Page 37 of Prince of Blaze and Embers (Emberveil Empire #1)

The dragon growled low, raising its head high above me, its jaws snapping in the air.

Fear gripped me, paralyzing me as I watched the beast approach.

It moved closer, its massive form towering over me, the scent of dragonfire wafting from its nostrils.

I could see every detail of its form—the sharp scales, the powerful indigo wings, the fearsome teeth.

But this time seeing the dragon, I saw more than just menace in its form.

The dragon stepped fully into the moonlight, and its scales, though shadowed in indigo and navy, rippled with silver-blue veins that pulsed like rivers beneath the surface.

Mist curled around its feet, as if the waterfall obeyed its presence.

Its wings were vast, webbed with a glimmer that mirrored starlight on still water, and as it breathed, the air thickened with the scent of rain and sea salt.

Something stirred deep inside me—a resonance, like an echo in my bones—as though a current long buried had risen.

The dragon tilted its head, its gaze locking with mine, and for one suspended breath, I wasn’t afraid.

It felt like recognition. Like we were two tides pulled by the same unseen moon.

I am going to die if I keep running, I thought to myself, a realization dawning within me. I've got to be brave. For me. For Bella. For Cade. For Hunter. I can't keep running. I can't keep hiding. I have to face my fears and stand my ground.

With a deep breath, I summoned every ounce of strength and courage within me. I raised my hands, holding my palms out to the dragon who snarled and flashed its teeth. It lowered its head, gazing deep into my eyes, its breath hot against my skin.

I took a tentative step forward, my heart pounding in my chest as I reached out a trembling hand. "Easy girl, easy..." I murmured. The dragon's mean, unworldly, emerald eyes narrowed, a low growl emanating from its throat as it pulled its head back and snapped its jaws at me.

My heart leaped into my throat, but I refused to back down.

I took another step forward, my hand still extended.

"Easy girl, easy..." I repeated, my voice gaining a hint of confidence.

The dragon snarled again, but this time it didn't snap its jaws.

Instead, it lowered its head, allowing me to touch its snout.

The moment my hand made contact with the dragon's scales, a surge of energy coursed through me.

It was a sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced—a mixture of power, warmth, and a deep, primal connection.

The dragon let out a low rumble from deep within its chest, its eyes softening as it bowed its head to me.

A wave of confidence washed over me, a realization that I was capable of more than I had ever imagined. Maybe I can do this. Maybe I can be the Gold-Marked that's destined to wield this magic and help people. Maybe I can be free after all...

I stepped back, my gaze never leaving the dragon's eyes.

With a newfound sense of purpose and determination, I walked to the side of the dragon, climbing up its wing and straddling its back.

The dragon's scales were warm and smooth beneath my touch, its powerful muscles rippling with each of its movements.

Cornelius cheered from the side, his eyes gleaming with pride and excitement. "Ash, you did it! You did it! I can't believe it! You did it!"

The dragon flapped its wings, the sound like a massive ship’s sails biting and cracking in the sea winds. It lifted off the ground with a powerful surge, flying high into the night sky, the rush of wind sending my hair whipping behind me .

As the dragon soared through the air, the cool night wind whooshed around me, invigorating me with a sense of freedom and empowerment I had never known before. The moonlit landscape below was a tapestry of shadows and silver light, a breathtaking sight that filled me with awe and wonder.

The dragon's wings beat a steady rhythm, and with each powerful stroke, I felt more alive, more determined than ever. The fear and doubt that had plagued me earlier seemed to fade away.

I looked down at the vast expanse of the Faewood Forest, the dense canopy a sea of dark green under the silvery moonlight. The wind rushed past my ears, carrying with it the distant sounds of nature—the rustling of leaves, the murmur of wildlife, and the haunting calls of wild creatures.

As we ascended higher, the air grew cooler, and the world below became a distant memory. The dragon’s powerful body moved with grace and precision, each wingbeat carrying us further into the night. I clung tightly to its scaled back, feeling every muscle tense and release with each movement.

The dragon’s breath came in hot, rhythmic bursts, the smell of brimstone and fire mingling with the crisp night air. Its scales were smooth and warm under my touch, their deep blue hue shimmering in the moonlight like an otherworldly gem.

I leaned forward, digging my hands into the dragon’s scales to steady myself. The creature responded with a low rumble, its massive body vibrating beneath me. The sensation was both exhilarating and grounding, connecting me to the beast in a way that transcended mere physical contact.

"I'm up here," I whispered to myself, my voice carried away by the wind. "I'm flying. I'm free!"