Forbidden Love

Visenya sat gracefully upon the soft, green expanse, her eyes radiating a serene beauty that mirrored the tranquility of the meadows around her. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on the scene, while a gentle breeze caressed the grass, carrying the joyful whispers of nature.

Visenya's eyes twinkled with amusement as she watched Caspian and Victoria engaging in a playful bout of horseplay. Victoria's prowess was on full display as she effortlessly flipped Caspian over for the third time in a row.

"You are freakishly strong!" Caspian exclaimed.

Laughter erupted from Victoria and Visenya, their joyous voices blending harmoniously with the wind, creating a delightful melody that danced through the air. As the laughter subsided, a sudden gust of wind swept through the meadows, capturing the trio's attention and drawing their gaze to the distant sky. Visenya's heart skipped a beat as she saw a figure descending from above, gracefully gliding through the clouds.

Lucian’s wings beat in perfect harmony with the powerful rhythm of Visenya's heart, captivating her as she laid her eyes upon his iridescent scales that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. Before he could touch the ground and take his natural form, Visenya jumped to her feet and ran towards Lucian. Their eyes locked in an electric current that surged between them, igniting a fire that had been smoldering in their souls.

In a moment of pure longing, she leapt into his arms, finding security in the familiarity of his embrace. It was a contentedness that surpassed all else, filling her to the brim. Their lips met in a fervent kiss, a passionate union that sealed their love and erased the pain of their separation.

As they reluctantly broke apart, their breath mingling in the crisp air, Visenya nestled into the crook of Lucian's neck, finding solace in his intoxicating scent. "I missed you," she confessed in a soft, barely audible whisper.

A smile curved on Lucian's lips as he held her even closer, his voice resonating with tenderness. "And I missed you, my love. Being away from you felt like an eternity."

"Because it was an eternity," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "My father said you'd only be gone a couple of days... It's been five days, and not a word from you. You didn't even say goodbye."

"I'm truly sorry, darling," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I wanted to see you so badly before I left, but our discussion took longer than expected. It was already late, and I had to return before anyone noticed that I was away. Unfortunately, I couldn't return until the elders departed, and I thought they'd never leave." He gently pressed his forehead against hers. "Please believe me when I say that I hate being apart from you as much as you do, probably more."

Their lips met once more, washing away all of their momentary worries and frustrations, while the world around them faded away. But their stolen moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. They quickly pulled away from each other and turned to see Caspian and Victoria standing a few feet away, their faces etched with amusement.

"We're just going to take a walk and give you two some privacy," Victoria said, exchanging a knowing glance with Caspian.

Visenya blushed as Lucian gently set her back on the ground. "We'll catch up with you guys later."

"Just one thing before we go," Caspian interjected.

Lucian took in a deep breath, bracing himself for whatever derisive comment Caspian was about to make.

"Your little speech you made the other night to Vee's father... Well, I have to admit, none of us expected that from you," Caspian paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "What I'm trying to say is, I guess you're alright."

"Does this mean we're friends now?" Lucian smirked. "It feels like we’re friends now."

"Don't get ahead of yourself there," Caspian said jokingly, with a suggestive nod.

Lucian gave him a friendly nod back before he led Victoria away on a nice, romantic walk.

"I never thought I would see the day where you two got along," Visenya remarked.

"Yeah, life is full of surprises," Lucian responded, a smile playing on his lips, as he gently intertwined his fingers with Visenya's, and they embarked on a pleasant stroll together.

They settled by a picturesque pond, its surface adorned with gracefully swimming ducks. Finding a comfortable spot on some nearby rocks, they sat down, basking in the serenity of the surrounding view. Lucian affectionately cozied up to Visenya, wrapping his arm around her as they exchanged a tender gaze. Visenya's eyes shifted between her rich chocolate brown irises and her wolf's amber-colored hues, creating a captivating display.

"Hello to you too, Delilah," he greeted, his words igniting a wild spark within the wolf.

"How do you know her name?” Curiosity tinged Visenya's voice. “Did my father tell you?"

Lucian gently held her chin, his lips brushing softly against hers, leaving behind a lingering smile as his sole response.

"So," Visenya pressed on. "Did you inform the elders about us?"

Lucian hesitated for a moment before responding, "No."

A look of confusion crossed Visenya's face. "Oh. I always thought a Dragon Lord was required to inform the council upon finding their complement."

"We are," Lucian admitted, taking a deep breath. "Visenya... There's something I need to tell you."

Visenya halted, worry flickering in her eyes as she gazed at Lucian. "Are you having second thoughts about us?"

"What?" Lucian exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise. "No, of course not. It's just... I made a promise to you the other night that I would never keep anything from you, and I meant it."

"Okay..." Visenya responded, her tone laced with uncertainty.

"Visenya, what I'm about to tell you is going to sound absolutely crazy, but I need you to listen to every last word. Can you promise me that you'll do that?"

Visenya nodded, the angst in her eyes growing by the second. "Yes, I promise."

Lucian closed his eyes, exhaling a long breath as if he had been holding it in all this time. "Alright..." he uttered, his voice oozing with nervousness.

With great deliberation, Lucian proceeded to disclose everything to Visenya. He started with what had originally transpired on Mount Tarragon, and the extensive consequences that had followed. He left no stone unturned, ensuring that no aspect of their alternate lives together was omitted, even the ones he would forever feel ashamed of.

By the time he had finished, Visenya was left utterly speechless, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Lucian could barely bring himself to meet her gaze, his shame weighing too heavily on him to even look her in the eye.

"I know this must be incredibly difficult for you to believe," he said, his voice laced with desperation. "But I..."

"No," she interjected firmly. "I think that's the craziest part of it all. I actually do believe you."

"You do?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "It explains a lot. Your behavior on the mountain that night... it was as if you had been transported there as an entirely different person. And it turns out, you were. It all makes sense… One doesn't just change the way you have, not overnight anyway."

"Visenya, I understand if you want nothing to do with me," Lucian confessed, his voice filled with regret.

"We could have spent the rest of our lives together without you ever telling me this," she said softly.

"It wouldn't have been fair to keep something this monumental from you," Lucian responded, his tone sincere and remorseful. "You deserve the truth."

Visenya sighed, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Yes, but perhaps some things are better left unsaid," she murmured, her words tinged with sadness.

Lucian's brows furrowed as he reached out to gently touch her arm. "You don't truly believe that," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "If you had found out any other way, it would have hurt even more."

Feeling a mix of emotions, Visenya slowly stood up and walked over to the serene pond nearby. The weight of the revelation hung heavily in the air, creating a suffocating silence. Lucian anxiously awaited Visenya's response, his heart sinking to the pit of his stomach, already bracing himself for the worst.

"Visenya, please say something," Lucian pleaded.

Finally, Visenya turned around to face him, her intense gaze piercing through his soul. "You said I forgave you?"

"Yes," he affirmed.

"Then let's put it behind us and move forward, shall we?" She proposed.

Lucian's heart leaped with joy at her words. With a surge of emotion, he rose from his seat and pulled her right back into his arms, where she belonged. "You have no idea how much that means to me," he confessed. "I promise to be the man you need me to be. Visenya, I truly love you with all my heart and soul."

A soft smile graced her lips as she replied, "I know. You've undoubtedly proven that."

"And I will continue to do so until I take my last dying breath," he declared.

They shared a sweet, sentimental kiss, their hearts intertwining as Visenya rested her head against his chest, feeling right at home there in his arms. "So, will these powers of mine return once you mark me again?"

"That's what I'm expecting," Lucian replied with certainty.

"And what if they don't?" She questioned, a hint of doubt creeping into her voice. "What if it was all just a bad dream, and none of it was real?"

"That would be quite the twist, wouldn't it?" He mused. "But it was real, Visenya, every bit of it."

"I'm no fool.” Visenya spoke, aware of the implications. “This all has something to do with the Dragon Council, doesn’t it?"

Lucian's gaze grew somber, "I'm afraid so, my love."

A sense of foreboding filled the air as dared to ask the next question, "They won't allow us to be together, will they?"

"No," he admitted, his voice heavy with resignation. "And what's worse, darling, is that I fear for your safety if they were to discover us."

"So, what do we do?" She asked.

"I mark you," he said confidently. "Once you possess your powers, they won't stand a chance against you."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on just a minute," she interjected. "You expect me to go up against eight elite dragons? That's nothing short of suicide, Lucian!"

"Visenya, you are more powerful than a million elite dragons combined," Lucian assured her. "Once they witness your abilities, they'll think twice before ever challenging you."

"But what about controlling these powers?" She questioned. "You mentioned that it took time for me to master them in this alternate life."

"It only took you a few short months to gain control," he responded. "And I'll be right by your side, guiding you every step of the way."

"And how are we going to hold off the council for a few months?" Visenya asked, her tone filled with concern. "We can't just ask them for a short briefing period before they try to devour me alive!"

"Don't worry about them," he reassured her. "Your father and I have devised a plan."

"My father?!" Her voice rose in surprise. "He knows about all of this?"

"I only revealed what was necessary to convince him that I hadn't lost my mind and was telling the truth," Lucian explained. "I had to disclose certain things to him and your mother, things that were seemingly impossible for me to know. But you're the only one who knows the complete truth. I had to involve my father in our plan as well, because it has to be executed flawlessly. The moment I mark you, the council will sense the connection to our life source."

"This can't be happening," Visenya gasped, her voice filled with despair. "I think I'm going to be sick."

"Visenya, if this is too much for you, please just tell me," he expressed. "I don't want you to feel pressured or burdened by our union. Just say the word, and I'll fly far away from here. You can live out your life in peace, and I won't return until you leave this world."

A deep sadness welled up in Visenya's eyes. "No," she whispered, her voice trembling. "There is no life without you in it."

Lucian's heart fluttered at her words, a tender smile forming on his handsome face as they locked gazes. She reached out, and he instinctively clasped her hand in his.

"After all we've overcome together," she said, her voice filled with perseverance. "It would be such a shame to give up now."

A spark flickered in Lucian's eyes, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "Now, that's my little firebird."