I let out a deep breath. I still don't know what any of this means. He could have killed me, but he didn't. Shu was keeping secrets, and apparently I might be the key to everything. I don't know who my ancestors are, and I still haven't got an answer to that. Just mysteries after mysteries.
I open my eyes. The smell of grass in the air, the wind still blowing—so calm, so peaceful. The stars twinkle overhead, distant and endless. I turn around, making sure no one can see me, and make a small fire in my hand, watching the flames dance and curl like liquid light.
"My powers are simple, right? A seal starts the power. It's the connection between the sword and our dragon. The sword is the bond. The dragon gives the power. It's the essence of it all. But why do I feel like I'm missing something?" I extinguish the fire by clenching my fist.
Jordan walks outside and sits down next to me.
She tilts her head toward the sky. "Wow," she says softly. "They're beautiful."
I glance at her. Her skin glows in the starlight, her long black hair fluttering in the gentle breeze. The faint scent of her perfume drifts to me. Her gray eyes sparkle, reflecting the stars above. She's beautiful, I think, almost forgetting myself.
She notices me staring. "What are you thinking about?" she asks.
I turn back to the sky, feeling heat rising in my cheeks. "I'm thinking about what Shu told me."
"What Shu told you?" she repeats.
I meet her eyes. "He said you keep secrets, but they're for our own well-being. Even if we don't see it now, eventually we'll understand that he had a reason."
"Hmm," she says, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I've always known Shu was secretive, but he's not a bad person. You shouldn't dwell on it too much."
I glance at her, unsure.
She nudges me lightly. "You know… sometimes it's okay to trust someone, even if you don't get the full picture."
I manage a small smile.
She laughs softly. "Don't roll your eyes. You could try agreeing with me once in a while."
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. "I don't know if I can."
"I would never expect anything less," she says, laughing.
We both look back up at the stars.
"You know… this is nice," I say.
She sighs, leaning back on her hands. "Yeah. I remember when I was really young, I used to look at the stars just like this. It felt like the only time I could really be free… where my mind just drifted."
I glance at her, seeing a side of Jordan I hadn't before. Her voice soft, her usual guard gone.
She continues, "When I was a kid, I never really had a chance to grow up. It was always kind of forced on me. I had to take care of my little brothers and sisters. My mom died early, in a boating accident, and my dad… he had to work constantly to provide for us."
I sit there, listening. This is the first time she's opened up like this, and it feels almost surreal.
"So yeah," she says, glancing at me, "especially with all the Dragon Keeper stuff… it can be overwhelming sometimes. But moments like this? They remind me why it's worth it."
"It really is," I say softly.
She gets up, dusts herself off, and smiles. "You coming?"
"I'll be back in a little bit," I reply.
"Okay," she says, opening the back door. She walks inside to join everyone, leaving me alone under the stars for a moment.
I stay seated, thinking. I have to protect this. I have to protect everyone . I don't want this feeling—this happiness, this joy—to go away. It may sound selfish, but I never want it to end.
After a few more moments, I rise and walk back inside.
The laughter and cheers greet me immediately. My mom and dad are talking with everyone. The day passes quickly, and soon it's time for my friends to leave. I walk them to the door, saying goodbye to Cameron, Jordan, Maya, Ava, and Zack.
Once the door clicks shut, my dad approaches me. "Son, I'm proud of you. You've found a great group of friends, and your mom and I couldn't be happier. Seeing you connect with people on this level… we couldn't ask for more."
I nod, overwhelmed. I've never felt so much encouragement in a single moment. Without words, I walk back up the stairs, letting the night's calm settle around me once more