Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series

As we approached Stormhaven, Auric’s wind buffeted our sails and the ship sliced through the waves at an unnatural speed. I stood on the prow and gazed at the capital of the Air Realm in the distance, a barely visible assortment of tall buildings shining bright under the midday sun. With each passing moment it grew in size, and in only a few more hours we’d be stepping onto shore again.

The Air Realm was known as the center of culture in the four Realms, prized for its fine art, music, and literature. Thanks to a rich trade of dyes, spices, and oils, the Air Realm was also the wealthiest kingdom in the world. I’d never been to Stormhaven before in all of my travels, and I couldn’t help but feel excited at seeing the City of a Thousand Spires, as it was called.

I wished Tash could be with me, especially since she’d always wanted to visit the Air Realm for the shopping and fine cuisine. She’d been my best friend in Stoneham, where I’d lived the last few years in the Earth Realm, and I missed her greatly. While I enjoyed the presence of my four mates, I missed speaking to a fellow woman now and then. Especially Tash, with her cheerful demeanor and easygoing attitude. Even after I’d killed her abusive father—in self-defense, of course—she’d remained strong and didn’t seem to harbor any resentment toward me. I closed my eyes and imagined her now, likely running her family’s inn, her dark hair braided as she worked. I prayed to the Gods she was okay and that I would see her again soon.

Auric moved to stand by my side, resting his hands lightly on the railing as he stared across the waves toward the city where he’d been raised. “We’ll be there soon.”

I turned toward him, examining his handsome, regal face. “Are you nervous?”

“A little. Reven assures me the plan will work, but I can’t help but worry I’ll be recognized, as it would be difficult to find anyone in Stormhaven who doesn’t know my face. If my family finds out I’ve returned, I’m not sure what will happen. I can’t imagine they’ll be happy with me after I disappeared without a word when I went to find you.”

“They must be worried about you.”

“Probably,” he said with a sigh. “It would be nice to see them briefly and let them know I’m safe, but that isn’t a good idea.”

I hesitated, but then asked the question lingering on my tongue. “Are they loyal to the Black Dragon, like Jasin’s family?”

“I’m not sure how to answer that. My parents are good people who want what is best for their kingdom. That means serving the Dragons and bowing to their wishes, but I’ve also seen my parents stand up to them too. They’ll protect the Air Realm however they can.”

“I wish some of the other Realms had kings and queens who would think of their people’s best interests and stand up to the Dragons sometimes.”

“It’s not easy. The last ruler who truly stood against the Dragons was the Earth King, and his entire family was slaughtered for it. Except for his youngest daughter, who was only four at the time. The Black Dragon raised the girl as her own daughter to ensure her loyalty, and now the Earth Queen is basically a puppet.”

I’d heard that story about the Earth Queen as well. I shuddered. “I can see why no one wants to appear disloyal.”

“Exactly. My parents must walk a fine line. So yes, they’re loyal to the Dragons. But they’re also not.” He shrugged. “Politics.”

“I don’t think I could live that kind of life.”

“No, me neither. I was never good at the political maneuverings and courtly intrigue. That life never felt like it was meant for me. I’m much happier now as one of your mates.”

“We’re lucky to have you. Without your wealth of knowledge, we would be lost. Literally.”

“Glad I can be of use.” His head tilted as he examined the city again. “I have to admit I’m eager to return to Stormhaven, even if only for a short while. I’ve traveled to many places now, but this will always be my home.”

“I’m excited to see it. I’ve heard so much about Stormhaven. The markets. The cafes. The spires.”

“Stormhaven gets terrible lightning storms, hence its name,” Auric said, as he caught me gazing out at the city with awe. “The spires were originally built to protect the city from lightning strikes, but then it became a trend to build high into the sky to honor the Air God.”

“The city is beautiful.”

“You have to see it at sunset. There’s nothing more stunning than the sun turning the clouds pink and the spires reflecting the light back.” He turned toward me and lightly rested his hands on my waist. “I only wish the circumstances of our arrival were different and I could show you around the city and the palace. Maybe even meet my parents.”

I swallowed my longing for those very things. “I would like that very much. Someday…”

“Yes, someday.” He pressed a quick kiss to my lips before releasing me. “I should probably ease off on the wind and ask Reven to slow the currents as well so that those ships up ahead don’t notice we’re moving a bit too quickly.”

I nodded. “I’ll make sure everything is packed up and ready to go.”

I headed below deck and found Slade putting the last few things in our bags, including some of the supplies Calla and her priests had provided for us. “Can I do anything to help?”

“No, I think we’re ready.” He tied off one of the bags and set it with the others.

I moved to the area where I’d kept my things and checked that my bow and sword were ready, along with the small bag I’d brought. “I bet you’re excited to be back on land again.”

“You have no idea. I can only pray I never have to be out at sea again. I need to be able to see the land at least. If this is my last time on a boat, even better.”

I bit my lip and decided not to tell him that much of the Water Realm was made up of tiny islands and the Water Temple was only accessible by boat. By then he would be able to fly at least, although if he hated the ocean I couldn’t imagine he’d like the sky much better.

“Did you do much traveling before we met?” I asked.

“No, not at all. I’d only left my village a few times. I never would have imagined I’d get to visit each Realm.” Slade rubbed his beard, which had grown longer while we were on the boat. “Then again, I never would have imagined any of this.”

“Me neither.”

“You’ve been to the Air Realm before though, haven’t you?”

“Yes, a few years ago.” I debated revealing more, but that was a story better suited for another day. “Although this is my first visit to Stormhaven.”

Reven dropped down onto the lower deck. “Watch your coins. Stormhaven is known for its thieves. All the Air Realm is full of bandits, actually.”

I knew that all too well. With any luck, we would never come across the Thunder Chasers, the bandit group I’d once been a part of. At some point I would have to tell my mates about that part of my past, though I worried what they would think of me. Reven probably wouldn’t care, but the others? A soldier, a prince, and a blacksmith would not look fondly on the things I’d once done.

“I thought the Air Realm was the wealthiest kingdom,” Slade said.

Reven put on his twin swords. “It is. But it also has the weakest guard and the smallest division of the Onyx Army. The people here are peaceful, fat, and happy, with no desire to fight. Which is why thieves run wild here, and why getting in and out of Stormhaven will be easy.”

“I hope you’re right,” I said. “Have you done…jobs here?”

“Two,” Reven said. “I poisoned a man who was beating his mistress, on behalf of her sister. I also strangled a woman who was smuggling children on the black market.”

A part of me wished I had never asked, and a part of me was fascinated by Reven’s cold brutality and how he spoke so matter-of-factly about murder, even if the targets seemed like people who’d deserved it. I’d killed before, numerous times, but only in self-defense. I didn’t think I could ever be as casual about taking a life as Reven was. Perhaps that was why the Water God had chosen him—to teach me to do what needed to be done without letting my emotions get in the way.

If so, I had a lot to learn.