Faye had become quite smitten with the castle’s library. The grand room housed two floors full of books that waited for her to discover them all. The smell of leather and cedarwood filled the air and helped her relax. Since discovering the library, she had found a comfortable leather chaise located near a window with a magnificent view. Faye loved coming to sit by the window so she could look out into the sky.
It offered a direct view of the cloud-streaked sky. Some days, the clouds floated by, blocking her view of the sun when it rose. On a clear day, Faye could glance down at the world below them.
“I can go outside?” Faye asked, surprised.
“But of course! You’re not a prisoner. You may go where you please. You just cannot leave the grounds.”
“Well, then, lead the way,” she said, scrambling off the chaise. She placed her bookmark in the book she was reading. She wasn’t an animal that would bend the tip of the page. She was a civilized human being who used a bookmark, she thought, and laid it on the chaise. She would return later to finish it.
“The garden is full of such rich history of the Kelmyar Clan,” Dalma told her.
They walked along the stone path. The luxurious gardens were plush and green, with high bushes.
“Wow, is this a maze?” Faye took it all in. The beauty of the location took her breath away. A slight breeze blew her hair into her face. She brushed the strands away and glanced at the clear blue sky. It had taken her a few days to get used to the mountain air, but she loved it now. The crisp air was soothing to her while they walked.
“No, not a maze.” Dalma giggled. “It was designed to entertain. Let me show you something special.”
They turned the corner, and there, in a small clearing, was a beautiful bronze statue of a massive dragon.
“Oh, my. It’s beautiful,” Faye breathed and walked closer to it. The dragon was posed in a defiant manner. The eyes were narrowed, as if it was hunting its prey.
“This is Vander and Feno’s father,” Dalma announced, as if she were introducing Faye to him in real life.
Faye stepped closer to the statue, and her eyes fell to the nameplate that was at the base of it.
Tordet Kelmyar,The Dragon Lord.
“He looks so fierce,” Faye noted and admired the oversized statue.
“Well, he would have to be, with those two boys of his. Vander and Feno were just a handful growing up.” Dalma laughed and shook her head. “He’s the protector of the dragon shifters. He istheDragon Lord.”
“Wow,” Faye murmured. Living in Westwend, she was used to the paranormal world. Vampires, shifters, and witches were commonly known throughout the community. But to know that dragons did exist, and she was in love with one?—
She paused.In love?With Vander? She dug down deep and knew it was true.
“Come. Let’s move on to the next.” Dalma gently guided her by the arm.
They continued to walk. Dalma was the perfect guide, giving her the history behind the Kelmyar Clan and the reasoning behind them never showing themselves.
“So, basically, they just want to live their lives in peace and protect their kind,” Faye confirmed.
They came to the next statue.
“Yes. The dragon shifters are one of the most powerful of the paranormal world, and it’s best for them to stay hidden.”
“Who is that?” Faye gasped.
They came upon a fierce dragon who appeared to be ready for battle. The fierceness of the eyes, the display of the sharp talons, had her breath catching in her throat. She could almost feel the power radiating off it as she stared at the copper statue.
“Go ahead. Look at the nameplate.” Dalma gave her a nudge and a smile.
Faye stepped up to it and looked down at the nameplate.
Vander Kelmyar,The Warrior.
It was a depiction of her dragon.
Herwarrior dragon, who was currently off ensuring she was protected by taking out the threat of an evil dragon.
