Solanna passed through the sea of tents, people, and wood-smoke. In the distance she heard the crashing of a sky tree. The construction of the dormitory was in full swing and waves of people moved to and fro as they moved timbers and tools. It was a tightly choreographed dance.

But her eyes were solely locked ahead, locked upon the towering tree in the center of the clearing. It rose into the sky like a tower, watching and protecting those below it. Yet, it brought mixed feelings to her.

Calinna's soul is there…

Solanna hadn't known the woman well, but she would be lying if she said that Calinna's touch couldn't be felt. Even after death, it was everywhere. Her presence brought forth a calming touch.

And all it cost was her life.

Was that a price she, Solanna, could pay? Was she willing to take the killing blow meant for someone else? Her initial thoughts flashed to Yedril and to Falzan. For them, she thought so.

But what about the others? For strangers? She pursed her lips. What about Julous?

She stumbled, catching herself quickly. She was interested in him. There was much she admired about him, perhaps even more so after she learned about him and Oralyn. Could she take that blow for him?

Would he for her?

Relax… We don't have to rush anything. That statement was hollow and she knew it. Time was what they almost certainly didn't have. Soon, they would have to fight and, soon, people would die.

For a brief moment, she came to a stop and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and tried to center herself. There was much to worry about, and most was beyond her control.

I hate it.

Solanna resumed her trek, only realizing now how close she was…

"Solanna!" Duram called out, smiling and waving as they approached.

"Hello," she responded. Her gaze quickly shifted to the other man. "There you are, Julous."

The elf in question held a stoic expression, however there was a certain stiffness as he responded. "Hello– Were…you looking for me?"

"I was, and I was hoping to speak with you in private."

Duram raised an eyebrow before suddenly smiling. "Ah, I understand…" He patted Julous on the shoulder before sauntering off. "Good luck!"

Left alone, Julous awkwardly shuffled in place before opening his mouth to speak. "Solanna… About the other day… See–" He stopped and shook his head. "I was too forthcoming, and I apologize for making you uncomfortable. Just…forget what I said."

Seeing him squirm brought a smile to her face. It kind of remains me of Yedril… "Why?"

That seemed to catch him off guard. "Huh? Why? Well… I mean… I asked you something personal. I wasn't thinking straight at the time. The attack, worrying about Duram and Arlen, and then everything to come. I was stressed out and made a mistake."

"A mistake? So you aren't interested in me?"

"What? No! Wait, I mean– Damn it! I'm screwing this up again." He buried his head into his hands and sucked down a deep breath. However, as his mind raced for how to fix this, Solanna began to lightly chuckle.

He slowly peered up at her, confusion written all over his face. She stepped closer to him, leaning into him. "Tell me, are you interested in me?"

Sound faded from the world as they stared into each other's eyes. Slowly, Julous worked his jaw.

"I-I am–"

"Why?" she whispered.

Watching him, she saw his cheeks flush. The strong, stoic hunter looked small at that moment. It was a vulnerability no one had ever seen from him. Well, save maybe for Oralyn… But she let that thought die as he regained his usual confidence.

"I've had my eye on you since the moment we met," he admitted. "It's not everyday I meet a woman hunter– Not that I have a problem with it! But… Well, it's not something I'm used to."

He took another breath and became far more calm. "I enjoy your company, and I admire your skill and dedication. What you sacrificed for your brother… I've had a similar experience and I find it admirable what you've done for him.

"Then there is a certain…mystique about you. You've hatched a dragon– I don't think I have to say more on that but it adds a curious veil of mystery to you. And then… Well, you are always the first to jump in if someone is hurt. Always caring and never afraid to chastise. The others… They joke about you being the mother we never knew."

He let out an awkward laugh. "They may joke about it, but it's a quality I like about you. You aren't afraid to speak your mind, either…"

Throughout it all, Solanna remained silent. She listened intently, watching his every movement and building an understanding about the man in front of her. And, as he finished, her smile widened.

"I see, and do you know why I like you?"

"No– Wait!" He blinked as she began her own laughter.

It took her a moment to settle down before she continued. "The reason why I like you is that you're honest."

"I'm…honest?" Julous made it sound like he had never heard that before.

"Well, mostly, but everyone has their secrets. What I mean, though, is this." She gestured to him. "What you just did. I asked why you were interested in me, and you told me everything. You could have said it was my eyes, or maybe my hair. Something vain like that. But no, you listed every trait of mine that you liked."

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"Huh… None of that even crossed my mind."

"Exactly." She continued to stare into his eyes. "So, are you going to ask me again?"

"Ask you–"

"What you were trying to ask me a few days ago."

His expression lit up in understanding. "Right. Yes." He straightened his posture and gave her a serious look. "Solanna, are you seeing anyone?"

She didn't immediately answer, instead she waited. She waited and watched, making him feel a slight bit of discomfort. Finally, though, she thought she had teased him enough.

"Yes."

Julous's face fell.

"I am now."

An air of power swept over Felix as he stared ahead. Mirezabeth was in her child-like form and, yet, she seemed to tower over him and Eri. She gave them a warm smile and spoke softly.

"Fea modified the contract."

Felix gave her a slow nod, a shiver running down his spine. The extent of what Fea had done was still revealing itself to him.

Eri subtly grabbed his hand and squeezed. "What do you mean?" She was the only one not filled in.

Mirezabeth's gaze landed squarely upon him. "Will you tell her or shall I?"

"I… I'm still trying to grasp it myself."

"Fair enough, it is a lot to take in. Especially knowing that it's all tied to you." The Goddess gave him an understanding look before addressing Eri.

"Your friend, the Dragon Queen, knew what would happen if she were to…perish. She knew it would be dangerous to bring Felix back. So, she decided to do something about it. She made a deal with me."

Eri tightened her grip around Felix's hand. "And…what was this deal?"

"You've seen Felix's past, no?"

"I have."

"And you've read the journal?"

"Yes– Felix read it to us."

"Then let me expand upon something. Something you might have noticed…" Mirezabeth took a single step and crossed the divide between them. She reached out and took Eri's other hand, studying it.

"The contract between dragons, it was made with the shards of my soul. They were foolish then, not understanding what I was. Do you know what I am?"

Eri watched with trepidation as Mirezabeth turned her hand over. "A Goddess–"

"Yes, but not the answer I was looking for. Try again."

Feeling the discomfort Eri was in, Felix interjected. "You are the embodiment of dragons."

The Goddess smiled once again. "Correct. They failed to understand that, and they tried to kill me. But, do not worry, I hold no ill will towards them. I understand, for I am the embodiment of them. Their wants and desires are mine. I allowed them to kill me."

She let go of Eri's hand, looking content. "But when the fatal blow was struck, they came to understand the severity of their mistake. Not to mention, I would be back. A God cannot be so easily destroyed.

"In realizing their error and the subsequent panic, they gathered what was left of my soul and bound it in a contract. The proof of that contract was the creation of Fea. She would be their new Queen, their Goddess."

"Why were they afraid? Why make the contract? You said you'd have been back, so why bother with it?" Eri questioned, finding support within Felix.

"I am the embodiment of them, remember? If one of them were murdered and came back to life, what do you think they would want?"

Felix answered. "Revenge."

"Indeed, and I probably would have done exactly that. But with the contract, that could not happen. In a way, I was trapped. Sealed away so that I could not exact that revenge."

"But… But you let them kill you. Why would you want revenge?" Eri pushed, taken aback by something so obviously at odds with itself.

"Because people contradict themselves. I am as imperfect as the dragons I am born from. We are all fickle at best. You and me." The Goddess shrugged, a distinctly mortal gesture. "It was also a different time."

"And things are different now?"

Mirezabeth nodded. "They are. Fea's creation gave the dragons something to unify them. They changed over time, becoming less…vain. And, being forced to be nothing but an observer, changed me as well. When you entered the picture, Felix, I was rooting for the two of you."

Hearing his name, Felix felt his cheeks flush. "P-please…"

"I'm serious, I thought it would all work out. In a way, it kind of did. Though, I'd say it was bittersweet."

She suddenly clapped her hands. "But! We are getting off topic now… About the modifications to the contract. Knowing her chances were low, Fea offered me a deal. She would release me from herself so long as I helped you.

"The contract remains, but now we are principals of it."

"Prin…cipals?" Eri looked between Felix and the Goddess with confusion. "What does she mean, Felix?"

Now it was his turn to tighten his grip around Eri's hand. He knew not the word Mirezabeth used, not in this context, but with the knowledge finally settling in… He understood.

"I am their protector, their…" He shook his head as laughter escaped him. "No, that cannot be right! That can't be!"

"It is," Mirezabeth said calmly.

"Felix?" Eri looked up to him with fear. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Fea said I would be their protector! She wrote it down in a letter! Why would she lie about that?!"

"Felix–"

"Because she didn't not want you worrying about it. The less you knew, the better off you would be. Frankly, I disagreed and it seems she has also come to regret that decision."

"No…"

Eri peered into his mind but all she found was racing thoughts, too jumbled to make sense of. "Tell me what's–"

"No… No! I can't do that! I don't want it!"

The Goddess opened her mouth but was immediately cut off. Furious at being left out, Eri had had enough.

"WHAT IS GOING ON?!"

All attention fell onto her then and Felix let go of her hand, only for him to suddenly pull her close. He peered down at her, his face pale, his hands shaky. His revelation shook him to his very core.

"Eri, I am… I am…" The words stuck within his throat, it was too much for him to say. And so, it fell upon Mirezabeth.

She threw her hands out theatrically, as if to introduce Felix. "Behold! Felix, the Dragon Lord!"

Silence. Deafening silence swept through the room, leaving all the mortals stunned.

Mirezabeth cleared her throat, and made herself look important. "That's not all, though! My position as Goddess has been reestablished! Do not forget that, it is important too!"

Both Felix and Eri slowly turned their heads towards the Goddess. No words came out but both shared the same expression, a mixture of shock and fear.

Seemingly not reading the room, the Goddess stretched and let out a yawn. "Well, now that has all been explained… I think I will leave the two of you– Oh, and Felix?"

"Y-yes?"

"Remember, you will have to accept me when the time comes."

"What–"

Mirezabeth was gone.

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