Page 129 of Full Moon
"Three to four days on foot, walking as humans." My mind races through the logistics, but the obstacles are glaring. Diaval's dragon walking with us would stick out like a sore thumb. Torben's bear has strength but not the endurance to walk that far. Easton and Khal might manage, but how are we supposed to carry our bags while shifted?
"I'll have to carry everyone." Diaval's voice rings out, a tense edge lacing his words. I can sense the turmoil within him—his dragon protesting loudly, the duality of their nature clashing.
I step into his line of sight, drawing his gaze to mine. His eyes, normally light and enigmatic, search for something—anything—that might offer him a way out. There isn't one. Not this time. "I need your help, big guy." My voice is steady, though inside, tension thrums like a live wire.
His serpentine slits narrow as his dragon rises to the surface. This is a delicate dance—one wrong step and I could lose him to the conflict raging within. But I press on, knowing the prideful nature of the beast I'm dealing with. "You are the only one powerful enough to do it." The words hang in the air. I can see the shift in his expression as they sink in.
The pride button—the one that makes his dragon puff up like it's ready to take on the world—is his Achilles' heel. I smash that button like I'm in a game show, betting everything on this one move. "The rest of us are too puny to do what you can." I tilt my head, mimicking the way Diaval does when his dragon is analyzing something.
A deep, resonant voice echoes in my mind.That is true. Uncomfortable, but true.His dragon's presence fills the space between us, power radiating off him in waves.For my mate and foundling egg, I will do it.Diaval's head lowers, and the moment his cheek touches mine, relief floods through me so palpable it's almost dizzying. Sometimes Diaval's duality feels like more of a burden than a blessing. But right now, with his dragon's agreement, I know we have a chance.
"Thank you, big guy." I press a kiss to Diaval's cheek before stepping back.
Call me Voaraghamanthar. Or Vo for short.The dragon's voice, deep and ancient, reverberates in my mind. His true name lingers there—a name of power, a name that carries weight and significance. Diaval's eyes widen, shock etched into every line of his face. He knows the gravity of what his dragon has just done.To know a dragon's true name is to hold a piece of their essence, their very being. The ultimate symbol of trust.
"Thank you," I say aloud, my voice filled with reverence.
I turn to my other mates, each of them watching, waiting. I nod. "Diaval's magnanimous dragon has agreed to carry us close to Redshale. Get ready. When he says it's time, be ready to move at a moment's notice. He is making a great sacrifice for us."
I look back at Diaval, his shock still evident, and offer him a small, knowing smile. The secret of his dragon's full name will be mine to keep—a bond shared only between us. And I swear to myself, I'll take it to the grave, never to utter it to anyone other than him.
