The sun hung high in the sky as the castle courtyard bustled with activity. The construction crew was hastily preparing to leave, gathering tools and supplies. A large, sturdy carriage stood ready, and the original driver, a seasoned man named Alric, stood by, reins in hand.

"Sorry pal, but I need to take charge of this carriage," Creed declared, climbing onto the carriage and unceremoniously nudging Alric aside.

Alric's face fell, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. "But sir, driving is my duty—"

"Not today," Creed cut him off, gripping the reins with determination. "We've got an important, confidential job on our hands, and I need to ensure we get there swiftly."

Alric sighed dejectedly but nodded, getting off the carriage and letting Creed take his spot in the driver's seat. The rest of the crew—Jasper, Teddy, Yvette, Sylas, Isaac, Oswald, and Kyro—clambered into the carriage, settling in for the journey.

Mira and Zephyr approached, their wings stretched out as they readied themselves to go as well once the courtyard was cleared. 

Mira turned to Creed, her voice calm but authoritative. "Follow us, Creed. We'll lead the way."

Creed nodded, and with a crack of the reins, the carriage lurched forward. Mira and Zephyr took to the skies, their wings beating in unison as they ascended above the carriage.

As they soared through the air, Mira's thoughts drifted to Verhmina, her once vibrant and beautiful home. 

She shuddered, thinking about the devastation that would welcome her once again as she returned to her homeland. 

Zephyr flew beside her, sensing her turmoil. He had been trying to find the right moment to share his feelings with her, and this seemed as good a time as any, now that they were truly alone.

"Mira," Zephyr began, his voice slightly strained with nerves, "there's something I need to tell you."

Mira turned to him, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil but also her readiness to listen. "Yes, Zephyr?"

Zephyr took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “You remember me telling you about the dragon's bond, yes?” She nodded slowly as she eventually recalled the short conversation. 

He continued, “When a dragon bonds with their fated match, they share everything—lifespan, a telepathic link, and sometimes even emotions. But these things only happen if they accept each other emotionally and physically, of course."

He paused, searching her eyes for a reaction. Mira's gaze was fixed on him, hanging onto every word. 

Zephyr smiled softly, encouraged by her attentiveness, causing him to be a little more bold in his next choice of words. "It only takes one look to know who is your fated match, to know that they are your forever love."

Mira's heart pounded in her chest as she met his intense gaze.

"Zephyr, I..." she began, but her words trailed off as she noticed the edge of the forest approaching.

Frustration bubbled up within her at the untimely interruption, but Zephyr, feeling bold, gently took her hand and kissed it softly. "There’s no need to rush your answer, Mirella. I could wait forever for you," he whispered, his eyes filled with sincerity as he looked into her eyes.

Blushing furiously, Mira hurriedly descended to rejoin the group, Zephyr's chuckle echoing behind her. She cleared her throat, trying to compose herself as she greeted the crew with a slight smile. "We've arrived at Verhmina," she announced, gesturing toward the remnants of her village.

As they disembarked from the carriage, the crew surveyed the area with serious expressions. "We've got our work cut out for us, huh, boss?" Teddy remarked to Mira.

Mira nodded silently, not daring to look back at the devastation that time had barely managed to erase. 

Zephyr, noticing her distress, gently held her hand. She jumped slightly, then smiled sheepishly at him. 

"Thank you," she whispered, her heart fluttering at his touch.

The crew, seemingly oblivious to the exchange, busied themselves with drawing up a blueprint and gathering materials. 

Mira watched in awe as they worked with lightning speed, constructing the base floor of a home in mere moments.

"Aurelius wasn't kidding when he said they were the best," Mira remarked, impressed by their efficiency.

Zephyr nodded, equally amazed. "I guess we can continue our conversation since they don't seem to require your input," he said with a teasing smile.

Mira sighed, her disappointment that they didn't seem to need her clear. "Yes, let's," she agreed, following Zephyr to a quieter spot in the shade, away from the noise of the construction and more importantly, the crew themselves.

Once they were settled, Zephyr took her hand again, his expression serious. "Mira, what I was trying to say earlier is... I believe you are my destined mate. From the moment I saw you, I knew. I have cared for you deeply since."

Mira's breath caught in her throat, her emotions swirling. She looked deeply into his eyes, seeing the depth of his feelings reflected back at her. "Zephyr, I... I don't know what to say. This is all so sudden."

Zephyr squeezed her hand gently as he smiled solemnly. "You don't have to say anything right now. Just know that my feelings for you are real and that I'll wait for however long you need to be ready."

Tears welled up in Mira's eyes as she smiled at him. "Thank you, Zephyr. Your patience means everything to me."

They sat together in the shade, the world around them fading as they settled into a comfortable silence between them, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.