Chapter 72

DIMITRI

^One Year Later^

“Give it your best shot, Brother!” I taunt, laughing as Damian attempts to land a punch on me. I catch his fist mid-air, spin him around, and send him sprawling on the ground. Damian groans as he picks himself up.

“I’m done. I’m beat,” Damian admits, rubbing his sore shoulders. I chuckle and ruffle his hair affectionately.

My gaze drifts towards the forest, and I find myself lost in the distant horizon. “It’s been a year, hasn’t it?” Damian murmurs, the wind carrying his words.

“Yeah, and the seasons have changed along with it,” I reply, a small smile playing on my lips.

A year has passed since they left. The last we heard from them was eight months ago when they reached the kingdom of Irene and Michael.

Her true home. I often find myself wondering if they’re okay. If she’s taking care of herself. If she’ll be back soon.

The red dragon never gave a precise timeline, but I know it could take anywhere from two to four years. It all depends on their pace.

“She’ll be back before you know it,” Damian reassures me, patting my shoulder. “Let’s head back and clean up. It’s been ages since we bathed together.”

“Gross,” I retort, shoving him playfully. I cast one last glance over my shoulder before heading back. I hope to see a red dragon flying this way soon.

“The other hordes have been reaching out,” one of the council members reports. “They all want to convene here and negotiate a deal.”

“What kind of deal are we talking about?” I ask, my voice laced with a growl. The elders have summoned everyone to the throne room.

As expected, the other hordes have been sending their representatives to discuss a way to delay Valkyrie’s pregnancy. They fear our generation will die out.

But I feel just as helpless. There’s nothing we can do.

“They want you and the queen to hold off on having a child. They believe there’s plenty of time in the future for you to start a family.

“It doesn’t have to be the moment she returns,” the elder explains, his gaze stern. I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Which part of ‘there’s nothing we can do’ don’t you understand?” my grandfather interjects. “We’ve said it before. The prophecy is upon us. We, as beasts, have no choice but to accept it.”

“There must be a way,” another elder insists.

“THERE ISN’T!” I roar, slamming my hand on the arm of the throne. “We’re powerless. All we can do is make the most of our time. Remember, it’s not like we’ll die the moment the baby is born.

“We’ll just stop reproducing. We can live for years, even centuries. It all depends on how long we each live.”

“I agree,” a voice suddenly chimes in. We all turn towards the entrance. Zar stands there, a smile on his face.

After his father’s death and Valkyrie’s departure, Zar assumed his rightful place as king. It’s been over five months since I last saw him, so his presence here is surprising. Is he here for a reason?

“Good day, my king,” Zar greets, nodding at me.

“King Zar, what a pleasure to see you here,” I respond, rising from my throne and descending the stairs. I embrace him warmly, then dismiss everyone else. “What brings you here?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

“It’s about my sister,” Zar begins. I frown at him. Did something happen? “Don’t worry, she’s safe. It’s just that… she won’t be able to return.”

“What did you say?” I stammer, fear creeping into my heart.

“She won’t be coming back. Not anytime soon, at least,” Zar clarifies, sighing. “There’s something she needs to do.

“I received a letter from her explaining that she won’t be returning as soon as expected. So, I suggest you don’t wait for her.”

“You’re telling me not to wait for her?” I growl. “What’s keeping her there?”

“Something that matters to all of you,” Zar replies, a wry smile on his face. “Trust her, Dimitri.”

I growl again and turn away from him. She can’t take that long.

“Dimitri, trust her. Remember, she won’t abandon you, but she will return when the time is right. For now, you must wait,” Zar advises, standing beside me.

“Once everything is settled, she will come back to you.”

Three days later, I bid Zar goodbye and watch him leave. I stare at the forest. The first snow has arrived, and it feels colder than usual. I miss Valkyrie, but I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait.

I crouch down and scoop up some snow. “Hope you come back soon,” I whisper.

^Eight Years Later^

Time has flown by, and everything around us has transformed. The kingdoms have started accepting supernaturals, and the laws have evolved as well.

People we knew have passed away. Others have moved on. The more time that passes, the closer I feel we are to losing something. My horde has grown, thanks to the time we’ve had.

Many of my people have found their mates, which has allowed us to reproduce, except for my brother. It’s been two years since Damian left. He’s been traveling from horde to horde in search of his mate.

Sadly, he has returned empty-handed each time. He’s even ventured into the human kingdoms, hoping his mate might be human, but still nothing.

I worry that he won’t have time to start a family.

Something tells me that our time to reproduce and continue our generations will soon come to an end. As I walk into the forest, I spot Leo and some men near the lake.

“Dimitri?” Leo asks, surprised. “What brings you here?”

“I came to do some scouting,” I reply, greeting everyone.

“Great timing. We were just about to go hunting. Want to join?” Leo asks, his smile warm. I nod, and we form a circle.

Spring has arrived, and the forest is in full bloom. The trees and bushes are heavy with fruits and vegetables. We still guard our land, but we’ve allowed Zar to extend his kingdom.

Zar’s rules and peace treaty have brought us tranquility. Zar has been our voice, and we’ve united with the other kingdoms.

“You sure you’ll be okay on your own?” Leo asks as I shrug off my cloak.

“Absolutely, let’s see who catches more,” I reply, grinning. Leo chuckles as we split up and begin our hunt.

Two hours later, we’ve bagged at least a dozen different animals: deer, rabbits, fish, and even some moose.

“Let’s gather everything and split it up for the journey,” I instruct everyone. We take our shares and start back towards the palace. I notice some movement and halt. Could it be a deer?

“Leo, can you take these, please?” I ask, handing him my catch.

“You spotted something?” Leo inquires.

“Yeah, I think it’s a deer. I’ll go get it,” I reply. “Go on ahead; I’ll catch up.”

Leo waves goodbye as I head back towards the lake. I move quietly through the bushes, careful not to alert the animal to my presence.

I spot movement near some tall bushes and crouch down. I ready myself to take down the beast as I hear rustling behind the bushes.

“Got you, beast,” I whisper to myself. I leap, grabbing something, but it’s accompanied by a yell.

I tumble down a small hill, my eyes shut tight, clutching whatever is in my arms. When we finally stop at the edge of the lake, I cough and nervously open my eyes.

I freeze when I see what’s beneath me. A shocked face stares back.

“Valkyrie?” I whisper in surprise.

“Damn it, Dimitri,” Valkyrie hisses.

“Valkyrie, is that you?” I stammer, still in disbelief. Staring back at me with her two different eyes and a dazzling smile is Valkyrie. I hover over her, still in shock.

“Hi, my love,” Valkyrie whispers, smiling. “I’ve missed you.” Unable to contain myself, I pull her into my chest. Valkyrie yelps and starts laughing as I hug her.

“You’re going to break me, Dimitri,” Valkyrie giggles.

“It’s you!” I exclaim, my voice choked. Then, feeling her arms wrap around my neck, I hug her tighter. I can’t believe she’s here.

“Dimitri?” Valkyrie says as I hold her in my arms. “Dimitri, can you let go?”

Realizing I was squeezing her too tightly, I slowly release her. Valkyrie looks up at me and smiles.

“I’m home,” Valkyrie whispers, her hand caressing my face. “I missed you so much.”

I crash my lips into hers, kissing her. Valkyrie is taken aback but responds to my kiss. I suck on her lips, savoring her with my kisses. How I’ve missed her. The more I hold her, the more unreal it feels.

I pull back, resting my forehead against hers. We both pant, our eyes closed. Slowly, I open my eyes and find her smiling. I reach for her face, holding her as I kiss her softly. Is she really back?

“I can’t believe it,” I whisper against her lips. “But why didn’t we see you or Alarik?”

Valkyrie giggles, pulling back to look at me. Her hands stroke my chin and lips.

“I rode a horse,” Valkyrie explains. “Alarik had to stay behind.”

“What, why?” I ask, confused. “Did something happen?”

“Not really,” Valkyrie says, looking into my eyes. “Let’s just say we have a surprise for everyone.” I frown, still confused. “How about we head back home?”

Valkyrie is smiling at me. She seems more mature, and her long red hair is gone.

“Dimitri,” Valkyrie says, catching my attention, “it’s me. I’m back.”

Feeling a tightness in my chest, I hug her again.

“I know, it just feels like a dream,” I mumble, burying my face in her neck.

We finally reach the palace and everyone starts greeting Valkyrie. I hear surprised gasps and joyful laughter.

Damian is the first to hug Valkyrie when he sees her. A smile spreads across Valkyrie’s face as she greets everyone.

“You’re finally back, but where’s Alarik?” Leo asks, looking around. Valkyrie just looks at me.

“Why don’t we gather everyone in the throne room? I have something to tell you all,” Valkyrie suggests, holding my hands. “You might be interested in what I have to say.”

We gather the elders and all the other dragons present. Valkyrie greets everyone, and standing in front of her people, she looks at everyone.

“It’s good to be back,” Valkyrie announces. Then, with a genuine smile, “But I came back to share something important.”

I look at her, confused. Valkyrie looks my way, and she smiles wryly. Why am I getting nervous?

“Alarik and I have found a place where all the dragons can live together. It’s a place where the last true dragon tamer, Alarik’s birth mother, once lived,” Valkyrie reveals.

“Wait, you just said the queen’s place. Are you referring to the fallen empire of Euticia?” My grandfather asks. Whispers start spreading around the room. Then, raising her hands, Valkyrie smiles.

“Yes,” Valkyrie confirms. “The fallen empire of Euticia.”

“That’s a barren land. That place was destroyed years ago,” an elder comments.

“Yes, but it’s not like that anymore,” Valkyrie explains.

“What do you mean?” I ask, curious. Valkyrie looks at me.

“Why I didn’t return until now is because I’ve been tending to that place. Alarik, with the help of some old friends, has been rebuilding it.

“It might seem odd, given he just hatched from an egg, but it appears his old friends are still around. The fallen empire is rising again,” Valkyrie shares.

“So, you’re suggesting we relocate there?” my grandfather queries.

“Exactly. The rest of the hordes have agreed and will begin the move soon. That will be our empire. Our one true home,” Valkyrie says, her smile warm and inviting.

“I understand it’s a big ask, and no one is obligated to go. But trust me, the world is shifting, and it’s time we did too. It’s time for a fresh start for us.”

Whispers ripple through the crowd. I can feel my grandfather’s eyes on me. Is he leaving the decision up to me?

~“Speak up, Brother,”~ Damian mind-links me. I whip my head around to see him and Leo grinning. Several of my men are nodding, their smiles encouraging.

Realizing the decision is mine to make, I rise to my feet and survey the crowd.

“Just as the queen suggested. It’s time for our kind to begin anew in a place where we can all be together,” I say, my smile mirroring theirs. “It’s time to return to our true home. Where it all began.”