Chapter 58

Rogue Rider Mansion, Beverly Hills, California. United States

The cheerful laughter and excited chatter from the Rogue Riders down on the lawn echoed up to where Gen and Emperor were perched up high. The sounds of partying and the firelight of the festivities below didn't make Gen feel left out. Actually, some of the others like Sully and Amanda had invited Gen to join them for that night's celebration. However, Gen wanted to be alone and therefore declined the offer. Still, for some reason, she didn't mind overhearing the happiness exuding from below.

Apparently, the Rogue Riders often cut loose like this, according to Sophia, needing to take the edge off after their stressful and dangerous jobs policing criminals. From her place sitting on the second story roof of the Rogue Rider mansion, Gen could see the others dancing around a bonfire on the lawn below. They danced and drank, cheering and playing with each other as if they'd always been friends.

Gen felt like she was in a completely different place than them as she leaned against her dragon, who lay right below the pitch of the roof. Emperor's warmth was like the fire below and kept Gen feeling secure. His quiet companionship was more than enough to make her feel safe. But she knew at some point she'd need more than her Beaufont family and her dragon. Gen would need friends—but in time, when she was ready…

"We did the right thing," Emperor said in a low voice that no one could hear but Gen, even though it was out loud and not in her head.

"I know," Gen said, drawing in a breath, looking up at the starry sky, which was much different than the one she used to stare at in 1426 London. "It's just hard…"

When the dragon snickered his belly nearly launched Gen forward. She had to press her boots into the roof to keep herself from tumbling down the slope.

"Did you think that the job of a vigilante was going to be easy or not met with resistance?" the dragon asked.

She scoffed. "I didn't know I signed up for it."

"I challenge you on that," he countered. "You always fought your father, William, telling him you weren't good enough to be a warrior for the House of Fourteen. You, at your core, believed you were made for something edgier. You thought of yourself as a rebel. And now here you are, made for policing the criminal world. How can you say you didn't sign up for it when I believe you somehow created this role for us?"

Gen drew in a breath, feeling heavy but enjoying the emotion. It felt right to be burdened right then with her emotions. Her past. What her future could hold. She relished in this moment where she was cloaked in responsibility. "You're right…"

"I think you'll find that I always am," Emperor stated, an edge of mischief in his voice.

She smiled, leaning back and snuggling into the warm belly of the dragon. "I'm not sure how or when I'll get to argue with you on that, but I'll be looking for an opportunity."

"I'm sure you will," he stated.

A long moment of silence passed between the dragon and rider, punctuated only by the laughter and sounds of the others down below on the lawn. Finally Gen said, "So what do we do now?"

"Besides whatever we want?" Emperor replied.

"I mean, in regard to Dwayne and finding out the truth behind this Commissioner business," Gen stated.

"We search for the truth," he answered. "We ask the right questions and we keep our eyes open to that which others refuse to see—the path to justice. We'll find it. I'm sure of that."

"As well as a lot of opposition," Gen added.

"Of course," he replied. "But you're not dissuaded by the fact that we'll have to break rules and most likely be defiant to our leader, are you?"

"Aren't you the leader?" she argued.

"It's complicated," he stated. "But technically, yes."

"And no," Gen imparted. "There's something not right in this city. More so than ever before. I feel that at my core. There's a reason we were put here and now in this time and place. I believe we have a job, and it's to wipe out the bigger corruptions taking advantage of this world so that we can reinstate the balance between good and evil."

"If I could see the future, then I'd say you were right."

"But you can see the future," she said with a chuckle.

"Oh, then let me confirm, you're right."

"So tomorrow, we get back to work," Gen said through a long yawn.

Emperor lifted one of his wings and slid it over his rider, wrapping her up like she was in a blanket, keeping her warm as the chill of the night air swept in over Beverly Hills. "Yes, tomorrow we'll get back to work."

Gen blinked out at the grounds below as the light from the bonfire started to wane. The group had settled down. Now only a few figures talked, drinking and laughing every now and then. Still, Gen was glad they were having a good time. And she felt like it was her job to watch over her would-be friends, ensuring they were safe and happy. For some reason, she felt responsible for the Rogue Riders—like protecting them was part of her birthright.

"Get some rest," Emperor said, his voice seeming to try and soothe her to sleep.

"Okay, but wake me if you need me," Gen said, her voice nearly a whisper as she trailed off.

"I always will," he hummed, his gold eyes cutting through the night. "And I'll always be here to look after you."

"Thank you, Emperor." Gen turned, cuddling up with her dragon, falling asleep fast within his protection.

The pair, curled up on the top of the roof in Beverly Hills, overlooking the modern world, had no idea the hope they represented to this day and age. They may be from another time, but they were meant to protect this one, looking after it from their high vantage point—like the true Emperor and Empress that they were.