Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) by Skeleton Key, Konstanz Silverbow

back tears.
    I look up to the sky, searching for the rain clouds that are no doubt on their way. “Aurelio, what’s going on?” I run my hand across one of his scales, looking up at him and wondering what stops him from shifting, wrapping his arms around me, and telling me everything is going to be all right.
    “I love you so much, but I fear today will not bring all that we hoped it would.” His voice breaks, and the sunlight disappears as clouds roll in.
    “I love you too, but I don’t understand. What’s going on? Why are we not both getting ready for our wedding?” I look around, wondering if this is a ruse. A game. But he would not cry if it were.
    “I cannot shift back into my human form. I have tried. I’ve been out here trying all night long. Since midnight last night, I’ve been a dragon, and I don’t know what to do.”
    A small gasp escapes me. “What do you mean, you can’t shift back? How is that possible?” I look him up and down, not understanding. I’ve never heard of a shifter not being able to shift. “Why don’t we have the ceremony out here, then? We’ll get married as dragons rather than humans. It’s what we are, after all. Why does it matter which form we’re in?” I offer, trying to stay positive, hoping the wedding isn’t called off.
    “That is a lot to change at a moment’s notice for an event so big. I do not want you to have to give up the dress and the crown for your wedding. Perhaps if I sleep, I’ll be able to shift back, and all will be well.”
    “Love, this is our wedding, and I don’t care if I have to wear a dirty old rag. I just want to marry you. Dragon, human—it doesn’t matter to me.” I step back and will myself to shift to prove to him that I mean it.
    But as I take calming breaths and attempt the change, nothing happens. I remain human, standing in the meadow, a dragon towering over me.
    I look at my hands, willing them to change into talons. But nothing shifts. Nothing moves at all. And another gasp comes out of my mouth. I look up at Aurelio.
    “What is going on? Why can’t I shift?” I try again.
    “I fear, though I am still uncertain, that you have both been cursed,” Castel says with a cringe.
    “Oh,” Aurelio says at the same time I ask, “What?”
    Castel wanders slowly toward us, looking forlorn and saddened.
    “By whom? And why?” I ask, trying to remain as calm as he is.
    “I do not know, Zanta, but I have seen this before. Is it not true that Aurelio is stuck in his dragon body, while you remain human?” Castel asks me.
    “That is true.” I nod.
    “Father tried to warn me of this.” Aurelio hangs his head. Before I can question him, Castel speaks.
    “Sire, one of Zanta’s maids came to me after sending her out here, and told me what she thought might be going on. Tell me how I may assist you.” He bows.
    “Is there nothing we can do to fix this immediately?” Aurelio asks.
    “I do not know—”
    “What of true love’s kiss? It is said to be a way to break any curse or spell.” The words escape me the moment the idea comes to me.
    “It’s worth a try. Right now, I’d do just about anything to be able to wrap my arms around you and kiss you. To see you all dressed up, to vow my love to you forever.” Aurelio’s voice shakes, and seeing him so scared and distressed worries me more than anything. He is my rock, my stronghold.
    He bends down as I lean forward and kiss him quickly on the mouth, hoping it works the first time considering how awkward it is in our current forms. But nothing happens—there is no change. A deep, ugly feeling settles in the pit of my stomach as I realize we have no way out of this. It isn’t something we can just fix. We’re trapped until we figure out who cursed us, and why.
    And what do we do when that’s figured out? What if whoever did this wants us to be separated forever? Our engagement parties ended last night. The entire world is aware of what today is for us. Well, what it was