The Last Dragon King (Kings of Avalier, #1)

by Leia Stone

“Her entire family was murdered for some type of ongoing feud she had with the dragon king. Her magic was a threat to him she said. She… she said she was a full-blooded dragon-folk.”

“She escaped, but she warned me that if anyone ever detected this magic in her child, that child would be killed.”

“If I don’t make you my wife, I might have to put you in my army.” His tone was joking, but I couldn’t help the lopsided grin that graced my face.

“I do not know, but if you’re looking for someone to carry a child for you… she should be a top contender.” I heard her shuffle closer to him. “She smelled pure-blooded.”

I was a slow reader, never had much opportunity to read full novels, but by the time she was done with my hair I’d read six chapters of a gripping fantasy about a wolf shifter and a shadow demon who fell in love. “Who wrote this?” I asked, looking at the leather cover. The letters J.E. were embossed in gold.

“The queen of Cinder Mountain. She had a special type of magic. They called her the king killer. She could steal other dragon-folks’ magic and merge it with hers, making her all-powerful.”

“The woman who gave birth to me was passing through town. My mother said she arrived heavily pregnant, a highborn, covered in blood, and spoke of a battle where her entire family was slaughtered for a magic they held.” He frowned. “Eighteen winters ago? There were no Eclipse Dragons left then, unless…” Something dawned on his face and he fell against the wall, his back hitting it hard. “My grandfather died eighteen winters ago. Fighting a threat to the crown, my father said.”

“Arwen Novakson, you are the lost queen of the Eclipse Dragon clan, and your magic is so powerful that it can devour mine, killing me and all of the dragon-folk people that are connected to me. You, Arwen, are the king killer.”

“I’m no queen. I’m just a hunter who wants to take care of my family. I’ll follow you wherever you lead, Your Highness.”

“You’ve never been my backup, Arwen. You were always my first choice, ever since I saw you walking into town with that giant cougarin draped over your shoulders. I was fascinated with the beautiful and strong female hunter.”

“I peeked into the kissing tent and saw you walking towards some other guy, your lips pursed and ready. Without thinking, I jumped in front of him and took what I wanted.”

“Marry me, Arwen. Not because I need an heir but because somehow I’ve fallen in love with you and now I’m not sure that I can live without you.”