Page 76

Renya attempted to swing her leg over Beauty's back, but the dragon had grown so much that she could no longer hoist herself up. Grayden came over, clasped his hands together, and gave her a boost. She settled into the saddle, feeling uneasy. Beauty was even taller than the last time she'd ridden her and seemed more excited than usual. Renya feared she might take off running and throw her.

“Calm, Beauty,” Renya murmured, stroking the dragon's neck. Beauty purred and started walking towards the open door. Renya turned briefly and saw Grayden behind her, encouraging them.

“Okay Beauty, let's do this.” She pulled on the reins, and Beauty took off, careening through the snow with ease.

Renya was thrown back for a moment, unbalanced, before righting herself in the saddle and holding on tightly. Laughing, she threw her head back, enjoying the snow whipping around her and the cool wind rushing through her hair. The air stung a bit, but the cold was nothing compared to the exhilarating pace that Beauty set.

Be careful, my love. I just got you back.

Renya grinned, her chest light. Grayden was by her side again, her aunt was safe, and she was momentarily protected from Cressida by her father's magic. Giddy, she urged Beauty faster, her worries seeming to roll off with every step Beauty took. The dragon ran faster, turning back towards the lodge.

“Careful, Beauty,” Renya said as the dragon continued a grueling pace towards the gardens. She grasped the reins, pulling back. “Beauty, no! We're going to crash!”

But the dragon continued forward, and Renya closed her eyes, preparing to smash into the brick wall surrounding the garden. Suddenly, a feeling of weightlessness stirred in her belly, and she felt the air from Beauty's wings flapping. Renya heard a giant 'whoop!' from Grayden below. Wait, below?

She opened her eyes and clung to the reins. Beauty soared over the garden, circling and gaining more altitude.

“Beauty! You're doing it, girl!”

The dragon purred again and switched directions, heading back towards the village. Renya could see the shocked looks of the few villagers left on the streets as they began pointing and waving.

Renya felt Grayden's panic and worry through their bond. She tried to urge Beauty back towards the stables, but the dragon had a mind of her own. She flew past the village and soared over the snow-covered foothills leading to the mountain range. Renya's stomach dropped as Beauty suddenly started to descend. She watched in amazement as Beauty finally reached the ground, her wings fluttering softly until she landed delicately in front of a small stream. The water flowed freely here, and Beauty dipped her head to drink.

“Thirsty girl, huh Beauty?” Renya cooed at the dragon, trying to remain calm despite her racing heart, fueled by the excitement of flying and the anxiety radiating through her bond with Grayden.

After a few more seconds of drinking, Beauty started running again, then gliding, then flying high into the air. The higher she went, the more Renya shivered.

Almost as though she sensed her discomfort, Beauty croaked a strange throaty sound and headed back towards the stables. A few minutes later, the lodge came into view, and Renya could feel Grayden's relief. Beauty gracefully landed in front of the stables, and Grayden rushed over to help Renya off.

“I can't believe it, Renya! You flew! On a dragon!”

“Way to state the obvious,” she said, grinning at Grayden. He helped her down, and her feet hit the ground. She swayed a bit, off-balance from the sudden descent and the adrenaline coursing through her system. Grayden's protective arms instantly steadied her, and she let herself be taken into his embrace.

“Have I told you how magnificent you are, my mate?” he asked, nuzzling her neck and then kissing the spot right behind her ear.

“Daily,” she teased, enjoying his affection.

Beauty purred, watching the pair, and then circled them both before heading back into the stable.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Grayden held his dagger right at Brandle's throat. “I should slit you from ear to ear for touching my mate,” he growled, his voice thunderous and echoing off the walls of the room.

The chamber, once used as a dungeon, had been converted to a weapons storage by Grayden's father, though the chains still remained. Brandle sat chained to a chair in the center of the room, pale and cowering as Grayden continued to threaten his life.

“Do you not have words for me?” Grayden continued, jerking Brandle up by the collar of his robes. “Did you think there would be no consequences for touching what is mine?”

Brandle sputtered, eyes wide and darting. Grayden released his hold, and Brandle fell back into the chair, which creaked and shifted with the impact. Grayden roared and threw the dagger at Brandle, feeling a bit of satisfaction as it just grazed his neck before impaling the chair he was sitting on.

“Grayden,” Cyrus warned. Grayden continued pacing the chamber, fisting his hair in his hands. “Do we need to do this without you?”

Grayden sighed, trembling and clenching his knuckles. He had promised Renya he wouldn't kill Brandle...yet.

Phillippe moved in, standing in front of Brandle. “Tell us why you are here, or else I'm going to let my brother gut you like a fish.”

Brandle shook again, and Grayden rolled his eyes as he saw a gleam of a tear in Brandle's eye. Weak. He was weak, hiding behind his powerful cousin and his magic.

“Fine, I'll tell you everything. Just please, don't hurt me,” he whined, staring at Grayden. Grayden grinned, relieved that his presence was enough to frighten Brandle.