Page 148 of The Dragon's Gambit

“I’m surprised how calm you are right now.” Weston eyed Reiya with a hint of concern.

Reiya smiled at him brightly. “There’s nothing to worry about, that’s why. Lee likes to treat me like I’m defenseless. That really isn’t the case. I’m going to get what I need and bring Lee back. It’s that simple.”

“Yes, about that. How will whatever you’re getting be able to get Leviathan back?” Mason asked with intense interest. He stared into her sapphire blue eyes, searching for the answer.

Reiya looked over everyone in the room. “I’m …” She wasn’t sure how they would react after hearing what she was about to tell them. She hoped they wouldn’t be upset about it. “I’m going to link his life force to mine. He will no longer be immortal. Whatever happens to one of us will also happen to the other. In this way, the deities will no longer object to me being with Lee.” She glanced over all the dragons in the room, waiting. It was Xander who spoke first.

“I think this is actually a great thing.” His amber eyes met with hers and a smile spread across his face. “I was worried abouthow Levi would do after your mortal life ended. I can’t imagine a better scenario for either one of you.”

“I wish I had something similar. I want my life to end when Mason’s does.” Ruby leaned into Mason and smiled up at him.

“Does Leviathan know?” Dex asked quietly.

“Yes, he’s fine with linking our lives together. He just isn’t okay with me going to get it.” Reiya giggled with a shrug. “But he doesn’t have a say in the matter. I refuse to live without him.”

Dex smiled and nodded. “I wish I could come and help, too.”

“Thanks, Dex, but I need you here. I need you to watch over Lila while I’m gone. And my kingdom. All the royals can’t disappear.” He then chuckled quietly as Dex nodded in agreement. He appreciated Dex’s offer, but this was where they were needed.

“So, how will you get Leviathan back after you link your lives?” Weston asked, while the others also looked at Reiya curiously.

“Well, I was thinking ... when my father was missing, my mother was able to draw energy from her guardian and my grandmother to transport herself to my father. I think I can do the same with Brody and Xander, if they don’t mind.”

“Whatever you need, Reiya. You know this.” Brody looked over at Xander, who nodded in agreement.

An older voice rang out from behind them. “I have something for your travels.”

“Gramps? How did you manage to climb up those stairs without having a heart attack?” Xander gasped out.

“Tsk. Such a rude young king.” Grandpa Sage shook his head and then walked up to Reiya. Xander grinned widely. He got a kick out of riling up the old man.

“Here you go.” Grandpa Sage held out four dark cloaks, handing them to Reiya.

“What are these?” she asked.

“Hey! How did you know how many people were going, or that we were leaving at all? And how did you know Levi wasn’t coming back?” Xander pointed to the four cloaks and eyed the Sage. “You knew all this was going to happen, didn’t you? Sometimes your gift of foresight can be really creepy.”

The old man smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “The future is never guaranteed. But some visions are stronger and more certain than others.” He then turned and took one of Reiya’s hands into his own. “Remember, trust in yourself and your instincts. Believe in who you are, my dear.”

She squeezed his warm, wrinkled hand and smiled. “I will. But what are these for?” Reiya held up the cloaks and raised a brow at him.

“They will hide your scent so that you will not be able to be tracked.” His kind eyes stared at her, and he nodded slightly. “You’re going to need your rest. You have a long journey ahead of you. As annoying as this young, rude king is, please keep him close. Your defense against magic is only impermeable when you’re together.”

“Is this a hint of something you’ve seen in the future and aren’t telling me?” Reiya watched the old man chuckle.

“Let’s say it’s just sound advice from an old man.” He released Reiya’s hand and took a few steps away from her. “No one’s future is guaranteed. From this point on, there are many different paths, some just as clear as the others. Every decision you make will have an impact on the future. Trust yourself, and trust your companions.” His gentle voice reminded her of her own grandfather.

“Thank you.” Reiya watched as the old man headed back to the stairs.

“You sure you don’t want me to carry you down, gramps?” Xander grinned as the old man’s eyes flickered at him.

“You be sure to bring her back safely. I’m counting on you, son.” His tone was gentle as he looked at the young king he helped raise. Joking and playful banter aside, he believed in Xander, and this was a pinnacle moment for him. This small part in his life could have big consequences.

Xander’s face grew serious as the two men stared at each other. “I won’t let you down, Gramps,” Xander said with confidence.

“I know you won’t.” Grandpa Sage smiled and disappeared down the stairs.

Chelsie walked up to Reiya and leaned her head against her forehead. “Do you want me to stay with you tonight?”