Free The Dragon's Lover by Samantha Sabian

be bound to you for all of time. Your last breath will come
from my lungs and mine from yours. My heart's last beat will be
yours. And my soul will not leave this realm without you.”
    The golden eyes glowed. “Then let us begin the
ceremony.”
     
     
     

CHAPTER 5
     
    Idonea awoke to the sound of the metal sharpening on
a grindstone. Evidently her mother and Raine had returned. She
pushed the blanket from her and rose to join them outside.
    Weynild stood gazing out over the water. Raine
glanced up at her exit from the cottage, but returned to the task
in which she was deeply engrossed. She eyed the edge of the wicked
looking sword, deemed it not yet satisfactory, and began grinding
once more. Idonea approached her mother, who did not turn as she
neared. Idonea stood until her impatience got the best of her.
    “We need to leave today.”
    “I am not going.”
    The terse pronouncement stung Idonea, “But we
agreed—”
    “I agreed to help you,” Weynild said, even more
tersely. “So I am sending Raine with you.”
    Idonea's cheeks flushed crimson with anger. “I am
sure that is a very bad idea.”
    “You are sure of nothing,” Weynild said sharply, “The
things you think you know but do not, could fill that stream. And
the things you don't even think about could fill the world's
oceans. There are reasons why I cannot accompany you. I can only
help you indirectly which is why I offer you Raine's
assistance.”
    Idonea turned her eyes to Raine, her expression
sullen. Raine ignored her, examining the edge of her sword.
    “I guess it is better than nothing,” Idonea
muttered.
    That was finally too much for Weynild and she grabbed
Idonea's arm and snatched her to her. Her golden eyes burned into
her daughter as she bit off every word.
    “I send with you that which is most precious to me in
this world and every other. Do not underestimate or seek to
minimize my sacrifice.” She released the arm, thrusting it from
her. “Do not second-guess me, girl.”
    This at last silenced Idonea. Raine did not respond
to the exchange. She stood and began pulling on her armor. Weynild
moved to her and began adjusting the straps on the beautiful
leather gear. It was supple from years of wear, reinforced in
strategic locations but loose enough to allow free movement. It had
a subtle bluish cast, a color similar to the blue of the Scinterian
markings hidden beneath Raine's clothing. It was well-maintained
and fit Raine like a glove.
    Raine had not looked up the entire time Weynild stood
in front of her. Weynild pulled the last strap so that it was snug.
The two stood inches apart, Weynild waiting for her lover to look
up.
    Raine finally composed herself enough to ensure her
eyes would not change color and raised her gaze. Weynild felt the
tight ache in her throat expand even more, making it difficult to
swallow. Neither could think of anything adequate to say. Finally,
Raine whispered a few words in Scinterian, a language long
forgotten by all but the one who stood in front of her.
    “My last breath is yours.”
    Weynild let out a cry of anguish and pulled Raine to
her, kissing her violently and desperately. The kiss was intense
and prolonged and Weynild did not want it to end. She finally
pushed Raine away, whirling from her.
    “Go,” she said harshly.
    Raine turned on her heel, walked toward Idonea, then
past her. She was heading directly towards Idonea's camp a few
hours away, surprising Idonea because the camp had been well hidden
and she had not mentioned its location.
    A rush of hot wind nearly toppled Idonea off her feet
and she choked on the dust that rose from the ground. Weynild, now
in dragon form, leaped upward and launched into a tight, savage
turn inches from the ground, accelerating into the sky with
tremendous force. She let loose a tormented roar that split the
sky. The anguished cry rumbled like thunder across the land,
echoing through the mountains and scattering wildlife and birds
miles away. The fiery red