The Time Tournament (Order of the Dragon #1)

CHAPTER 43

Elena

March 1431

I n his embrace, the week passed in the blink of an eye. Waking up to his deep black eyes gazing lovingly at me was something I could never get enough of.

“You look so beautiful when you sleep. I could admire you forever,” he murmured.

I blushed and bit my thumb.

“Though I should mention, you occasionally drool,” he added with a teasing grin.

All my dreamy thoughts flew out the window. How dare he? I aimed to slap him, but he caught my wrist and pulled me closer. “I’ll take you in any way I can,” he murmured, his gaze blazing with need.

“If we keep this up, I might never walk again. Riding is already out of the question.” I wiggled out of his grasp.

He sighed, releasing me reluctantly. “I just can’t seem to get enough of you.”

“Well, I’m not planning on going anywhere.” I propped myself up on my elbows.

“The Pure said otherwise,” he said, a tinge of sadness creeping into his eyes.

“I didn’t die during the tournament, so who knows when that’s supposed to happen.”

“Just the thought…” His voice trailed off.

“Hey, maybe we shouldn’t take the Pure’s words so literally. There must be more to it. But I’d rather not think about it.”

He tightened his grip around my waist. “I have plenty of ways to help you not think.”

“I’ve experienced a few.” I smiled. “You’ve ignited a fire within me more times than I can count. I hope you won’t get burned.”

“When Killian touches fire, the fire gets burned.”

“You still remember that?”

“How could I forget? When Killian wakes up, the sun rises. When Killian is late, everyone apologizes for being late,” he said mockingly.

“Stop, stop.” I laughed, trying to cover his mouth.

“When Killian walks, Earth rotates around him.”

“Stop.” I completely covered his mouth. “When Killian—” I said.

He pulled my hands away. “When Killian what?” he challenged.

“When Killian smiles, the world smiles back.”

Stunned by my words, he shared a devastatingly gorgeous smile.

“Yep, that’s the one. I could watch you smile forever,” I said.

“Then why don’t you?”

“Trust me I do. But I want to visit Laszlo’s grave today,” I said softly.

“We can fly there, but it means saying goodbye to this cottage too.”

“Why?” I asked, not wanting to let go of the bliss I had never experienced before.

“Tomorrow, we have to fly to the Ignition ceremony. It’s time to let Raisa and Rosalynd return to their home. They’ve been staying at Moltenclaw Keep while we’ve been here. We can’t overindulge in their hospitality. Plus, I want everyone to see that you are mine.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“The Ignition ceremony is tomorrow? I didn’t realize how fast time had flown.”

“One more thing,” he said, quickly getting up from the bed. He went to the dresser and retrieved something. “I’ve been wanting to give this to you since you were healing.”

“Give me what?” Killian the gift-giver—who knew this side of him existed?

He extended his hand, placing something small and delicate in mine. It was a pearl choker, made of four rows of pearls with a teardrop pearl hanging in the center. My eyes widened in surprise. “Where did you find this?”

“Mother had pouches of pearls in her trunk. I took them and found someone who could craft the best jewelry around. Would you like to try it on?” He reached to unlock my old choker.

I clutched his hand. “I—I’ll do it myself.” I slowly removed my old choker and fastened the new one around my neck.

“You look breathtaking. With one of those velvet dresses, you’ll ravish the Hungarian nobility all over again.”

“Don’t tell me you liked the dress I wore at the ball.” I traced each pearl with my fingers, feeling their cool, unfamiliar touch against my skin.

“Did I like the dress? I wanted to rip it open and take you right there and then.”

My jaw dropped. “You didn’t show it.”

“I couldn’t be honest even with myself, kitten. It took me some time, but we’re here now.” He cupped my cheek and kissed it softly.

Later that day, we flew to the cemetery in the Solomonari village. I left Patches at the cottage certain that Raisa and Rosalynd wouldn’t mind a prismwater-tailed lizard in their home. He could take care of himself and really needed a few snuggles here and there.

Once we arrived at the cemetery, old memories flooded my mind. I knelt before Laszlo’s grave and cried like I had never cried before. Killian’s warm hand on my back was comforting, but it didn’t bring relief. I never understood the meaning of friendship until I met Tarra and Laszlo. Death didn’t feel like an unreasonable trade between us. I knew I would’ve done the same for him—without hesitation, without regret.

Then I looked at Killian. His face showed something I hadn’t expected—hope. He had found hope in me, and I didn’t want to lose it. For Killian, I wanted to fight. I wanted to live.

“I think I’m ready,” I said, standing up.

“We’ll have to fly straight to Nuremberg. Otherwise, we’ll be too late for them to host us. The ceremony starts tomorrow at dawn.”

“Okay, let’s do that,” I agreed, though I wasn’t eager to see anyone—except maybe Tarra.

As we walked out of the cemetery, we unexpectedly met Laszlo’s mother. She seemed as surprised to see us as we were to see her.

“Good day, Commander Valkorian and Rider Costin,” she said, bowing respectfully to Killian.

“Good day, ma’am,” Killian said.

“I’m sorry—” I began, but she quickly hugged me. “Before he passed, Laszlo asked me to tell you that he loves you.” My bottom lip trembled as I fought to say the words and not choke.

“Thank you for taking care of my Laszlo until his last breath. The world needs more people like you and our commander,” she said through her tears .

I hugged her back tightly. “I only wish I could have done more.”

“Wouldn’t we all,” she whispered. “But I’ll let you go. I assume you have much to do, especially with so many volunteers joining the Fire Legion.”

What on earth had happened while I was gone? Mrs. Taddeus seemed like a completely different person. And since when did we have volunteers joining the Fire Legion? I looked at Killian for answers, but his face betrayed no emotion.

“Thank you, ma’am. We better get going,” he said, draping his arm around my shoulders and guiding us forward.

Once we were out of earshot, I turned to him. “Volunteers? What’s going on, Killian?”

He sighed. “A lot has changed in the past few weeks. Your bravery and Laszlo’s sacrifice have inspired many. People are starting to realize the importance of what we’re fighting for. They want to be part of it.”

“I never expected that,” I admitted. “I’m not sure how to feel about it.”

“It’s a good thing, Elena. It means we’re making a difference. But it also means we have more responsibility now.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. “Then let’s make sure we honor Laszlo’s memory and all those who believe in us.”

“We will,” he said, tightening his hold on me. “We’ll make them proud. ”

As we turned to leave for Nuremberg, I felt a whirlwind of emotions—sadness for Laszlo’s loss, hope for the future, and a growing determination to fight for those who believed in us. With Killian by my side, I knew we could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

“We must hurry.” He took my hand and led me to a secluded patch of trees. Once shielded from prying eyes, he shed his clothes and shifted. I quickly climbed onto his back, and we soared toward Nuremberg.

When we arrived, the welcoming committee greeted us and offered each of us our own chamber. But Killian made it clear he wanted me to stay with him, despite the royal etiquette. Then again, who would argue with the winning house and an insistent dragon shifter? I knew I wouldn’t.

His chamber resembled mine, though with the opulence befitting a prince. The bed was larger, the food more varied, and the furniture more intricately carved.

“So from now on, I’m allowed to sleep only with you?” I asked playfully.

He matched my tone. “Unless you want to be tied up.”

I hesitated, caught off guard by his response. “Why do you go from zero to a hundred so fast?”

“It’s a reminder.” He walked closer, gently lifting my chin with a finger.

“What reminder?” I asked, my heart already quickening.

“That you are mine,” he said, his voice low and possessive. “Always and forever mine.” He kissed me slowly, lingering on my bottom lip as if savoring the moment. “I hunger for you. I want to take you so badly.”

“Why don’t you?” I was already under his spell, completely captivated.

“Exhaustion is written all over your face. When we fuck, I need you well-rested and ready to take me.”

“Do you have to be so straightforward?”

“It’s the only way you can have me.” He smirked, his eyes gleaming with intent. “Now, let’s get this off.” He pointed to my uniform. “And off to bed with you.”

“Yes, yes,” I muttered, feeling deflated. He helped me into my nightgown, a habit he’d developed from the time I couldn’t lift my arms. Though I suspected he had no intention of stopping anytime soon. As I glanced at my burn scars, which spread across my left arm and leg, he gently turned my face toward him. “Your scars are a testament to your bravery. Wear them with pride,” he said and kissed me softly along my arm.

I nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. He scanned my face, ensuring I was okay, then stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed beside me. The warmth of his body enveloped me like a furnace. With him, winters would never be cold. Summers, though—that was another matter.

The next morning, we flew to the arena. Everything looked the same, yet somehow very different. So much had changed since the last time I was here—things that would take years to process. But having Killian by my side made it easier.

“Are you sure you want to tell Lord Valkorian and Tarra about us?” I asked, knowing they likely suspected, but we had never made it official.

“They already know,” he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“They do?”

“El!” Tarra’s squeaky voice rang out before I could even see her. “You look so good. Did my brother take good care of you?”

I glanced at Killian. “He did.”

“Good, good.” She patted me all over, as if to check if I was still whole. “I told him if he treats you badly, I’ll be coming for his dragon balls.”

“Tarra, control yourself.” Killian shot her a warning look.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, eyeing her prismwater metal leg.

“This is the best thing that ever happened to me. All the new riders fear me before I even open my mouth.”

“New riders? Laszlo’s mom mentioned something about that.”

“After we won the Time Tournament, the Solomonari families decided to let their sons join the legion. Father said he might even make me second-in-command.”

“Really? That’s amazing.” I hugged her tightly. “Did you tell Soraya?”

Her gaze dropped. “Not yet. But I will.”

“Look who we have here—the winning rider,” Novak said as he and Kovak approached, marching over to shake my hand and hug me. But Killian’s growl forced the riders to take a step back.

“Little survivor,” Lord Valkorian said, grasping my hand in a firm shake before giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. “I’m honored to call you my daughter. Only you can temper some of Killian’s wild temperament, isn’t that so?” He smiled warmly.

I guess he wasn’t bothered by my relationship with Killian. “I’m not sure how to answer, Lord Valkorian.”

“There’s no need. I can see it all very well. You know he had his doubts, but sometimes listening to the Fates brings the results we desperately need, isn’t it so?” He looked at Killian.

Killian refused to react to Lord Valkorian’s gloating.

“We’d better get ready,” Killian said.

They all left and soon returned, draped in their privacy cloaks. As we walked out, I noticed the banners of Vlad II’s coat of arms and the House of the Crimson Dragon hanging around the arena. Once we emerged from the armory, the entire amphitheater, including the king, erupted in cheers and applause. I had never experienced such admiration before, though the hostile glances from the Viridians and Ceruleans made me stumble. Fortunately, Killian caught me.

The Master of Lists presented an open wooden box to the king and queen. They nodded approvingly. Then, the master walked down the stairs and placed the box in the center of the arena. I caught a glimpse inside—it held three black stones.

Lord Valkorian, Killian, and Tarra transformed into dragons and soared around the arena, forming a circle above the box. With one nod from Lord Valkorian, the three dragons unleashed their most powerful flames. The sight was awe-inspiring.

The flames consumed the box, leaving only the stones, now glowing red from the intense heat. Tarra had told me these stones usually had the power to send someone through time, but only for five to ten years.

Once the ritual was complete, three knights carefully lifted the stones with long tongs and placed them in buckets of water. Finally, they presented the stones to the royal mage. The mage took a second look, muttered something, and then disappeared. The crowd murmured in anticipation.

By the time the Valkorian family returned to the arena in human form, the mage had reappeared. He rushed to the king and whispered something in his ear. The king inspected the stones, and then scrutinized the mage.

“What’s happening?” I asked, sensing the tension.

“They’re determining the true power of the stones,” Lord Valkorian explained.

“Why do they all look so surprised?” I asked, but the king stood to address this very question for everyone.

“Honorable guests, a one-of-a-kind situation has occurred,” the king declared solemnly. “The stones travel by the comet’s tail.”

“Father, is he saying what I think he’s saying?” Tarra asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“These stones travel every seventy to eighty years across the timeline,” I said .

“How do you know?” Lord Valkorian asked.

“I had one of them,” I replied. “They might be my chance to go back home.”

Killian gripped my hand tightly.

I looked at him. “I wouldn’t leave you. But I would like to visit my parents and sister.”

He smiled softly. “As long as you return to me.”

The king placed the stones in a new velvet box and invited all the esteemed guests to the feast.

Tarra and I returned to her chamber, where she handed me a gorgeous cream silk dress and a matching corset. A dress made by the new French dressmakers. Only after I removed my leather jacket did she notice the choker around my neck.

“Where did you get those pearls?” she asked.

“Killian gifted them to me.”

“He’s never given me anything, and I’m his sister.”

“Probably because you’re his sister,” I teased.

She chuckled. “Probably. Can you manage without it?”

“No,” I yelped. “I’ll just wear this one tonight and then switch back to my old one.”

“Either way, this necklace makes you glow. Or maybe your happiness is just that obvious.”

“Is it?” I blinked in surprise.

“I don’t know what my brother did, but I hope he groveled for days before you forgave him.”

“He did, in his own way,” I said, smoothing out the dress. “But it’s not just about forgiveness. It’s about understanding and moving forward together. ”

“Well, it looks like you’re both on the right path,” Tarra said with a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s get ready for this feast and show everyone just how strong we are.”

“Something like that.” I smiled. “Why didn’t Soraya attend the ceremony? It wouldn’t have been any different from the tournament.”

“How about we talk about it at the feast? They’re probably waiting for us.” She grabbed my hand and hurried through the door.

Something was off. Why was Tarra reluctant to talk about Soraya? Had they had a falling out?

We walked to the Hall, where Killian was already waiting at the entrance, looking striking in a white shirt with a black leather vest and pants. This handsome man was mine, and I was his. When he saw me, his eyes sparked with admiration.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

He hooked an arm around my waist and pulled me close to his chest. “Velvet looks great on you, but silk and pearls take it to another level.” He kissed me right there in front of the royals and nobles.

“Stop. Not in front of everyone,” I protested, struggling to free myself from his iron grip.

“Let them seethe with jealousy,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I’m still here, you know,” Tarra said, but Killian didn’t seem to care.

“Hey, brother, there’s a dance starting.”

“Let’s dance, kitten. I’ll be your only partner tonight–– and forever.”

How could I ever say no to this man?

We danced through two songs. Even though the Hall was filled with other people, it somehow felt like everyone was watching us. Among the dragon houses, only the Ceruleans and the Viridians were present. The Aurelian and Cimmerian dragons had returned home, choosing to come back only for the closing ceremony.

Afterward, we sat at the table as the king and his queen congratulated us on the stone ignition and our victory. “What is your name again, Rider?” Sigismund asked.

“My name is Elena Costin. You should also remember the name Laszlo Taddeus,” I said.

“Elena Costin, you say.”

“Esteemed guests let’s raise a goblet for our winning rider, Elena Costin, and the House of the Crimson Dragon,” the king announced, seemingly unfazed by my mention of Laszlo’s name. “Now, let’s feast.”

The music began again, and we started eating. But I lost my appetite when I noticed Tarra’s pale face. She ate in silence, smiling only when someone raised their goblet to toast with us.

“Hey, Tarra. What’s wrong?” I asked. “And don’t lie to me. I know you too well. Is it Laszlo?”

“The grief of his loss will stay with me forever, but it’s not just that.” She took a small bite of bread.

“It’s Soraya, isn’t it?”

She didn’t respond.

“Tell me what’s bothering you. ”

“Well, it started with Killian.”

“Killian? How?” The noise around us provided the privacy we needed.

“After we almost lost you, something changed in Killian. Not only did he fly you blindly to Raisa’s house, but he also insisted on delivering the news of Laszlo’s death to his mother personally. I went with him, and you won’t believe what I saw.”

“What?”

“When Mrs. Taddeus heard the news, she sank to her knees, weeping. Her cries echoed through the entire village. I know how much Killian hates those sounds, but to my surprise, he knelt beside her and hugged her. She cried even harder on his shoulder, but he didn’t move a muscle. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. They didn’t stand until she was ready.

“He asked for her forgiveness and admitted he had betrayed her trust. Have you ever heard those words from Killian before?”

I shook my head, speechless.

“Exactly. Then he walked Laszlo’s mother to their house and promised to cover all the funeral expenses and continue supporting her, even though she doesn’t have any more air-wielders to bring to the legion. So Killian did this out of the goodness of his... heart. Or whatever he has in that chest of his.”

I knew Killian was capable of kindness, but I couldn’t help feeling a swell of pride for him. “But what does this have to do with Soraya? ”

“Well, when the other Solomonari families found out we won the tournament and how Killian took care of Laszlo’s mother, they decided to let their sons join the legion. We now have four air-wielders and eight Solomonari secondaries.” She smiled.

“Twelve people? That’s a lot.”

“It is. Father said I could become second-in-command, but only if...” She hesitated. “I break off my friendship with Soraya.”

“Why would he do that? Does he know?”

She shook her head, wiping away a tear. “I didn’t tell him. But he noticed I was distracted when she was here during the tournament.”

“We still won. How could he—”

“He’s always said Commanders must sacrifice most human delights. It’s part of the job.”

“Well, he didn’t forbid me from being with Killian. It’s your decision, but I think you should tell him.”

“I can’t. I’m too afraid.” She clutched her hands tightly.

“Esteemed guests, let us raise another goblet for Rider Costin,” Volokh Ashenwold announced. “Why don’t you come forward so everyone can see our victorious rider?”

That was odd. I glanced at Killian, but he didn’t seem to think anything of it. I walked closer to the king and Volokh.

“A human time traveler, brought here by the Fates. A miracle in itself. But to win the Time Tournament—that is truly a one-of-a-kind event. Cheers.” Volokh raised his cup .

He then stepped closer and clinked his goblet against mine. Leaning in, he whispered in my ear, “If you think you’ve won, you’re sorely mistaken. This is just the beginning.”