one makes a move until morning.” Ciera was now eyeing me. “Agreed?”

“Agreed.” My lips curled up in a smile as I intertwined my fingers with Darren’s. The dragons were joining the war. Darren was staying with me, but it was still nerve-wracking for Lyle to go to the battlefield. I knew Dayanara would watch over him. I trusted her. And in the morning, I might find my mother, and maybe get my father back, too. Wow, so much was happening, but I was ready for all of it.