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“I figured that's what you would say. But I had to give you the choice. Let's go—whatever we are about to face, we face it together.”

He held her hand tightly as they made their way down the staircase. Grayden was moving so quickly that Renya took the steps two at a time to try and keep up. With his hurried, long strides they made it to the throne room in minutes.

He barged into the chamber, looking hyperaware of his surroundings. “What's going on?”

Kalora looked up from where she sat, knuckles gripping the glass throne so hard they were white. Julietta and Selenia sat off in a corner together, wrapped in blankets and looking scared.

“We are under attack.”

“How many dragons? And men?”

“Two dragons at least. As for men, it's hard to say. We didn't even see them enter our borders—I think they were either magically transported into our lands or they killed every single watchman from the border to here—both are equally possible.”

“Gods—have you sent word to the other half of the troops?”

“A hawk was sent ten minutes ago—but they are most likely ten or more hours away now.”

Renya watched Grayden's eyes, felt the panic rising inside him. Then, just as quickly as it came, she felt his resolve. He squared his shoulders and looked around the room. “How are the troops managing the attack?”

“I'm not sure, Orien's second in command, Diggory, is out there now.”

Grayden nodded. “I'll go out and meet him. I've seen the damage these dragons can do—he needs to know what he's up against if he doesn't already.”

“I'll hold the castle,” Kalora said, looking at her daughter. “I have armor, I'll go get it on. Grayden, please take some of the prototypes we've been working on for you and Renya.”

“I'm staying here,” Renya said. “I'll hold down the castle with Kalora.”

“Renya, we'll be apart.”

I know. But we can communicate. We can still get messages to each other. If things go south, I can get Selenia out of the castle.

Renya could tell the exact moment he saw the truth of her words and the precarious situation they were in. He nodded, hating the idea of separating from her, but knowing it was the only way to protect the two women he loved the most.

Kalora looked between Renya and Grayden, obviously aware something was occurring between the two. Renya didn't care if she found out at this point. There was a good chance none of them would survive until morning.

Kalora motioned to one of the guards standing alongside the throne. “Rubio will take you to the armory.”

The tall man was already sheathed in his own armor, and Renya couldn't make out any facial features. He left through a side door, and Grayden and Renya followed him quickly. Grayden's footsteps were heavy on the stone, and Renya scampered quickly, trying to keep up with his rushed pace. She heard what sounded like cannon fire, and she covered her ears, adrenaline coursing through her. Grayden looked at her.

“Are you sure you're okay doing this?”

She gave him a look.

“Okay, okay. I'll stop asking.”

They followed Rubio farther and farther through the halls, until they came to a large spiraling staircase leading underneath the castle.

“Down here,” he said in a gruff voice, muffled slightly by his visor.

As soon as they moved downward, the air turned cooler, and the sounds of battle ceased. Renya thought they traveled at least three or four levels underground before they reached the bottom of the stairs. The room was lit by several torches, and Renya saw dozens of men working on armor and various weapons. Rubio went to talk to one of the men, and then came back with two pieces of armor.

“These should work for you both,” he said, handing one to Grayden and one to Renya. Renya took the cool metal in her hands. It certainly didn't feel dragon proof, but it was all she had. She watched Grayden fasten his, and it looked more like a fitted sandwich board to Renya, rather than the medieval armor she had seen in her history books. Once Grayden secured his, he grabbed the armor from Renya and pulled it over her head. It was small enough to fit her, but trailed down her stomach almost to the top of her thighs. She figured it was better to have more coverage than less, at least. He fastened the leather belting on the sides, and then nodded his approval.

Rubio came back over. “They need my help down here for a few minutes, can you find your way back?”

“We can,” Grayden said. Rubio handed Grayden a bow and quiver of arrows. “Are you any good with these?”

“I'm a fair shot. Thanks.” Grayden added the arrows to his arsenal and then pulled Renya back up the stairs.