Chapter 37

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

T iara leaned forward, trying to see what the demon horde was doing on top of the cliff. “Why in hell are they howling like that?” She covered her ears, and her friends were doing the same. Squinting to see further, she saw they were re-arming the catapult. And the horde on the shore had stopped in their tracks, looking back the way they had come.

Frowning, she looked further behind them and froze. “Oh, no! That’s Lakoda!”

The baby dragon beat its wings as fast as possible, but it wasn’t enough. Each flap of its wings took it closer toward the waiting ambush. And given that Lakoda was flying in a straight line, he likely didn’t see the horde on top of the cliffs.

The dragons roared a piercing cry of anguish and fear. Spreading their wings wide in a dangerous arc in the sky, they nearly flew into each other as they tried to turn around mid-air. Dipping low, they flew fast over the ship. It only took a fraction of a minute to realize the awful truth. There’s no way the dragons can get to Lakoda in time to save him.

And then the net launched, heading straight for Lakoda. As everyone yelled, time slooowwweeeddd down and moved like ants caught in thick syrup.

“LAKODA!” Tiara screamed, as did everyone onboard.

The net was wide as it arched through the sky, going just above Lakoda as he flew.

Lakoda dipped into a tailspin as his wings wrapped around his body, spiraling him toward the water. The net sailed down as he roared. Suddenly, Lakoda’s tiny wings spread, banking to the left at the last moment. The net barely missed him, falling into the water with a loud splash.

Flying low over the water, Lakoda beat his wings, turning his head left and right and crying for help. His wails were gut-wrenching.

“WATCH OUT!” Lori screamed, her voice carrying over the wind like a goddess commanding an army. Lakoda looked down in time as two tiger shark mer shot out of the water, lunging for the tiny dragon.

Flapping his wings to gain altitude, Lakoda rose again into the sky, out of reach of the mer. But he was still within striking distance of the catapults. He was flying right at them.

Kylo was flying so fast that Tiara was astonished, but he was still far from the baby dragon. Galan and Zade were right behind him.

“Take out that catapult!” Jaxxon shouted, seeing the horde re-arming it.

Lakoda’s wails were heartbreaking. Each time he tried to gain more altitude, he dipped. His fear and exhaustion were evident as his tiny wings shivered. He let out a piercing cry for help.

The sound hit Tiara like a solar flare, triggering a surge of emotion she hadn’t felt in years—a maternal instinct so fierce it nearly took her breath away. It reminded her of the desperate moments she’d experienced as a child when she’d been beaten up in the mines by a group of thugs. She’d called out for her mother’s help, the bond between them strong. Her mother had saved her. That same connection flared to life now—a protective, unyielding force that demanded she respond to Lakoda’s desperate cries. She looked at her friends, who nodded they were ready. They began to chant .

As the chant echoed around her, Tiara’s eyes glowed, swirling with iridescent gold and shimmering pink pupils—an outward manifestation of the magical connection between her and Lakoda. The bond hummed through her blood, amplifying her power to a level she’d never known. Lakoda’s need for safety and her instinct to protect him merged—fueling a shared strength pulsing with every beat of her heart.

The motherly magic passed down through generations of Crelentian females, connecting them to baby dragons, made her the anchor that calmed Lakoda and helped him regain control.

Again, the chant their mothers had taught them solidified their resolve as they dug deep into their well of magic to create a powerful thread of lightning. The blast was so powerful that the women fell backward. But Tiara stood firm, rooted by the invisible tether between her and Lakoda. She could feel his panic, each beat of his struggling heart, and she poured her steady pulse of reassurance into the connection.

The waves of elemental lightning hit the cliff, rocking the foundation as the catapult nearly tipped over. Some demons fell, but the others released the catapult, sending the net hurling toward Lakoda. The catapult shot the net too far to the left, missing the tiny dragon.

“Hold on, little one,” Tiara whispered, her voice carrying through the magic that wrapped around them like a protective cocoon. Lakoda’s wings steadied as if sensing her presence. And for a heartbeat, the only thing that existed was the unbreakable bond between a Crelentian female and the dragon she was destined to protect.

She fell to her knees, breathing deeply as she tried to steady herself. Giving each other a hand, the women rose again as their eyes searched the sky. The demons used their muscular bodies to stabilize the catapult, howling in terrifying defiance. The demons worked like a well-oiled machine, dead set on getting Lakoda.

My powers are depleted. I...I can’t try again. Looking at her friends, the looks on their faces told the same story. They needed to rest before they could use their powers again. She didn’t know why she was surprised. No one can run before they can walk. Magic isn’t any different.

“Our magic is depleted!” she cried out to Jaxxon, struggling to send another blast of light. Though her elemental tattoos showed light within her veins, nothing but sparks lit her fingertips.

Kylo was flying fast, bridging the gap between him and Lakoda, trying his damnedest to save the baby dragon. The violet scales on Kylo’s horns and tail glowed like hot coals as he roared, unleashing shadows that stretched far and wide. Infused with powerful dragon magic, the shadows created a massive wall of darkness, concealing Lakoda in its folds.

The demon horde howled, turning the catapult left and right as they tried to get a fix on Lakoda flying in the shadows.

Galan and Zade reached the cliff, diving hard toward the catapult. A giant explosion sounded as Galan rammed it. The catapult tipped, cracking at the base as it toppled, sending demons falling to their deaths.

But the net was already sailing into the shadows.

“Noooo!” everyone screamed as dragons roared with panic.

Kylo flew into the shadows, his violet flames the only thing anyone could see.

“Clear the deck!” Jaxxon yelled as Lakoda flew out of the shadows, his tiny wings barely moving as he tried to ride the wind current toward the ship. There was no other safe place for the baby dragon to land.

Everyone jumped out of the way as Jaxxon threw his fists into the air. A sound popped as shadows hit the deck, knocking tables and chairs into the water. The women would have gone overboard too, if he hadn’t warned them to get out of the way. With the deck clear, Lakoda landed, tumbling over until he hit the barrier of shadows the men had created to cushion his landing.

One side of the ship began rising in the air, as the side with Lakoda began dipping dangerously toward the water. There was no way the ship could take his weight. Though only a baby dragon, Lakoda weighed a lot.

Kylo swept down, bellowing to Lakoda not to move as he cried and cried. They couldn’t tell if his wings were hurt, but they had to stabilize the ship. Kylo touched down lightly on the other side of the ship, trying to balance the weight.

“Don’t just look at me, goddammit!” Kylo roared, beating his wings hard to stay in place. “Shadow masters, get your asses to this side to balance this ship!”

Some cheered while others cried. They were happy everyone was alive, though the scene remained chaotic as men ran to Kylo’s side, moving anything heavy with them. Soon, the ship stabilized, and Kylo flew up and over to where Lakoda was crying.

His head buried in his paws, his entire body shook.

“Lakoda, are you hurt?” Kylo repeated the question twice before Galan swept in, knocking Kylo out of the way. Galan hovered in the air over Lakoda, huffing and puffing. He sent a wave of fire over Lakoda.

“Baby Lakoda is fine. Just embarrassed!” Galan huffed.

Galan and Kylo roared something at Lakoda in an ancient tongue that, judging from the men’s looks, even they didn’t understand. Lakoda spoke, and it was clear the two elder dragons were livid the baby dragon had disobeyed their orders and followed them on this mission. The two dragons roared again as Lakoda shook, hunkering down and pulling his tail between his legs.

Galan and Kylo flew to the other dragons, forming a circle in the air as they held a meeting.

Tiara felt bad for Lakoda, seeing him shaking and crying. “Fuck this!” She took a steady step forward, the ship creaking beneath her weight. And then she took another and then another. Lori was right behind her. Making their way to Lakoda, she kissed him on his cheek, patting him on his whiskers. Tears fell from his eyes.

“Oh, Lakoda! I’m so glad you’re okay! ”

“Not foooor loooong. I’m in trouble!” Lakoda’s tiny voice shook as he looked up at the dragon circle, then back at Tiara and Lori. “Disobeying my elders is a no-no. I’m scared!”

“No one will punish you while Momma Tiara and Momma Lori are here!” She hugged him, giving him the courage to stand.

“Don’t stand!” Jaxxon shouted as the ship began dipping. “We’re taking on water. We need to get to the shore.”

Jaxxon was right. Little by little, the ship was sinking. And with Lakoda’s weight, Jaxxon had difficulty maneuvering the boat.

Kylo and Galan flew back down.

“Lakoda’s wings aren’t strong enough to fly right now. He needs rest and food. And we can only carry him as a last resort.” Kylo stretched his head to the side, back to where they had come from.

“The demons are running up the coast. We have maybe an hour or two to get to the shore, hoping to lose them on land.” Kylo narrowed his eyes at Lakoda as he flew closer.

“Little one, we’ll deal with you later.” He rubbed his nose against Lakoda’s. “I’m glad you didn’t end up as baitfish!”

Lakoda roared, blowing a ring of smoke at Kylo. Kylo bellowed a laugh as Galan knocked into him.

“Move over, Kylo. You’re not the only one who wants to kiss the little fella!” Galan licked Lakoda, tickling him as the baby dragon laughed.

“Hey, come on now!” Jaxxon chuckled. “Playing with Lakoda will only sink the Sea Hussy faster.”

“Fuck the Sea Hussy!” snarled Zade. “I can’t wait to sink the bitch!”

Everyone laughed. They knew Seafangs was still out there, likely watching them beneath the waves. They only wished they could see his face when his ship sunk.

Kylo left, returning quickly with food for Lakoda. Then, they all talked about where to land.

“Tiara, we need to look at the amulet to see where we are,” said Jaxxon, waving for her to join them on the captain’s deck.

“Lori and Maya, feed Lakoda and get him some water. I’ll be right back.” Tiara giggled, kissing Lakoda again. She tickled him, now knowing his soft spots.

“I’m not getting anywhere near him,” said Maya, making a weird face and moving back toward the railing.

“Oh, come on, Maya! Lakoda is lovable!” said Lori. Tiara agreed.

“I don’t see anything lovable about a giant baby dragon who’d snap my pretty head off if it gets hungry enough!”

Lakoda whined, pouting and turning his head to Lori and Tiara.

Maya is a real bitch! Tiara stormed off, knowing Lori would make Lakoda feel safe and welcome. But as she reached the captain’s deck, she noticed Maya had gotten closer to Lakoda. And by the time she finished helping Jaxxon and the others figure out where they were, Maya was laughing and feeding the dragon.

Maybe Maya likes to piss me off? It’s like she always wants to be contrary to me. I need to talk to her. Tiara knew Maya loved her, and she loved Maya. But as far back as she could remember, Maya had constantly lashed out at her for no reason. And it was usually when Maya was angry that her life wasn’t going as planned. She would deal with Maya later.

Jaxxon called a meeting, standing on the captain’s deck where everyone could see him. Zade was next to him. The two cousins standing side by side showed the striking resemblance their fathers, who were brothers, must have had to each other. They had the same stance and spoke with a keen sense of authority. One from the North and the other from the South. Both exuded power. They weren’t just warlords. They were future Shadow Kings of Crelentia.

The dragons swooped down, hovering close.

“Things don’t look good. We are very far from our destination. And we all know what’s running on four legs to catch us.” Everyone nodded at Jaxxon’s words, solemn looks on their faces.

“Prince Aeralis and the demon horde have always been after us. But this is the first time they’ve coordinated an ambush like this. They must know somehow that we are behind what happened on the mining colony. We must be extra vigilant from here on out,” Jaxxon commanded, furrowing his thick eyebrows.

“When we land, we must run. Fast!” Zade snarled. His green eyes flashed in warning as his tone darkened. “We are landing in dangerous territory. And you can’t trust anyone!”

Tiara swallowed, shaking as reality sunk in. They were in over their heads, following a map they barely understood. Maya came up, hugging her.

“I’m sorry I snapped about Lakoda. I was scared we were all going to die back there.” Maya’s eyes teared as she sniffled. “I don’t know where I fit anymore. I’m lost!” She started bawling as Tiara hugged her. And before long, all the women were huddled and hugging.

Lakoda blew a ring of smoke around them. It felt like a warm blanket. They all turned, hugging Lakoda. He was a part of them. He was family.

“Do I get a hug too?” said Zade, coming down the stairs and strolling, taking his time to ensure the ship didn’t tip.

They all hugged him as he laughed. The men yelled profanities at him, saying he didn’t do any work. Zade just laughed as the men roasted him, shaking their heads as they turned back to whatever task Jaxxon had assigned them.

Tiara looked up at the captain’s deck, where Jaxxon’s muscled arms were moving vigorously to cast gusts of shadows strong enough to push the ship toward the shore. Hassan and three others were helping him. Waves upon waves crashed against the ship as they fought the strong currents. Jaxxon’s back was turned. But as she watched him, he looked over his shoulder, catching her eye. She saw a man with fierce determination. And a man filled with rage. His entire body was rigid.

Warlord Jaxxon Hammer carried a lot on his shoulders. And right now, she wanted to do everything she could to ease his tension. The magic in her veins swirled, but her powers were still depleted.

How can I show this man I’m his equal if I can’t even light a match?