L J Andrews [Andrews - The Queen of Jade

Dragon Mage

The Queen of Jade

LJ Andrews

Part One

The Mage

Chapter 1

Mythical creatures werent supposed to exist. Magic was something that entertained young childrenthe idea of fairy tales, of knights, of wizards, of witches. None of it was supposed to exist.

But I knew the truth. Dragons were real, and I was in love with their queen.

Weeks had passed since Id almost died. The agony of that night still rippled through my chest. Darkness threatened to control my soul the longer I thought on everything. I saw his silver eyes when I slept. I replayed the way she had died each morning as if the sunlight were a constant reminder of her goodness and strength. Mini hadnt deserved the end shed met. Her absence was an empty hole in each day, each training, each council.

The morning sun was warm, the rays brushed my face through the frosty window as I pushed thoughts of my friend to the back of my mind. Running my hand through my thick, blond hair the light brightened the green marks on my arms until the color seemed to gleam with gold. Each arm was enrobed in the marksmost people just assumed they were tattoos, but these marks were so much more. I kept the seal imprinted on my back secret, only those who knew the truth had seen the seal of Jade. The day it had appeared I knew it meant something important. Yes, I never would have believed such a thing possible, symbols and designs simply appearing on skin. Nothing seemed to make sense, and if I hadnt lived through it all myself, I might believe my story insane.

You might not think such a secret could be kept, roaming with dragons and all. To my surprise hiding the impossible became easier the longer time passed. It helped that the royal wyverns I knew had been living in plain sight for nearly a century, and I only had Aunt Liz to hide the truth from. After shed almost been killed a few weeks ago, keeping her in the dark was critical. Of course living a hundred miles away in the Wyvern Willows reform house helpedto most I was a delinquent, one mistake away from prison. Sure it might be the original story, but how things had changed.

I jumped when a fist pounded on my door. Teaganseriously, every morningthe bus is here. Come on!

Relax Mitch! I shouted through my grin, I usually dawdled in the morning now just to irritate my fellow reform. We always make it on time.

Mitch scoffed and jiggled the doorknob once more. Yeah, well one day Id like to get there with some time to spare. Ive got people to see too.

Mitchs steps stomped down the hallway while I tossed my T-shirt over my head. I opted for short-sleeves. Tattoos were against the dress code, but after what had happened, Eishaalso thought to be an ordinary principaldidnt seem to mind showing off the marks of my mage armor.

The truth that dragons existed was difficult enough to wrap my mind around, but the idea that magical, energy-wielding mages existed and that I was one of themwell, that was an entirely different challenge to accept. Using my toe, I tucked the gilded hilt of one of the mage blades beneath my bed. Even such a simple touch send a spark shooting up my leg. The blades were minethough I still refused to accept I was considered the High Priest of mages simply because I unearthed the powerful weapons. Without a glance at the twin blades I slung my backpack over one shoulder and rushed after Mitch.

The main level of the house was empty, only a few straggling students ran across the gravel drive toward the rusty, white bus. The ground had a powdery layer of snow along the small stones, the air was frosty, but I found cold didnt affect me much. Ever since the marks had appeared on my arms, ever since Id fought againstI hardly allowed myself to think of his gleaming, silver eyesbut ever since hed come to Wyvern Willows my body seemed to resist the cold. As though the power coursing through my veins were a constant furnace.

Teagan, a booming voice shouted from behind me. Wait, I have to tell you

The bus is leaving, I shouted back over my shoulder just as Sapphires rich, coal-like eyes found me from his office door. Hey, you guys are the ones who said I still had to go to school.

Strange to speak to the director of the Reform House with such a tone? Perhaps to some, but Konrad Sapphire was no ordinary man. Id been witness to his true form, the expanse of his magnificent blue wings, the length of his royal claws. Yes, the man who had once been my warden was a royal dragon. Id taken the charge after Minis death to protect himand Sapphire had offered the same. Though my armor wasnt the sapphire bloodline color, Id been amazed at the connection that had grown between the two of us. I knew I would fight to protect Sapphire with as much vigor as I would for Jadeonly without the extras Id come to enjoy with the queen of wyverns.

The bus driver affectionately known as Angry Matilda shouted at those of us not seated with as much speed as she would have liked. I paused briefly on the porch so Sapphire could catch up. He smirked though his dark beard covered his lip, I could hear his dramatic sigh. Well, youre not an easy thing to keep a secret. We can only wield so much power to keep the lindworms out. Sapphire spoke just above a whisper.

Get a move on it, Matilda shrieked loud enough I even sensed Sapphires startle.

Shell murder me if I dont go.

I took the porch steps two at a time, but Sapphire called out after me. Theres something I think you should know before going to school.

Is someone dying? Sapphire just gaped at me, but plainly the answer was there were not deaths to report. Okay then, well talk when I get home, or I will be deadisnt that right Matilda?

I cant make any promises, she muttered, blowing a long breath out from her thick lips. Matildas red curls wisped in wiry strands around her round face, and already beads of sweat took shape over her brow with all the added bodies in the bus. Wheres your coat, boy? Those hideous things should be covered. Matilda scanned my arms, disapproval written on her face as she glanced at the green markings.

Oh, Til, I teased, using the nickname Mitch had sharedthe woman wasnt pleasedbut the way her beady eyes narrowed into thin slits was half the fun. You know I didnt get in this place by following the rules. I figure if Sapphire says its good, who am I to argue.

Matilda scoffed, jerking the bus away from the large white house, so I stumbled a bit. Well, hopefully Ms. Drake will have the backbone to set you straight.

I chuckled. Eisha was the one who had resisted the truth that the mages had returned. The wyvern race and the mage had been separated for nearly one hundred years. The last interaction Eisha had with him her mate had been slaughtered along with Jades parents. After the night Mini died, Id proven I was dedicated to protecting Jadeher daughter by all pretenses. Eisha was now one of my fiercest allies. The others continued to resist my affection for Jade, but Eisha had been the first to accept there was something different about the bond shared between the two of us.

Matilda is going to run over your foot when you get off, Mitch laughed when I finally took my place in the seat we often shared.

No, I think she secretly likes us, I said. Mitch glanced at my arms, but didnt say anything though I could sense he wanted to. What is it?

Mitch was only a couple months younger than me, but looked like he might be a freshman. Sapphire had approved his dark curls to come in longer through the winter months. Mitch hated the cold more than any of us, but hed also been in the house the longest. Sapphire had told me Mitch had one of the truer hearts. Being Sapphires talent to sense valiance and intent it was reassuring to know he wasnt a secret threat. Wed already experienced that when one of the former students, Graham, had been revealed as a zomok wyvern. It was a relief in so many ways to have one, normal friend.