Dragon Mine

That night, so long ago, had been clear and sultry. Something had drawn him out. The full moon hung large and low in the sky as billions of stars watched from above. And the magic had been heavy and intoxicating.

He had left Dreagan with no particular destination in mind, flying for miles until he spotted the fires. He’d landed unseen far from the village and walked there in his human form. The Celtic tribe’s cheers had been boisterous and infectious. They danced and celebrated their victory against an enemy around huge fires with flames that attempted to reach the moon.

They welcomed him, shoving a horn of mead into his hand. Vaughn had always had a particular interest in the Celts. They were attuned to the Earth in a way that others weren’t. He’d been content to watch them despite their attempts to get him to join them.

Vaughn had moved away from the group and leaned against an ancient, gnarled oak with limbs that twisted and reached outward. He watched the festivities with a smile, content to witness the celebration. The mead was particularly good. Or perhaps it was the magic in the air.

The British Isle thrummed with magic. It was why the Dragon Kings had made their home in Scotland, where the heart of the planet’s magic sprang forth. Dragon Kings were especially in tune with magic in all beings and creatures. Many times, mortals had no idea that magic was there, sometimes even changing events. That was because the humans couldn’t feel it. But Vaughn did. It was thick, hanging heavily in the air like an invisible mist. Even if he had wanted to walk away, he wouldn’t have been able to.

Then, he’d seen her across one of the great fires. She had stood staring at him. He’d immediately felt her pull, the attraction instant and irresistible. That’s when he realized that she was the reason he had been drawn from Dreagan. The firelight gave her blond locks a red-orange tint. They said nothing as they started toward each other in unison, weaving through others and around the fires.

Until they were face-to-face.

For the first time in his life, he couldn’t find words. He didn’t know what to say. And yet, there was so much he wanted to say to her. She took his hand and, with a smile, led him to a cottage. The red-orange glow from a fire in the hearth coated the inside of the home. She faced him, and before he could speak, her mouth was on his.