Chapter 182: Finding My Destiny
**Avery**
As we walk further into the heart of the island, the air is thick with anticipation, heavy with the scent of jasmine and butterfly flowers that seems to seep into my very pores. Each step I take on the soft earth of Altima Island feels like a pilgrimage, as if the ground itself is guiding me toward some ancient, sacred truth. The fragrance of the blooms is intoxicating, a heady mix of sweetness and earthiness that stirs something primal within me. It’s as though the island is breathing with me, its rhythm syncing with my heartbeat, its energy wrapping around me like a second skin. I feel it in my bones—this place is home, or perhaps something even deeper, a part of me I never knew was missing.
My mates and friends are close, their presence a comforting weight that grounds me. Cassius walks beside me, his hand brushing mine in a silent gesture of solidarity. His deep voice rumbles through the air, cutting through the floral perfume. "Avery, you feel it too, don’t you? This place… It’s like it’s been waiting for us." His words are a mirror to my own thoughts, and I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
"I do," I finally manage, my voice barely above a whisper. "It’s as if the island recognizes me, calls to me."
Before I can elaborate, the trees part to reveal a figure bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. His blonde hair gleams like spun gold, and his smile is warm, inviting, as though he’s been expecting me all along. "Welcome, Avery," he says, his voice carrying a hint of familiarity that makes my skin prickle. "I’m Sam, your brother. We’ve been expecting you." He is just as I had seen in my vision, though even more of a resemblance to how I look now than I had noticed before.
Beside him stands a man with dark hair, his eyes sharp and knowing, like they’ve seen through to the core of my soul. "And I’m Mich, Sam’s mate," he introduces himself, his tone formal yet laced with a warmth that puts me at ease. "We’ve much to discuss, but first, let me introduce you to King Bruce and Queen Susie."
He gestures to a couple standing a short distance away. Bruce, with his dark hair and broad shoulders, exudes a quiet strength, his arm wrapped protectively around Susie’s waist. She’s a vision of softness, her blonde hair catching the light, her smile gentle and kind. They exchange a glance, a silent communication that speaks volumes of their bond, before stepping forward to greet us.
"It’s an honor to meet you, Avery," Bruce says, his voice steady and reassuring. "We’ve heard so much about you."
Susie’s smile widens, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "We’re so glad you’re here. This place… It’s special, isn’t it?"
I can’t help but agree, my curiosity piqued by their presence. "It is. But I sense there’s more to this than meets the eye. Sam, you said you’ve been expecting me. Why?"
Sam’s expression turns solemn, his gaze intense, as though he’s weighing his words carefully. "Our parents… they made a choice, a long time ago. They knew the power you’d wield, the destiny that awaited you. They wanted to protect you, to give you a chance at a normal life, so they left Altima to find the perfect place to hide you until you were old enough to return with them."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, the weight of them settling heavy in my chest. "What do you mean? What power? What destiny?" I demand, my voice shaking with a mix of excitement and fear.
Mich steps forward, his eyes locking with mine, his presence commanding yet gentle. "You, Avery, are the key to controlling fate itself. Your parents knew this, and they did everything in their power to keep you safe, to keep you from those who would exploit your gift."
The world seems to tilt on its axis, the air growing thicker, heavier, as the implications of his words sink in. "But why separate me from them? Why not let me grow up with my own kind?" My voice is raw, the question tearing itself from my throat.
Sam’s voice softens, his expression filled with empathy. "They had wanted to. They were on their way to Talos when they were killed. They knew that your mate was there and wanted you to be under his protection. They wanted you to have a chance to discover your powers on your own terms, without the influence of those who would seek to control you. Talos was the only dragon tribe with enough magic to help keep evil away."
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