Selene takes City's children to a safe place where they cannot be detected. The others enter GiGi's cavern. The cavern, to most, is an ancient place where the Oracle of Delphi once lived. Gigi removes the barrier with a wave of her hand, and a cozy little sitting room appears behind the stone walls. A small fire is burning in a beautiful pit layered with blue stones. The walls are warm with tapestries from all over the ancient world, keeping the dampness away. Just past the fire pit is a glowing water pool that leads to the sea.
"Have a seat. I will have some tea prepared. " GiGi motions for all to sit. Seo Jun looks around and sees many ancient treasures throughout the room. On the wall is a group of glowing crystals. They look to be constellations. As he gets closer to the wall, the crystals get brighter. Curious, Seo Jun reaches out to touch one.
"Don't touch those, or you could wind up anywhere in the universe. Those are transport crystals. I use these when I need to open a portal somewhere I have not been before. They allow me to be able to come home where ever I go. They are glowing in reaction to your dragon energy. Watch what happens when Jasmine is close. "GiGi moves Seo Jun away from the wall hand has Jasmine come close. The stones shift, and a world map forms with the stones glowing in Japan, England, the United States, Greece, and Ireland. Jasmine looks at GiGi, puzzled.
"They show all the places you have been and where a portal you have used is. They were showing Seo Jun where he has been." GiGi explains.
"You just said that they take you where you have not been? " Jasmine looks at GiGi, confused.
"Yes, they react to each person differently. I use them when asked to go somewhere I have not been. That way, I can always be brought back here when it's time. For Seo Jun, it showed China, Japan, India, Greece, Korea, Mexico, and Iceland." So I assume those places he has been, and he can return there using the crystals." GiGi points out to Jasmine.
"I have not been to all of those places. I have been to China, Greece, and India, not the others." Seo Jun points out.
"You said it shows where he has been. Could it also show where his essence is scattered through the pearl shards?" Lucian asks as he pops a grape into his mouth.
"Well, it is possible since the pearl is what holds his dragon power. We can check it out by going there using the crystal from the place you want to go. Do you know exactly how many shards are left to find?" GiGi asks Seo Jun.
"Father sent my pearl into the wind, and I never saw how many pieces there were. I am willing to go anywhere I need to. I cannot lose Jasmine or what is left of my life. Time is short, so I don't want to waste a moment." Seo Jun tells GiGi.
GiGi places a hand on his arm and smiles.
"You won't; the main thing is that your father cannot know you have found your mate or that you are looking for the pearl shards. We can take Jasmine to look for the shards while you keep your father distracted. If he thinks he will win, he will not look beyond what is in front of him. Lucian and I will go with Jasmine along with City. City knows the way of the dragons and can tell when one is near. He will let us know if a dragon comes close to Jasmine. Your scent will draw other dragons to her as she is your mate. This could cause a problem if she is alone. With City being close to her, most will assume she is his. As she finds the shards, your bond will get stronger. You will start to know how each other feels even if across the world from each other. Now, as far as the wedding ceremony goes, it will be held tomorrow. We have learned that it is best to take care of these things quickly in the past. Suppose it takes longer than thirty days to put your pearl back together; that way, you cannot be joined with another. None of your father's tricks will work. However, you might sometimes have to play along to protect yourself and Jasmine. Once mated, nothing or no one can change it without someone dying. I will tell you this much now; our child will not be dying any time soon. Her grandfather will not allow her to be gone before her time." GiGi tells Seo Jun her eyes staring into his sends a cold shiver down his spine.
He turns to Uzil and looks at him. Wondering who he is.
"GiGi is not referring to me. She is talking about Jasmine's other grandfather. Though any of her grandfathers would level the earth to protect her, only one can make the final decision. He is not to be messed with in any way. So be prepared for tomorrow, you are about to meet the family, and it will be overwhelming. None of us know what is expected in a dragon ceremony, so you will have to explain that to us." Uzil tells Seo Jun quickly.
"When the binding threads join us. Jasmine will have to take on my dragon flame. If she can endure it, then we will be bonded. The flame will become hers as well as mine. That is why other dragons will be able to sense her. The binding threads are to be made of the finest silver that has been fused with silk. Only a dragon blacksmith can make the threads." Seo Jun tells them.
"Actually, as the blacksmith of the gods, I can make them. "Uzil tells Seo Jun offhandedly as if it's no big deal.
Uzil hugs Jasmine tightly, whispering in her ear.
"Tell me now if this is not what you want. If you are unsure, I won't let you give yourself or your life to a dragon." Kissing Jasmine on the cheek, Uzil has tears filling his eyes.
"Papa Uzil, I bonded with him before I met him. It is what I want. I know that it will not be easy, and there are dangers. I also know that we truly do not even know each other. I have faith that everything will be ok with all of you beside me. Just ensure that the father and the others do not make a scene. I do not want to have a frightened groom on my hands." Jasmine hugs Uzil tightly, not wanting to let him go. Uzil looks at Lucian, grunting as he shimmers away to his shop.
"Ugh, what was that about?" Jasmine asks Lucian as she crosses her arms in annoyance.
"He was letting me know I get the privilege of informing your parents and grandparents. You know your grandmother Miko may not be ok with this. She has not had the easiest time accepting our family. " Lucian reminds Jasmine.
"That's what you think. Mimi Miko loves you all; she gets overwhelmed when all of you are around at once. Mom will take care of her, no worries." Jasmine kisses Lucian on the cheek before he shimmers away. Turning to Selene and GiGi, Jasmine looks sad.
"How am I to find a proper wedding dress for tomorrow?" Jasmine asks.
"You do not need to worry about that. Your mother already has two made. One is a Japanese kimono and a traditional western dress. You will get to wear both tomorrow. The dress of the west was your grandmother Aisling's clothing; the kimono was Miko's. " Selene tells Jasmine. Seo Jun interrupts.
"Jasmine may not want to wear either of those dresses as my dragon fire may damage them. i have only seen my sisters joining. When they transformed to join, their clothes were ruined. " Seo Jun looks at Jasmine's sad face.
"Ah, then it looks like I will be busy tonight as I need to weave a dress. As we cannot have a naked bride. " Selene hugs Jasmine before shimmering away. GiGi opens a portal to Jasmine's room back at the hotel.
"Good night, sweetling. Don't worry; all will be fine; sleep tonight." GiGi sends the couple through the portal, having City stay behind to help her with preparations.
Seo Jun pulls Jasmine into his arms and holds her close.
"You know we don't have to do this. It is not your problem but mine." Seo Jun tells Jasmine.
"I know, but I'm connected to you. When papa Uzil was crushing your heart, mine was in pain. I could feel his hand squeezing your heart in my chest. I cannot let anyone hurt you. To do so would be hurting myself." Jasmine looks up at Seo Jun's handsome face, her heart melting-.