“Ryvan, you must think about this, my son. You cannot act rashly. Your mating cycle approaches. The flowers on your bed are already beginning to bloom. What if you lose yourself and accidentally harm her because of your powers? She is human, Ryvan, not Fae. She has no magic to balance—”
“Neither does Alara,” I counter. “Yet she is mated to a dragon, a creature more powerful than any Light Fae. Never has he harmed her, and now she carries his child. If a dragon can control his dark nature, then surely I can do the same.”
Father clenches his jaw. “I only want what is best for you, Ryvan. I have changed the laws regarding the Dark Fae, but there are still some who disagree and believe your kind are too dangerous to be allowed to live. Your whole life, I have wanted only to protect you.”
“And you have, Father. Because you have changed the law, now I can protect her and the kingdom. Everyone saw my power, and they did not demand my death because they know that only I could defend against a dragon—a creature who could rain down death and destruction upon us all.”
Father remains silent because what I say is true. Had my powers been revealed at any other time, I’m almost certain the people would have demanded my execution. However, enough citizens witnessed my defense of the castle against the dragon that they understand my magic may be useful in protecting the kingdom.
Just because a few Dark Fae became dangerous does not mean all of us are. Like everything else, there is a balance. We had forgotten that as a people, but now, that will change.
After all, if a dragon can become a good person, there is hope for everyone, no matter how dark their nature.
My grandfather joins the conversation. “Go with my blessing and that of your father’s. Even if he is too stubborn to say it aloud.”
My father purses his lips. “My son knows he has my blessing if he wants it.”
“Does he?” Eryl asks. “Because it still sounded like you were trying to convince him otherwise.”
Father narrows his eyes. “Both of you need to stop putting words in my mouth.”
He turns to me and places both hands on my shoulders. “Ryvan, you have my blessing to marry a human female, even though I think it would be wiser not to. But that is simply my opinion.” He sighs heavily. “You should follow your heart.”
“Thank you, Father.”
With that, I make my way out to the courtyard and to the dragon and his mate. I climb onto his back and he lifts into the sky. We fly out toward the forest and the veil; I pray that we find Ella quickly.
