The Council

"Alright, Mason," Lucian said, his voice carrying a gentle authority, "close your eyes and take a deep breath. Release all worldly distractions and allow yourself to be present in this moment."

Mason obediently followed his brother's instructions, sitting beside him in the sacred Temple of the Sun. His eyelids fluttered shut as he inhaled deeply, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. With each exhale, he let go of the tension that had settled within him.

"Now, visualize a serene lake," Lucian's voice resonated, soothing and calm. "Imagine the stillness of its waters, reflecting the golden rays of the sun. Feel the tranquility washing over you."

Immersing himself in the imagery, Mason could almost hear the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. The warmth of the sun's rays caressed his skin, enveloping him in a cocoon of peace.

"Relax your body, Mason," Lucian continued, his tone encouraging. "Feel the tension melting away from your muscles like water flowing downstream, allowing yourself to surrender to the serenity of this temple."

With each passing moment, Mason felt his body growing lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. His breathing became more rhythmic, aligning with the cadence of the temple's energy.

"Now, focus your attention on your inner self," Lucian gently instructed. "Imagine a flame burning within your chest, its warmth and intensity growing with each breath. Let this flame be your connection to the dragon within."

Mason felt a flicker of heat deep within him, radiating from his core. It pulsed in synchrony with his heartbeat, a testament to the power stirring within his being.

"Tap into that flame," Lucian's voice held unwavering faith. "Visualize it expanding, spreading its warmth and light to every corner of your being."

As Mason delved deeper into his visualization, he could sense a surge of energy coursing through his veins, like a river of fire, alive and vibrant, waiting to be unleashed.

"I can feel it," Mason murmured, his voice filled with excitement. "I think it’s happening, Lucian. I believe I’m finally on the edge…"

Mason squeezed his eyes shut, his body tensing up, seemingly trying to force his transformation. Yet, as he reluctantly blinked open his eyes, the fleeting sensation had dissipated. Frustration etched across his face, his exasperation evident in his exhaled sigh.

"I'm never going to shift!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Lucian reassured. "You've made remarkable progress in the last few days. It's just a matter of time before you soar right out of that skylight."

Mason's heart swelled with gratitude as he absorbed his brother's encouraging words. "Thank you for your help. It means a lot. I'll try to do better next time, I promise."

"See, there you go again, burdening yourself with unnecessary stress and tension," Lucian observed. "You don't have to make promises to me or anyone else, because when you do, there's always an underlying fear of letting someone down. You will tap into your power in your own time, just like those who came before you. Remember, it's not about trying harder. You don't have to force anything. You're not trying to become a dragon; you already are one. You just need to tap into that part of your consciousness that already knows it."

Mason nodded in understanding, his expression reflecting his comprehension. "Don't force it, just be," he said.

"Exactly," Lucian affirmed.

Suddenly, the temple grew dark as an ominous presence blocked out the warm rays of the sun streaming through the skylight above. Lucian and Mason instinctively looked up, their eyes drawn to the sky. Several prodigiously formidable dragons soared overhead, their majestic wings casting a shadow over the sacred space. The piercing sound of blaring horns reached their ears, announcing the arrival of a momentous event.

"The elders are here," Mason declared.

Lucian let out a deep sigh, a sense of duty weighing heavily on him. "We better go and greet them," he said, his voice laced with a hint of resignation.

The entire kingdom had eagerly awaited the annual arrival of the elders who composed the esteemed Dragon Council. This council was comprised of four dragon Lords who had each served as Emperor Dragon during their era, alongside their complements who ruled as Empresses of the Dragon Empire. Only the Dragon Lords who had been mated to another dragon were considered worthy of serving on the council.

Among the council members, the oldest couple was Mordecai and his complement, Sylph, who had lived for well over ten thousand years. Despite the passage of time, the effects of aging had barely touched them, as they appeared no older than their mid-forties. The other council members included Voltaire, Lyra, Orin, Nymeria, Alistair, and Imara. All of them exuded the typical arrogant attitude that often accompanied being a dragon, reminiscent of the old Lucian.

Dragons from all corners of the world would fly in to celebrate the summer solstice and bask in the presence of the revered council. The council members were regarded as godlike figures and would make a grand entrance, heralded by blaring horns that alerted the entire land of their arrival. A red carpet would be unfurled, extending a warm welcome as they made their flamboyant entrance through the enthusiastic crowd of nobles and commoners who eagerly gathered to receive their esteemed elders.

The elders basked in the adoration, relishing every moment of the attention and praise they received. Even the mighty dragons, who placed them on the highest of pedestals, bowed in reverence, hoping for even just a glance in their general direction. Their status surpassed that of even the most talented artists and performers, garnering unparalleled enthusiasm.

Lucian had once envied them, yearning for the day when the world would shower him with the same respect and admiration, or perhaps even more. However, when he discovered that his mate was Visenya, fear gripped him. The dread of how his people would perceive his union with a member of a different species weighed heavily on his mind. Above all, it was the opinion of the council that haunted him the most.

Now, standing at the castle entrance with his family, Lucian observed the elders making their way through the bustling crowd. With their noses held high, they looked down upon all who were not part of the council. Their belief in their own superiority fueled their arrogance, and Lucian berated himself for ever prioritizing the opinions of these pompous twits over his sweet Visenya.

As they drew closer, Lucian couldn't help but cringe at the mere thought of bowing before them. Their expectant gazes left no room for anything less, and to prevent any discord, he would comply. This way, the course of events could unfold as customary. The revelries would proceed with the grand feast, entertainment, dancing, and the merriment of drink. And amidst it all, Lucian could discreetly slip away and finally see his beautiful mate, whom he had been apart from for far too long, which had been a slow, agonizing torment, gnawing away at his soul.

Unlike the previous occasion, there had been no word of King Ezra's impending return, a positive sign that he did not intend to come and blow the place to hell. Lucian was sure to do everything right this time, ensuring that his future with Visenya would be everything it should be.

"Welcome home," Emperor Caden warmly greeted the elders.

"Oh, Caden," Sylph said with disappointment in her voice. "Yet another year passes with your sister by your side. It is our hope that you heeded our counsel from last year and finally settled down with a noble lady dragon. The empire has long yearned for an Empress."

"Still haven't found one that complements me," Caden lamented, his voice filled with a complex blend of frustration and melancholy.

Lucian keenly observed his father's struggle to maintain a stoic facade, yet the underlying emotions were unmistakable. It dawned upon him that his father's resistance to choosing an Empress was not a result of fickleness but rather a profound reluctance to replace the love he had lost. Lucian's sympathy for his father deepened as he realized the depth of his father's love for his mother and the burdensome regret that he carried.

"Well, then it seems you'll be preceding your father sooner than expected," Slyph remarked, turning her attention to Lucian. "Have you found your complement now that you've come of age?"

Lucian paused, carefully considering his response.

"Not yet," Caden interjected, sharing a meaningful glance with Lucian, silently urging him to remain quiet. "We have plans to organize more banquets here and in the other kingdoms."

"Other kingdoms?" Mordecai grumbled, his disapproval evident. "Are you to seek your mate among their humans? Is it even worth the effort?"

"We need you to be mated to another dragon, Lucian," Slyph explained rather impatiently. "It has been centuries since we last witnessed the ideal pairing, and we require more members to join us on the Council."

"And if she is not a dragon?" Lucian inquired, his curiosity tinged with a hint of defiance.

The Council members exchanged knowing glances, their smirks betraying a hidden secret. "Let us hope she is," Mordecai finally replied, his voice laced with conviction that left no room for further discussion.