Chapter 1

"Come on just a little further," bracken urged as Kendra tried to keep up with his long strides. "You're going too fast, what is so important that you have to drag me half way across Fablehaven for. Next time at least give me a heads-up so I can wear my hiking boots," kendra said breathlessly. "Come on princess, we're almost there. I promise it will be worth it." He looked back at her smiling that irresistibly charming smile of his and Kendra couldn't help but smile back.

He grabbed her hand and they continued their way up the hill. They had been walking for a better part of an hour now and Kendra had no idea where they were or where they were going for that matter, but she didn't care. She wasn't even scared of all the dangerous creatures inhabiting the preserve, not as long as she was with Bracken.

So far they hadn't seen anyone or anything except for a couple of fairies that had eagerly waved at them, or rather Bracken who had simply waved back without stopping.

In spite of her poor choice in footwear (A pair of flat sandals) Kendra had so far been able to keep up with Bracken as they roamed the preserve and its small winding paths. It was a hot summer day, but the wind and foliage protected them from the sun and heat. The vegetation had slowly started to thin out as they got near the top off the hill. Though she considered herself to be in good shape, Kendra was getting tired and her feet were starting to ache. Where was Bracken getting all this energy from?

"Here we are. Bracken announced as they finally reached the top of the hill. That wasn't so bad now was it? Princess?" Kendra was lying on the ground moaning. "I think you're going to have to carry me down the hill, She whined melodramatically. I'm pretty sure I might never walk again." Bracken laughed. "I'm glad my misery amuses you," Kendra huffed. "I'm sorry, Bracken managed between bursts of laughter. I keep forgetting how fragile humans can be, but don't worry. I promise I'll carry you back home if need be." "I hope for your sake that it doesn't come to that. So what's your excuse for dragging a girl half way across a dangerous magical preserve?" "You'll see," he promised.

Kendra sat up looking around. The hilltop was truly the perfect place for a hike. It looked upon a large valley with a huge lake at its center and a river winding amongst the trees. The grassy hilltop was sparsely vegetated except for a beautiful magnolia tree in the very center of it. The view it self was worth the everlasting journey to the top.

"Once They had had a moment to catch their breaths, Bracken started unpacking his backpack. He brought out a worn out blanket, a bottle of juice, some sandwiches and fruit. "Mmm, jum I'm starving, Kendra announced. I brought something too." She dug into her own backpack and pulled out a container with two cupcakes with pink frosting and sprinkles.

"Oh wow those look so good," Bracken said in awe. "I couldn't let you do all the work now could I. Besides I know you kind of have a sweet tooth. "I do not, have a sweet tooth," He argued. " Oh really, says the guy who always asks for seconds of grandma Sorensons chocolate cake." "It's just because Ruth's cooking is so delicious." "You can't fool me unicorn boy. I know you better than that." Bracken smiled sheepishly. "Oh you do, do you? Well in that case you can probably guess the one thing I like even more than any pastry."Kendra put a finger on her lips considering his question. "Pudding?" She asked innocently feigning ignorance. Bracken chuckled, before leaning in to kiss her. Kendra closed her eyes, leaning closer.

"God, I love you so much," Bracken whispered as they finally broke apart. "Not as much as I love you," She whispered back. "Kendra there's something I want to ask you." "Ask away." "I was going to wait until we had eaten, but I just don't think I can wait that long.

He took her hands in his as he continued. I love you Kendra. I love your laugh and the way you smile and that beautiful brain of yours. I love all the weird jokes you make and even the way you sneeze. I could probably go on and on about how perfect you are but I suppose what I'm trying to say is… He paused,dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He got onto one knee and looked her in the eyes. "Kendra Marie Sorrenson, will you marry me?"

Kendra was speechless, breathless. She couldn't get a single word out, so instead she hugged him so hard that he almost lost his balance. Tears started falling down her cheeks as she buried her face in his chest. "So is that a yes?" Bracken asked wrapping his arms around her. She nodded. "Yes." "You're not crying are you?" "Nope," she managed shaking her head.

What was wrong with her? The tears just wouldn't stop. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd been this happy. After everything that had happened in the last couple of years, she wasn't sure there would ever be a time when she didn't have to worry about demons or dragons or the society of the evening star. A time when her life would become fairly normal again, but right now as Bracken held her she felt like maybe everything was going to turn out okay after all.

When she had finally calmed down Bracken placed a kiss on her forehead. "So you want to see the ring?" "Oh yeah, She realised. I totally forgot about that." He gave her the small box and "Kendra looked inside. Inside she found a pearly white ring curved into an elegant pattern. It was adorned with a small green gemstone. As she looked at the ring, Kendra noticed a familiar aura emanating from it. She recognized it immediately. "Your first horn, She gasped. "It's a pretty popular tradition in the fairy realm. It's not really worth much, but…" Kendra cut him off: "It's worth everything to me." She placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him gently. He put his arms around her pulling her closer to him and kissed her back.

It was already getting dark when Bracken and Kendra finally reached the edge of the yard. Kendras feet were killing her but she was too happy to care, besides Bracken had offered to give her a piggy back ride and she had gratefully accepted. She felt a little sad as Bracken gently put her down on her own two feet. She had taken off her sandals and the grass felt cool under her tired feet. The ring was safely tucked away in Kendras backpack. They had agreed to wait until tomorrow to announce their engagement on the count of everyone being asleep and because Bracken had to unfortunately return to the fairy kingdom to take care of something or another. Kendra couldn't really remember.

After a hug and a kiss goodnight, Kendra stood in his arms for a while longer, neither off them wanting to let go. Finally Bracken released her. "See you tomorrow, princess, Bracken promised as he turned to leave. Sweet dreams." "Stay safe and be careful," She answered back. "I always am." Kendra watched as he disappeared into the woods. She was sad to see him go but, she was sure that nothing could ruin her mood tonight.

Kendra returned inside, still smiling uncontrollably. She silently crept up the stairs to the second floor. When Kendra had turned 17 she had been given her own room just below the attic witch now served as Seths room. When she reached her room she didn't bother to turn on the lights, before falling on the bed.

A silent creaking noise alerted her and she sat up quickly feeling around her night stand for something to use as a weapon. Suddenly the lights turned on momentarily blinding her. "whow, put the book down, Seth urged calmly. He held his hands up.

Kendra had been more than ready to whack the intruder with the Jane Austen novel in her hand and right now she was sure she wouldn't have regretted hitting Seth with it either. She lowered the book slowly.

"There you go. See I'm not going to hurt you," her little brother assured her. "What the hell are you doing in my room? Kendra whispered angrily. You almost gave me a heart attack." "And you almost threw a book in my face, so I think we're even. So… how did it go?" "The picnic went well." "I meant the proposal, you idiot." "Wait, you knew about it," Kendra exclaimed. "Of course I did. I know everything that goes on around here. Plus unicorn boy really needs to learn how to keep a secret. At this point, I'm pretty sure you're the only one who didn't know. He even asked dad for his blessing. Your fiancé is pretty old fashioned. Mom was obviously there and then warren happened to burst in at the perfect time."

"And you were obviously eavesdropping, because you don't have anything better to do, Kendra guessed. Then you told the satyrs, who in turn told everybody in Fablehaven except for me of course." "How did you guess?" "Let's just call it a hunch." She took out the little box from her backpack and opened it. "wow, pretty," Seth admired. Kendra placed the ring on her finger examining it. It really was beautiful.

A sudden crashing noise alerted both Seth and Kendra. Glass shards flew in every direction as a hooded figure came crashing through the window. Kendra lifted her arms to shield her face from the glass.

Once the glass had settled Kendra dared to look at the figure. He was wearing a hood that covered most of his face. He was tall with an athletic build. Kendra could sense a strange aura around him.

"Who are you?" Seth demanded. The figure removed his hood revealing a dark pair of familiar eyes and a messy head of pitch-black hair. He looked older, but Kendra could still recognize him. Navarog the demon prince of dragons stood right in front of her.

He smiled. A devilish grin, Kendra had hoped never to see again. "Miss me?" He asked. Kendra didn't reply. She couldn't move. Couldn't think. This wasn't possible. Navarog took advantage of her shocked state. He lunged forward grabbing Kendra by the waist and lifting her over his shoulder. Kendra screamed recovering from the shock.

"Let her go," Seth yelled aiming a kick at navarogs head. He dodged Seths attack effortlessly and landed a blow to his stomach making him fall to the ground. "Leave him alone," Kendra shouted. Don't you touch him." She struggled but to no avail. navarogs grip on her was too tight. He ignored her struggling and turned to face Seth. "I see you're still as annoying as ever, he observed. The mighty shadow charmer who supposedly defeated Graulas and Nagiluna all on his own. Your powers may have grown but you're still just an ignorant little kid." He landed a hard blow to Seths head knocking him unconscious.

"You're a monster," Kendra accused. Navarog laughed turning his attention to her for the first time. "We've been over this before Kendra. He met her gaze. I'm much worse than a monster, I'm a demon." Suddenly Kendra felt dizzy. Her brain had trouble keeping up with what was happening. Navarog was alive. He was here in Fablehaven and he was looking at her with those dark malevolent eyes. She felt weak and unable to look away. Her head hurt and her vision blurred. The last thing she saw was Seth lying unconscious on the floor before the darkness swallowed her into its depths.

Bracken was walking along the path leading to the fairy queens shrine, when a large shadow drew his attention to the sky. A huge black dragon soared above the trees. Bracken ducked down instinctively, using the trees as a cover. The dragon was flying low and a huge gust of wind stirred the trees on its way. Bracken took off into a sprint keeping close to the trees.

He had seen this dragon before. Kendra and the others had told him that he was dead. That he had been eaten by Raxtus, but he was sure of it. Navarog the demon prince of dragons was alive. He was in Fablehaven. How was it possible. And what was he dangling from his claws. He was heading towards the ruins of the church where the sorcerer Muriel was imprisoned among another demon she had tried to set free. He landed on the clearing right next to the ruins. In a cloud of black smoke Navarog took his human form. He was carrying something. No someone. Kendras unconscious form lay motionless in his arms.

Kendras mind felt muddy. What had happened. She opened her eyes carefully. Someone was holding her. Looking up she expected to see Bracken but instead she was faced by a pair of dark eyes. Startled she gasped.

"Well you didn't stay out for long," Navarog smirked. "Put me down," Kendra whispered weakly. "And what if I don't?" "Put me down," Kendra repeated more forcefully struggling against his grip. This time he obeyed gently placing her on her feet. Kendra stumbled back. She felt week and dizzy. "You're not going to pass out again, are you," He questioned raising an eyebrow. "What do you want from me?" Kendra asked wearily.

Navarog stepped forward. He was close enough for Kendra to feel the heat coming off his body. Kendra couldn't move. Almost like she was paralyzed. Maybe she was. Could Navarog be using his dragon fear on her even in his human form? Kendra squeezed her eyes shut and immediately she regained some control over her body. "Now why won't you look at me?" Navarog questioned placing his fingers under her chin and lifting it towards him. She refused to open her eyes.

"Let her go Navarog!" Came a voice from across the clearing. To Kendras relief he let go of her. She opened her eyes. "Bracken, she whispered in surprise. No." She knew exactly what he would do and how it would end. "Bracken don't, she warned. He'll kill you."

Navarog laughed. "You should really listen to her unicorn, He agreed with Kendra. Remember what happened the last time you challenged me?" "I do, Bracken admitted. But it doesn't change the fact that I'm not going to let you hurt Kendra. I'm not afraid of you. Human or dragon form." "Maybe you should be."

Navarog charged at Bracken protruding his sword. Bracken also reached for his second unicorn horn that hung in its sword form on his side. Their blades clashed together. All Kendra could do was watch as they fought. Bracken was a good fighter. Kendra had seen him fight before but Navarog was equally talented. They took turns dodging each other's attacks.

Bracken stumbled backwards almost losing his balance. Navarog took advantage of this and thrust his sword straight into Brackens chest. Kendra screamed in horror. She ran towards them as Bracken fell to the ground with a thump. As she ran past him Navarog grabbed her holding her back. Kendra struggled.

"you monster! Let me go," She sobbed. "He can be such a nuisance sometimes, Navarog remarked ignoring her struggling. I did warn him, its not my fault he never listens. Now where were we?" Kendra kept struggling as he effortlessly picked her up and lifted her over his shoulder. With his other hand he dug into his pocket taking out a strange little cube. He said a couple of words that all sounded like gibberish to her, then with a sudden flash a rift opened splitting the air in front of them. Kendra could sense that same dark aura that had appeared around Navarog when he had crashed through her window. That same sense of nausea took over her. Her eyelids fluttered shut as Navarog stepped forward into the rift and the world disappeared around them.