Page 18 of Bound by Fire and Scales (The Dragons of Earis #1)

Anphyr and I stood in one of the grand chambers of the fortress, a space that felt more like a royal dressing hall than any ordinary room. Gilded racks lined the walls, each one full of luxurious gowns in every color imaginable, rich velvets, delicate silks, and shimmering fabrics glowing under the sunlight that streamed into the room. In the center of the room was a round wooden table adorned with sparkling accessories, jeweled tiaras, delicate necklaces, and glittering brooches. I had never felt more out of place than I did now, while Anphyr moved through the space as if she were born for it.

“This one looks lovely on you,” Anphyr said as I stepped out wearing the dress that Panryr had picked for me. Behind her, Anphyr’s own handmaid held a gown of sapphire blue for her, and I could already see how stunning it would be on her. Her grace and composure made her seem like a princess from a fairytale. “You have such good taste, Panryr.”

“Thank you, my lady. Lady Sabrina makes an excellent model,” Panryr replied humbly. Her taste was impeccable. I knew I couldn’t have picked this on my own. I glanced at my reflection in the towering wall mirror, taking in my appearance.

This gown was indeed breathtaking. It had long sheer red sleeves that draped to the floor, almost like a cape, while the gown itself was a deep red, with a plunging neckline delicately framed by glittering red beadwork that swept down the gown’s bodice. The bodice hugged my slim waist before transitioning into a voluminous skirt. The skirt was made of rich black fabric, with delicate red adornments that fell like scattered embers that trailed down towards the floor.

I couldn’t quite grasp why I needed to wear something so regal. What if I ended up burning the dress while trying to survive the flames? There was still a very real chance I’d go up in flames myself. So why did it matter what I wore? All I wanted was to survive this whole ordeal, not worry about how I looked doing it.

“I feel that this is too much,” I admitted, tugging at the neckline of the dress, trying to adjust it to a more comfortable position. “This looks more like something that a queen would wear on her coronation day.”

Anphyr’s laughter was light, almost musical. “You’re not wrong. By being my brother’s chosen mate, you kind of are this clan’s queen. And trust me, you look wonderful.”

I glanced at her, taking in her flawless poise and the way she seemed perfectly at ease in this environment. She was the embodiment of grace, her every movement calculated and smooth, like a dancer on stage. In contrast, I felt like a clumsy intruder in a realm of elegance.

“I don’t know,” I said, wrinkling my nose. “I feel like I’m just pretending to be someone I’m not.”

Anphyr’s eyes softened with a hint of empathy. “You’re not pretending. You’re simply stepping into a role that suits you more than you realize. Zephyr sees something in you that makes him lighter, more at ease. He’s never been this unburdened, even when he’s dealing with the council.”

I blinked, caught off guard by her words. “You think so?”

Anphyr nodded, a warm smile touching her lips. “I know my brother better than he knows himself. The council’s expectations, the pressure of taking the leadership at such a young age, turned him into such a serious person. But since you’ve been by his side, he seems… different. Lighter. Happier, even. I’ve never seen him act so freely, so openly, without constantly second-guessing himself.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond. It was hard to imagine that I had made such a difference. I was an impostor, pretending to be her brother’s mate, yet here she was, praising me. I averted my gaze away from her big green eyes, afraid that she would see how guilty I looked.

“You’re the right one for him,” Anphyr continued. “You bring out a side of him that’s been buried for too long. And that makes you invaluable, not just to him, but to all of us.”

I felt a flush of warmth at her words, mingled with a twinge of embarrassment. I had always been more comfortable with action and adventure, not with the subtleties of courtly life and fashion. But here, surrounded by layers of silk, it was hard to remember why I’d even been thrust into this role.

Anphyr’s smile was reassuring, and she took a step closer, her hand lightly brushing mine. “You’re not just here to fulfill a role; you’re here because you make a difference in ways you might not see yourself but others can.”

As we continued to sift through the dresses, Anphyr’s encouragement and calm demeanor helped soothe some of my nerves. The Soulfire Ritual was just hours away, and while I wasn’t sure if I would pass or even survive it, I felt a bit more prepared. Maybe, just maybe, I could find my place in this world of dragons—if only to make Zephyr feel the support he clearly needed.

She held up a gown of emerald green, studying it thoughtfully before setting it aside. “You know,” she said, her voice taking on a softer tone, “I’ve always admired adventurers like you. The freedom you must have had, the ability to forge your own path, that’s something I’ve always yearned for.”

I paused, looking at her with a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Really? You seem to fit right into the clan. Everyone around here seems to like and admire you.”

Anphyr smiled wistfully, her eyes reflecting a longing I hadn’t noticed before. “It’s true that I have my place in the clan. But I always wondered what it would be like to be free, to travel and explore the world without a care.”

Her words caught me off guard. It was easy to see Anphyr as someone who always had it together—constantly smiling, effortlessly navigating her role like it was second nature. But in that moment, I realized there was more to her than she showed. The confidence she projected wasn’t the whole story. There was a weight behind her words, something deeper than the bright smile she wore so well. It made me wonder what she hid, what burdens she carried behind that mask of grace and composure. Maybe we weren’t so different after all. We were both just girls playing our parts, pretending everything was under control.

“Anphyr, if you really want to live your own adventure, then go for it. If I, an ordinary human, can do it, what’s stopping a dragon like you?”

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, her gaze dropped to the floor. When she finally looked at me, her eyes shimmered with a sadness so deep it made my chest tighten.

“My life isn’t my own,” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. “It was decided for me, long before I was even born.”

Her words hit me like a blow. I frowned, confusion and disbelief flooding my thoughts. “What do you mean, your life isn’t your own? What’s already been decided?”

She sighed, the sound heavy with years of quiet acceptance. “I’m an omega. Do you have any idea how rare that is for a dragon? It makes me...valuable to the clan. Marrying into an influential clan is supposed to strengthen the alliance and the Firescales reputation. ”

“Marrying…?” I echoed, the word tasting bitter in my mouth. “You’re set up for an arranged marriage?” My disbelief turned into something sharper, anger mixed with sorrow. The thought of an arranged marriage seemed so foreign, so barbaric—yet, wasn’t it similar to the way any omega could be forced to mate while going into heat? “And Zephyr? He just… allows this?” I asked, desperation creeping into my voice. Surely, he would do something, anything, to stop this.

“He can’t stop it,” she said, her smile fragile, a thin mask over the pain in her eyes. “It was signed in a blood contract before either of us were even born.” A blood contract. It immediately reminded me of the one I had with Zephyr. I knew all too well that these kinds of contracts demanded completion, often at the cost of the bearer’s life.

The sadness in her expression twisted my heart. “Oh, Anphyr,” I breathed, reaching for her hand, as if that small gesture could ease the weight she carried. “I’m so sorry…”

She looked like she might say something, but the door creaked open, the moment shattering as we both turned toward the sound. Kislav stepped inside, his usual confident stride now replaced by an unusual look of concern.

“Sabrina, Anphyr,” he greeted, his gaze immediately settling on Anphyr with a mixture of worry and relief. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Anphyr said, her voice brightening despite the sadness that had touched our earlier conversation. “We were just discussing some final details for tonight.”

Kislav’s eyes lingered on Anphyr, his brow creasing slightly. In an instant, his calm facade crumbled, revealing a side of him I had never seen before. The always cool and composed second-in-command of Zephyr looked genuinely concerned for once. “ Ann , are you alright? I thought I felt—”

“I’m fine, Kislav,” Anphyr interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. “You don’t need to worry so much.”

Kislav’s concern didn’t waver, his eyes searching Anphyr’s face as though trying to read the truth behind her words. “It’s hard not to worry,” he said quietly. “Especially when I can feel something’s wrong.” Feel? He could feel her? I glanced between the two of them, a new curiosity sparking in my mind. What kind of relationship did they have? Just how close were they, really?

Anphyr’s smile faltered, but she quickly forced it back, her hand gripping the edge of the chair. “You’re always so protective,” she said, trying to keep her tone light, though the tension between them was palpable.

Without hesitation, Kislav stepped closer, his hands gently settling on her shoulders. Before she could say anything, he leaned down, resting his forehead against hers. The gesture was intimate, so personal that I felt like an intruder just standing there, watching. They stayed like that for a moment, heads touching, the world outside of them fading away.

“You don’t have to carry this alone, Ann,” he whispered, his voice soft, laced with a tenderness that caught me off guard.

Anphyr’s shoulders tensed briefly, but then she let out a slow breath, leaning slightly into him. It was a small surrender, a moment of vulnerability she hadn’t shown before. My chest tightened. Was this the real Anphyr, hidden behind the brave front she showed everyone else?

“Kislav,” she murmured, eyes closing as if his words were too heavy to bear. “I’m fine. This is just the way things are.”

Kislav didn’t pull away. His forehead still rested against hers as he spoke quietly. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”

For a heartbeat, there was something raw in her expression, something unspoken between them. But she slowly pulled back, a strained smile flickering across her face. “I know, but I’m okay. I promise.”

He sighed, clearly not convinced but unwilling to push further. “Alright,” he said, reluctantly stepping back. “But if anything changes, you’ll tell me, won’t you?”

Anphyr’s smile returned, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Of course.”

I stayed silent, feeling out of place in the intimacy of the moment. Whatever their relationship was, it was deeper than I’d realized. Something about the way Kislav looked at her, the way she let herself lean into his touch, made me wonder how much of her strength was for everyone else, and if Kislav was the only one who really saw her.

???

Later, I found myself back in my room, anxiously pacing the floor. Panryr had informed me that Zephyr would be joining me soon so we could head to the Soulfire Ritual together. I was feeling more and more impatient, just wanting all of this to be over.

Finally, the door creaked open, and my gaze snapped to Zephyr as he stepped inside. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He looked breathtaking in formal attire, far removed from his usual black pants, linen shirt, and dusty deep red coat. Today, he wore a dark-colored tunic with gold dragons embroidered across his chest. Over his shoulders, a rich red cloak or cape, fastened with gold clasps. Desire surged through me as my eyes roamed over his imposing figure, exuding a commanding aura that made him look like a king. A true leader.

His pale green eyes swept over my figure, a mix of lust and approval in his gaze. For a fleeting moment, the urge to throw myself at him surged within me, a reckless desire for comfort and distraction that would help me quell the storm of nerves churning in my stomach. The thought of feeling his lips and his talented tongue in me once again, even if just for an instant, was alluring.

Somehow, I had a feeling that arriving at the ritual with my hair in disarray, with a ‘just been ravished’ look planted on my face, would surely draw the wrong attention. From his darker gaze and barely there smirk, I could tell that the same thoughts had just crossed his mind .

“Sabrina,” he said, clearing his throat, his voice slightly unsteady. “I have a gift for you.”

A gift? I stared at him wide-eyed as he approached. In his hand, I caught sight of a beautifully crafted dagger, its blade gleaming in the light like a shard of fire. As he extended the dagger toward me, I felt my breath catch in my throat. I reached out, fingers trembling slightly as I grasped the hilt.

“It’s—” I struggled to find the right words, my thoughts tumbling over each other in a chaotic rush. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my voice barely audible as I marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship before me.

This dagger was unlike any blade I had ever encountered. It wasn’t merely forged from iron; it was something far more extraordinary. As I held it, I could feel its energy pulsing against my palm, shimmering with a dark glow that felt alive, almost as if it had a heartbeat of its own. The edge was carved with molten lava designs that flowed around the blade. A deep crimson ruby ornated the hilt, sparkling with a fiery intensity that matched the emotions bubbling in my chest.

“I had this commissioned for you when you decided to go through with this ritual,” Zephyr said, his gaze locked onto mine. “It came from the Iron Lands, made by an iron dragon. Their iron is known to have magical abilities. It will respond to your will, and the lava essence will protect you in the trial. Or at least, I hope it will.”

I traced my fingers over the sharp blade, my heart thrumming wildly in my chest. “Zephyr,” I began, my voice trembling slightly as I looked up at him. “Thank you.” This dagger was more than just a gift; it was his way of showing me he cared, that I wasn’t alone in this.

“I’ve never received anything as beautiful as this.” Never even received any gifts before. Nobody had cared enough to give me any. He stepped closer, his hands resting gently on my shoulders, the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a comforting embrace.

“You’re ready for this, Sabrina. I believe in you.”

I looked into Zephyr’s eyes, searching for any hint of mockery or doubt, but all I found was sincerity. I wasn’t used to others placing their faith in me, especially not an alpha. Yet here was Zephyr, a powerful alpha dragon, choosing to believe in me once more. I wasn’t just fighting for myself. I was fighting for the belief he had in me.

“I won’t disappoint you,” I promised, my heart swelling with determination. He gave me a soft smile, leaning down to place a tender kiss on my forehead, his kiss sending warmth all over me.

“I know you won’t,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with confidence as he offered me his hand. “Shall we?” Smiling, I took it and together, we stepped away from the comforting solitude of our room, our fingers intertwined as we walked through the corridors.

The Soulfire Ritual would take place inside the fortress, deep into the volcanic caves that it had been built upon. The air into the caves was damp and chilly, despite the glowing lava pool that stretched out before me like a molten sea. I could feel the pulse of the earth beneath my feet, a heartbeat that matched my racing pulse.

The council stood in a semi-circle, their expressions a mix of scrutiny and curiosity. Loryr stood at the center of the council, arms crossed and a smug expression across her face. I knew she had no faith in me and wanted me to fail, but that only made me want to prove her wrong even more.

Anphyr, Kislav, and Enrik were already there, close to the guests from the Iceclaw Clan. Enrik locked eyes with me, his expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity. He shook his head slowly, then drew his finger across his throat in a clear gesture of what he believed awaited me. I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Given the circumstances, he wasn’t entirely wrong; it seemed like a fitting fate for what a human like me was about to do. Apart from them, there were also a couple of soldiers from the Firescale clan observing from a distance, their presence adding an air of formality and pressure to the moment.

“We're gathered here today to perform the ancestral Soulfire Ritual,” Loryr announced, her voice reverberating through the cavernous space like a drumbeat. The weight of history hung in the air, palpable and heavy. “For generations, the mates of our leaders have faced this trial to demonstrate their strength and purity against the flame,” she continued, her gaze piercing through the crowd, finally settling on me. “Today, we'll uphold this sacred tradition with our Alpha Zephyr’s mate—Sabrina.” She gestured toward me, her arm outstretched, a predatory glint dancing in her eyes. “Are you ready, human?”

“Yes, I’m ready,” I replied, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within me.

“Then step closer to the lava pool,” she commanded.

Before I could move, I felt Zephyr’s grip on my arm, pulling me back against his chest. “Sabrina,” he said softly, looking down at me with an intensity that stole my breath away. I gasped, taken aback by his public display of concern. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

I met his gaze, feeling a rush of warmth and reassurance in his presence. “I’ll be fine,” I said, a smile breaking through my apprehension as I cupped one side of his face with my hand. But as I turned away and took a step toward the glowing lava pool, I began to doubt myself. Maybe I was a fool, too reckless for my own good. Or maybe I just didn’t care enough about my life. But deep down, something stirred—a fierce determination. I had to do this. The heat of the lava called to me, a challenge I was ready to face, even if the flames burned me.

Loryr had meticulously guided me through each step of the ritual during our training sessions, her voice steady and authoritative as she explained the process. Yet, standing at the edge of the lava lake now, the reality of what I was about to undertake sent a chill down my spine. I was meant to walk through the shimmering surface, moving deeper into the cave’s embrace to seek a connection with the fire itself.

As I gazed into the lake, the molten lava rippling like liquid gold, my heart raced. The heat radiated toward me, teasing my skin with its warmth. I remembered Loryr’s words; if the fire accepted me, I would emerge unscathed, untouched by the flames. But what if it didn’t? What if the fire rejected me, exposing my weaknesses and fears for all to see?

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. I stepped into the lake, bracing myself for the searing pain, half-expecting my skin to dissolve into the molten heat. But it didn’t. The burn never came. Instead, a strange warmth wrapped around me, as if the fire itself recognized my presence, allowing me to move forward, untouched.

I touched Zephyr’s gift, the dagger, to steady myself. I had trained to this moment. The fire would not burn me.

With each step, I focused on the warmth coursing through me, the flickers of firelight dancing in my vision. I sought to connect, to understand the primal energy that flowed through the lava.

I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the lava seep into my very being. I reached deep within myself, searching for that inner fire Loryr had spoken of, allowing it to rise and bloom like a flame igniting in the darkness. I was not just a human; I was connected to something greater, a force that pulsed within me, intertwining my fate with that of the fire.

As I opened my eyes, the cave around me seemed to shift. The flames flickered in response to my presence, swirling and dancing, as if they were eager to greet me. I felt the fire recognize me, not as an intruder, but as a kindred spirit. It surged with warmth, wrapping around me like a protective embrace, a promise that I was not alone. But as I ventured further, doubt crept in, whispering insidious questions about my worthiness. Was I strong enough? Did I truly have the fire within me?

“You’re a good to nothing omega. Your only worth is to be bred. ”

“You’re just a scaleless girl. You don’t belong among dragons.”

“You’ll fail the ritual and bring shame to your clan.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the suffocating weight of the illusions pressing in on me. But then I remembered the dagger Zephyr had gifted me, the fire within me igniting once again. I drew in a deep breath, connecting to the amber inside of my mind.

“No!” I shouted into the darkness, my voice echoing. “I'm more than my fears! I can do this! ”

With each declaration, the shadows wavered, flickering like flames in the wind. A wave of heat washed over me, and suddenly, I was enveloped in fire, its warmth both terrifying and comforting. Visions flooded my mind, showing Zephyr, in his dragon form, bursting forth in a brilliant flash of red, flames licking around him like a protective mantle. I felt his power intertwine with mine, a bond deeper than I had ever understood.

The fire recognizes you. You are not just a choice; you are his fate.

The flames danced around me, transporting me into a series of vivid glimpses of a different life. A future? Maybe I was dead after all.

I saw Zephyr and me standing side by side, united as mates, our hands clasped in front of his clan. Our people looked up to us for leadership, and I felt a swell of pride at the thought of guiding them with Zephyr. Then, the vision shifted, and I saw a small, red-haired boy with my eyes running through the Fire Island village, laughter ringing in the air. His hair glowed like embers in the sun. My heart tugged, wanting to be with him, and I knew he was mine, part of us—our son, a child of fire and dragon. Zephyr knelt beside him, his laughter mingling with the boy’s as they played, and my heart swelled with warmth.

The vision shifted again, showing us teaching our son about the ways of dragons, his bright eyes shining with curiosity and wonder. I felt the joy radiating from our little family, the love that bound us together like an unbreakable chain. As the last vision faded, the fire around me flickered and dimmed, and I found myself back in the lava pool.

“That’s impossible,” someone said. Most were watching me in astonishment, Anphyr had tears running down her face, Loryr’s face was irate as if she couldn’t believe her eyes and Zephyr… Zephyr stared at me with a look of pure admiration across his face, as he watched me cross back to the edge of the lava pool, untouched, no burn marks, skin intact.

I had crossed the Lava Pool, faced my inner demons, and emerged stronger .

The first human to pass the Soulfire Ritual.

“I did it!” I announced, my voice ringing with triumph as I lifted my arms high above my head. The words echoed through the cave, and a swell of applause and cheers erupted around me, filling the cavern with the sound of celebration.

My gaze locked with Loryr’s, her barely concealed disgust flickering across her face. I smiled at her, wondering how she felt, knowing that she had played a part in bringing me to this moment. She had been so certain I would burn the second I stepped into that lava. But now? Now that even the fire had accepted me, what power did she have to deny my place here?

If the flames embraced me, how could she—or anyone—dare to question my worth in this clan?