The Dragon Mate

Promise

Sebastian’s POV

I watch as Mana moved her wings to work strength into her unused limbs. She had been practicing with Sandalphon’s supervision. She hadn’t known she could partial shift so Sandalphon had to teach her. Something that was normally done by a dragon’s parents. I was present as he explained to Mana that a dragon wasn’t born ready to fly, they had to work strength into the limbs needed for flight.

She stretched her wings out far before moving them in a motion of flight. She had been working these exercises for the past month. Levi was busy with his duties as alpha and had asked me to be present to watch over our mate. He was on edge still, worried about Leon and knowing that Mana couldn’t fight him again.  It didn’t help anything that the orcs had increased their attacks on fae territory. The pack’s forces were being stretched thin with the threat of the witch, Leon’s pack, and the orcs. I had gone on a few patrols and fought the orcs; they weren’t anything to laugh at. My shoulder was still sore from the force needed to pierce the orc’s thick hides. I hoped my home never faced such creatures; the royal guards were not prepared to face such foes.

When Mana’s feet lifted off the ground her whole body locked up in fear and she collapsed. It wasn’t the first time it happened and she always waved me off when I attempted to go to her side. After she had glared coldly at me I gave up trying, she needed to do this and I knew that. She stood slowly and worked her wings out again.

“She is working hard; I am glad she has such strength even after all she’s been through.”

I look at Sandalphon whose gaze was locked onto his sister.

“Why are you really helping her like this? It’s not just because she’s your sister.”

His gaze briefly flickered my way before they focused again on her.

“Our brother will come for her. If she cannot fly, she will die. He will kill her to keep his position as heir.”

“You won’t protect her?” I snap though keep my voice low enough not to alert Mana.

“I am protecting her, protecting her heart.”

I look confused at his statement.

“She cares for this pack, the fae, and her family. They are what fill her heart and our brother is cruel enough to aim straight for that heart. She will have to face him when he comes and I will be here to prevent the traitors that ally themselves with him that will attempt to strike her heart.”

I consider that and a shiver goes down my spine. I was slightly injured fighting orcs, I was not in anyway capable of fighting a dragon. No one was. Maybe the fae could hold them off. They weren’t violent by nature, they detested fighting but it didn’t change the fact they were extremely powerful. It was rumored the fae queen alone could level the largest of cities if she put her mind to it.

“I have no doubt that our brother has sought earth bound allies. There won’t be many who will turn against the law of our kingdom to kill the rightful heir. I am far stronger than those outside the royal family and he knows this. He will force chaos upon this land to ensure my attention does not stray from my opponents here.”

I try to focus on Mana, anything to not think of the horrors that may soon fill this land. When a hand rests on my shoulder I look up at Sandalphon who looks as calm and collected as always.

“You are a strong and honorable warrior and I have come to respect both you and Levi. Tonight when my sister sleeps you and he will come to the home I’ve been granted for my stay.”

I frown a bit confused.

“Why?”

He turned his attention back to Mana as he answered, “Because she cares for you deeply and I must know you can protect her from harm. You are human and weak and Levi while an alpha is still not up to standard for a mate of my sister. I have brought with me a potion made of my people’s blood and magic. It will grant you the abilities you require to stand as her equal.”

“Th-this doesn’t sound like something anyone of your kind should be doing.”

“It is not, it is forbidden in fact. But she is the rightful heir and the one who will one day make and enforce our laws. She is in danger and as one who will one day serve her and her brother it is my right to do what is needed to protect her. So I will ensure she has worthy protectors and mates.”

When he looks my way and give a nod, confirmation that I will do whatever it takes to stand beside Mana. The smallest of grins crosses his lips but is gone just as quickly as it appeared. As he requested, when night fell and all but those on patrol were asleep Levi and I went to his house. The dragon was waiting for us, two glasses filled with a deep purple liquid sat before us on the table.

“Do you intend to take my sister as your mate?”

Both of us do not hesitate to answer yes.

“Do you intend to protect her no matter the cost?”

“Of course.” Our answer is said as one.

He tapped the table with the glasses.

“Drink and know if you fail to keep these promises I will see to it not a speck of your existence will be left in this world.

We both take a glass and stare at each other with the promise to each other, we would work together for her. We both down the liquid at the same time, nearly gagging as we do. It’s the most vile thing I’ve ever tasted and it burns through my body like lava. Collapsing to my knees my visible blurs and can feel my mind slipping. As I fully collapse I’m certain I saw Sandalphon grinning with amusement dancing within his gaze.