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SEVENTY-SEVEN

A week later, beneath the light of a waxing moon, Zina descended the hidden stairs to the Founding Pyre chamber. She’d dressed simply in a flowing cream gown that caught golden highlights from the torches lining the ancient walls. The pendant Xai had given her glowed warmly against her skin as if sensing its proximity to draconic energy.

The chamber had transformed since their first discovery. No longer dusty and forgotten, it now featured restored mosaic floors depicting the founding families’ symbols intertwined in eternal balance. Three meditation cushions surrounded the central flame, which burned steadily with its tricolor light.

Xai awaited her beside the flame, resplendent in ceremonial attire that blended modern styling with ancient dragon symbolism. Scaled patterns adorned his cuffs and collar, catching firelight with subtle iridescence.

Behind him stood a small gathering of their closest allies—Noven grinning broadly beside a radiant Luciana, Bryn practically bouncing with excitement, Rust maintaining dignified composure despite the flicker of approval in his eyes. Jamie had insisted on adding lavender sprigs to the torches, filling the chamber with calming fragrance.

The ceremony they’d created required no officiant, drawing instead on the oldest traditions of their respective species. Together, they approached the Founding Pyre, its flames reaching higher as if recognizing their presence.

“Before these witnesses and this eternal flame,” Xai began, his voice resonating through the chamber, “I pledge myself to you, Zina Parker—not just as guardian and protector, but as devoted mate.”

His three promises followed—ancient dragon vows spoken in modern English but carrying the weight of centuries. The depth of emotion in his typically controlled voice caught Zina unprepared, bringing heat to her eyes.

When his final pledge concluded, Zina spoke her response, drawing on lion pride rituals she’d witnessed as a child.

“I accept your pledge and offer my own.” Her voice remained steady despite the emotion threatening to overwhelm her. “Before these witnesses and this eternal flame, I bind myself to you, Xai Emberwylde—not just as guardian and companion, but as loyal mate.”

As she completed her third promise, the Founding Pyre’s flames surged dramatically, its three colors braiding together in a spectacular spiral that momentarily illuminated the entire chamber with blinding light.

When the brightness faded, the assembled guests blinked in astonishment. The flame had returned to normal size but now displayed a new golden-red thread weaving through its core—a permanent representation of their union.

“That wasn’t in the historical accounts,” Luciana whispered, wide-eyed.

“Unprecedented,” Rust confirmed, sounding impressed despite himself.

Xai looked equally surprised but recovered quickly, taking Zina’s hands in his. “It seems the Pyre approves of our match.”

“As if we needed magical confirmation.” She smirked, her lioness purring contentment inside her. “I knew we were right from the moment you walked into my spa, even if I fought it initially.”

His answering smile—unguarded and radiant—would have been worth all the magical chaos alone.