Chapter 71

VALKYRIE

I blink my eyes open, taking in the empty bed around me. I’m alone, and I’m too tired to do anything about it. Dimitri is missing from my side.

Two days have passed since the battle. We finally defeated Gabriel and destroyed his castle, then made our way home. But Dimitri didn’t get a chance to rest.

Instead, the other dragon hordes started sending their representatives to confirm Gabriel’s death.

Just thinking about it leaves a hollow feeling in my chest. Gabriel was my father, but I never knew the word father. Meeting him only confirmed that I would never call him “Father.”

I know Zar is hurting over what happened. I saw the pain in his eyes that day. I get it. He was raised with the others, while they left me to be a slave.

I turn my head to the side, noticing the heavy snowfall outside. The balcony is blanketed in white. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and let myself relax.

After the battle, my body was spent and needed immediate rest. These two days in bed have been healing. Calandra and Michael gave me a thorough check-up.

After losing the twins, I hadn’t rested properly, and my body couldn’t handle any more strain. So, I chose solitude. I needed time to think and figure out my next steps.

Alarik’s words keep echoing in my mind. The last descendant of dragons. Those words unsettle me. I know they hold significance for all the dragons, but I’m left with questions.

Am I really going to have just one baby?

The thought brings tears to my eyes. I start to cry, the pain of losing the twins and the fear of my son being alone in the future overwhelming me.

I bury my face in the fur blanket, crying my heart out. It hurts. All the things I’ve endured, all the suffering. Discovering things I never thought possible. I let it all out.

I cry out loud, not caring who hears me in the palace. Everyone knows I’m still grieving the loss of my babies.

And even though Dimitri doesn’t show it, I know he’s hurting too. I remember the conversation we had a night ago.

^One Night Ago^

“Valkyrie, you’ve been quiet since we got back,” Dimitri says, his fingers running through my hair.

“It’s nothing,” I whisper, tears pricking my eyes. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Tell me. I want to know,” Dimitri insists.

I keep my gaze on the fire as he lies in bed. The room is warm, thanks to the fireplace and Dimitri’s body heat. I swallow hard, not looking at him.

“I’m sorry I lost them,” I mumble, and he falls silent. “I’m so sorry, Dimitri. I tried to keep them safe. I really did,” I say, tears streaming down my face. Dimitri doesn’t say a word.

“Say something,” I urge after a few moments of silence.

“It wasn’t your fault. It was mine from the start,” Dimitri says, pulling his hand away from my hair. I know what he’s referring to.

He’s talking about the fight we had in the bathroom. The day he accidentally hurt me. He still blames himself for what happened.

“It’s not your fault,” I mumble. He pulls away, sitting up and pushing me aside. Dimitri stands and leaves without a backward glance, leaving me alone and crying in the room.

***

Wiping my tears, I cough and sit up. Feeling low, I decide to take a warm bath. I strip off my clothes and head to the tub. Steam fills the room.

I step carefully into the tub, wincing as the hot water soothes my sore muscles. I lean back against the rocks, close my eyes, and rest.

“Valkyrie?” Mia’s voice reaches me from a distance.

“I’m in the bath,” I call out. Mia walks in, a worried expression on her face.

“Are you okay?” Mia asks, forcing a smile.

“Yes?” I frown. “Is something wrong?”

“We heard you crying. We were all worried,” Mia explains, sitting down near me. I return her smile with a chuckle.

“I’m fine. I just needed to let it out,” I assure her.

Mia looks at me, concern evident in her eyes.

Once I finish my bath, I get dressed. Mia brings me some warm tea and food.

I thank her and eat in silence, feeling her gaze on me.

“Is there something you want to say?” I ask her without looking up.

“That dragon,” Mia starts.

“You mean Alarik?” I ask, looking up. Mia nods. “What about him?”

“He won’t leave your side,” Mia whispers. “He’s been on the other side of the chambers for a while. He growls at anyone who approaches him.”

I laugh at her words, noticing her panicked expression.

“I should go check on him,” I say, setting my plate down and standing. “Thank you.”

***

Walking down the hallway to the next balcony, I smile at the guards. Things have improved since the battle ended. Everyone seems calm and relaxed.

I push open the golden doors and step into the chambers. Alarik has chosen to rest on the balcony of my chambers, and no one questions him.

“Alarik?” I call out. The red dragon is curled up on his side, his back to me.

I approach him and stroke his scales. Alarik glances at me and then continues staring at the snow-covered forest.

“Are you okay?” I ask. I need to find a better place for him. He can’t keep staying out on the balcony. “Alarik?” I call again.

“You seem rested,” Alarik says. I look up at his golden eye, swirling with orange, just like mine.

“Yes, I needed to rest,” I mumble, looking down at the snow-covered floor.

“Now’s the time for us,” Alarik says, sparking my curiosity.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“We need to leave,” Alarik says, moving his head for emphasis. “We should go soon.”

I furrow my brows in confusion. What is he talking about?

Alarik just looks at me. He knows I’m puzzled.

He lowers his head, leaning in closer. I stay still, keeping my gaze locked on him. He nudges me gently with his snout, and I reach out to stroke his face.

“We have to go,” Alarik insists.

“Where?” I ask, my frown deepening.

“We need to go to the other hordes. They need to know about the last descendant.

“Don’t forget, you’re carrying the last dragon that will ever be born on this planet,” Alarik says, his voice rumbling.

“Do we really have to go?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “Is Dimitri coming with us?”

“No,” Alarik says, pulling back. “It’s just you and me.”

“But how long will we be gone?” I ask, worry creeping into my heart. All of this is so confusing. My mind feels like a whirlwind as Alarik just watches me.

“How long? It could be two to four years, maybe more. I can’t say for sure. But we need to spread the word. It’s our duty. No one else can come with us,” Alarik says, his breath huffing out.

“You’ll leave this place and return once we’ve told every horde. King Dimitri will understand, and we need to tell him and the council. I suggest you do it today.”

I stare at him in shock. “Today?” I mumble, “Why?”

“Because we can’t afford to wait,” Alarik says, looking away. “We don’t have time to waste.” I nod quietly and turn to leave.

“Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll meet you in the throne room,” Alarik says, his voice a low growl. I nod again and leave.

Once inside, I look for something to wear. A knock at the door reveals Mia.

“Perfect timing, Mia,” I say, managing a sad smile. “Please tell Dimitri to gather everyone in the throne room, and make sure the council is there. It’s urgent.”

Mia frowns but doesn’t question me. After she leaves, I look out over the balcony. Alarik seems lost in thought. I sigh and get dressed.

As I braid my hair, I catch sight of my pale face in the mirror. Deciding to put on some makeup, I rummage through a drawer.

Twenty minutes later, I’m ready. I choose a fur-lined top, boots, my black cloak, and warm gloves for the occasion.

I let Alarik know I’m ready, and he takes off from the balcony, stirring up a flurry of snow. I take a deep breath, looking around one last time before grabbing a small bag and leaving my chambers.

As I approach the throne room, I can hear the noise and commotion inside. The red dragon growls, silencing everyone. I can’t help but smile at the thought of everyone being afraid of him.

Taking a deep breath, I look up and signal for the guards to open the door.

Everyone turns to look at me. I keep my head high as I walk to the center of the room. Alarik is near Dimitri, who is pointedly ignoring him.

I stop and glance at Dimitri. I offer a sad smile as I look around at all the familiar faces. Everyone looks curious, some even confused.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” I call out. “I… No, ~we~ have gathered you here because we have something important to tell you.”

Damian and a few others frown, clearly confused about what I’m about to say.

“You all know that King Gabriel is gone, along with his people. We didn’t just kill him, we also have a new and rare dragon with us. Alarik,” I say, pointing at him with a smile.

Alarik lets out a soft growl. “The reason I’ve gathered you all here is because Alarik and I will be leaving this place soon.”

“WHAT?” Dimitri exclaims, standing up. Whispers ripple through the room.

I just look at him, my lips pressed into a thin line. “The last dragon will be born here,” I explain.

“After this new dragon is born, no other horde will be able to have more dragons. So he will be the last descendant of all the dragons.”

“What do you mean by that?” Dimitri’s grandfather asks, frowning. I turn to look at Alarik.

“Just like the queen said,” Alarik says. There are gasps as everyone turns to look at him. “The last dragon will be born from King Dimitri and Queen Valkyrie.

“After that, no other horde of dragons will be able to give birth to any kind of dragon. No royal families. No other, normal dragons. No one.”

The room falls silent. Everyone looks confused.

“May I ask why?” Michael finally asks. I see Irene looking at me, worry etched on her face.

“The moment the queen was born, the destiny of the dragons was sealed. All species stop growing at a certain point, right?” Alarik says.

“And this is our time. But before the last dragon is born, there will be a certain amount of time, giving a chance for any other dragon to give birth.”

“How long will it take?” Dimitri’s grandfather asks.

“Maybe two, maybe four years. It all depends on how long it takes the queen and me to inform the other hordes,” Alarik explains as Dimitri’s grandfather nods.

“What about you?” Damian suddenly asks. “Can’t you change that?”

“No,” Alarik says, growling. “That’s our destiny. The queen with the power to tame is already here.

“And now that both she and the king are together, the last dragon descendant will be born to them. But it won’t be now.”

Irene’s voice cuts through the silence, her question hanging in the air. “What about those who don’t have a mate?” The room fills with whispers. Alarik shoots her a glare before turning to me.

“If a dragon baby is born before they find their mate, they won’t be able to have any more children. So if you don’t have a mate, you should start looking,” Alarik says, his words silencing the room.

“You and the queen are going to inform the other hordes?” Dimitri’s voice is low, his head bowed. I can see the anger in his eyes, but it’s more pain than rage.

“Yes, king. It has to be just us. We’re the only ones who can go. You’ll have to let your queen go and wait for her return,” Alarik says.

Dimitri’s growl echoes through the room, his fist slamming against the golden throne. A small crack appears.

“You want me to let Valkyrie go?” Dimitri’s voice is tight, his words forced through gritted teeth. “After I just got her back?”

Alarik doesn’t respond, his gaze steady on Dimitri.

“ANSWER ME!” Dimitri’s shout makes me flinch, a tight knot forming in my chest.

“King Dimitri,” Alarik begins, his head bowed. “A wise man once said that life is full of unexpected difficulties. This is one of them.”

Dimitri looks up, surprise flickering in his eyes.

“Now,” Alarik says, lifting his head to address the room. “We must leave. Time is running out. Find your destined one quickly. Our kind is nearing its end.”

With that, Alarik moves toward the grand entrance of the throne room. I bow and follow him, but Dimitri’s voice stops me.

I freeze, swallowing hard. I don’t dare turn around.

“You’re just leaving?” Dimitri’s voice is close, right behind me. I hear whispers as Damian orders everyone out. Alarik pauses, glancing back at Dimitri and me.

“I’ll give you a moment. Don’t take too long,” Alarik says, his voice a low growl. His tail brushes against me as he leaves, taking flight.

I watch the snow falling outside, the throne room silent except for Dimitri’s breathing behind me. I can feel the heat radiating from his body.

“You’re leaving me?” Dimitri’s voice is barely a whisper. I clutch the bag at my side.

“I’ll be back,” I say, my voice choked with tears. “Take care of everything. Don’t overwork yourself. With my father gone, you can relax.”

“Look at me, Valkyrie,” Dimitri murmurs.

I shake my head, forcing a smile. Taking a deep breath, I start toward the balcony.

“Valkyrie…” Dimitri’s voice breaks as he grabs my arm. His fingers tremble. “Isn’t there another way?” I shake my head, glancing back at him.

“This is my duty. This is what I have to do. And you, my king,” I whisper, managing a smile, “you need to take care of yourself and our horde. Promise me you’ll wait for me.”

His grip tightens as I try to pull away.

“Promise me you’ll come back?” Dimitri’s voice is barely a whisper.

“I promise,” I say, pulling free from his grasp. I hear him call my name as I step outside, pulling my cloak over my head.

Alarik is waiting as I climb onto the railing. A gust of wind whips my cloak off my head.

I turn back to Dimitri, tears streaming down his face. “I love you,” I whisper. Then, jumping onto Alarik, I wipe my tears and manage a smile.

“See you soon, my king,” I say as we take off, disappearing into the misty forest.