ROTU: Chapter Sixteen

Jalena remained unaware of her warrior life or the number of years that had passed in total since her arrival on Earth. Assuming she just had experienced a tragedy that prevented her from remembering her childhood, she continued her life in Colorado as Jessica Sinclair and kept busy doing what she loved most.

Painting had become her main passion, so she followed through with her plans and opened a local gallery called Creative Realms. The location for the gallery was ideal in that it was positioned in an area heavy with tourists, so business remained constant at the store throughout the year. As promised, Jalena hired Nadia as her assistant.

She kept her connection with Ryu, talking with him almost every day, and flying out to Japan when she could. As she had suspected, she did not see Ryu again as he was often gone on a mission when she traveled to see Shakou. Her most recent visit to Japan occurred at the end of summer and was prompted by a dream that woke her in the middle of the night.

A long dragon flew gracefully like a glowing snake across the gray sky. His gold scales were outlined with light matching the color of Ryu's eyes. The dragon dove at her from where she stood on top of a mountain. His turquoise eyes stared at her intensely as it flapped its wings before her.

He will need you, Okami-san. The dragon's telepathic words vibrated deep within her. I will always be with you both.

Jalena bowed in a way she had never seen Ryu or Shakou do before—her fingers were interlocked before her with her thumbs facing opposite directions. As the dragon flew away, Jalena's eyes lit with a blue-white glow and then she disappeared in a bright burst of light.

It was the strangest dream she had ever had, but when she woke, she didn't need to analyze what it meant.

Ryu's time had come.

After leaving word with Nadia concerning her whereabouts, she boarded the plane without contacting Shakou.

She took her time walking the length of the dirt drive up to Ryu and Shakou's home. Lanterns and flowers were already placed outside of the home in honor of Ryu's life.

Tears sprang to Jalena's eyes as she remembered the kindness and patience he had shown her during her time of healing. His smiling eyes, healing touch, and hearty chuckle were something she would not forget.

She saw Shakou through the large front window of the home before he saw her. He hugged his sister and then disappeared into another room. Jalena retrieved her vibrating cell phone from her pocket as she stepped onto the porch.

"Okami-chan," Shakou's voice whispered from the phone's speaker.

"No need. I am already here."

Shakou rounded the corner as Jalena hung up the phone and dove straight into her outstretched arms.

Jalena spent the rest of the fall season with Shakou. It was like old times for the two as they spent their days relaxing, laughing, and training. When she wasn't training, Jalena would paint while Shakou trained with his other students.

As winter set in, Jalena prepared to depart Japan, as usual, with a heavy heart.

"Okami-chan, you are my light—the only reason I have been stable during Oyaji's transformation," Shakou said as he brought her to the airport. "I cannot forget how you have honored me."

"I remember someone being the same source of stability for me in my time of healing, so it's just a completion of a cycle," she replied, "which I am more than eager to do."

Shakou brought his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. "What can I say? I have been designed to love you."

Jalena's chest squeezed. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Shakou—"

"You need say nothing," he interrupted. "I already know your heart."

"Where will you go first?" she asked.

"To Tibet to strengthen my connection to the dragon realms. Although I have learned all the processes Oyaji taught me, I must open my connection fully now. But, know that no matter how long we must go without speaking, you will remain in my heart."

"I will wait for your call."