Page 189 of Where Darkness Falls

A malicious grin forms along its lipless mouth, causing me to shrink behind Mama and Cahir. “It’ssss the only way,” the Basilisk croons.

I gripthe arms of the chair, screaming as pain barrels through me. My hair is damp with perspiration as I clench my jaw so hard I fear breaking a molar. The process of separating my signet from my body is excruciating as Mama and Papa funnel their abilities, along with Saoirse’s flame, into me. We hide amongst the rubble of an abandoned city that’s far enough away from any other civilization, so no one will hear my wails of agony. The plan is to remove my signet and abilities by creating the Dragon’s Flame pendant, and then hide Saoirse here until the time comes when my abilities awaken once more. I’m not sure which aches worse at the moment, my heart or my body.

I release a strangled cry of frustration as the scorching pain intensifies.

I didn’t wish for any of this.

“This is the only way, my dear,” Saoirse says in my mind. She and I have been practicing this mode of communication for a few years now, and I must say, it’s greatly improved on both of our parts, helping us to share secrets versus always speaking aloud. Perhaps that’s the beauty of being chosen by a dragon.

After several more excruciating moments, the fire in my chest dissipates, as does the tingling in my veins from my signet. I search for that familiar warmth, but I’m met with nothing. My face heats as I choke back a sob, mourningthe loss of my starlight. I feel so barren and empty. As I desperately gulp down air, I notice a small circular pendant, with the details of my signet, hanging around my neck.

I rub my fingers over the raised details as numbness consumes me. “Are… Are my abilities gone forever?” I cry.

“Only for a time, Maevriana,” Saoirse says out loud. “When you need them most, they’ll come back, and so will I.”

She’s hidden amongst the rubble with enchanted chains that will conceal her whereabouts from others outside of my family. Saoirse won’t be able to break the chains without my command for her release one day. But when will that be? Feeling my sorrow, Saoirse gives a low roar. “I’ll miss you, my dear,” she says, her voice breaking. “I swear to you that we will be reunited one day, and when that day comes, we will make them pay.”

I sprint to my beautiful dragon, throwing my arms around her neck, and sob. A low growl rumbles in her chest as her wing wraps around me in an embrace. As I nuzzle into her warmth, my head is muddled as I mourn each of the things I love being ripped away one by one. I don’t want this, but I don’t have a choice. As Saoirse removes her wing from around me, arms grip me by the waist, hauling me away from my dragon.

“No!” I scream. I flail my limbs about like a wild animal, hitting and kicking Papa, but his hold is secure. “No! I won’t let you! I won’t! I won’t!” Saoirse’s large eyes are covered in a sheen as she releases a mournful cry. Using my weight as leverage, I force myself to the ground, which allows my father to lose his grip for a moment. I dig my fingers into the ground, crawling back to Saoirse, but I’m not fast enough. Papa grabs me once more, cradling my shaking body in his lap, as he soothingly rocks back and forth.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” he croaks. “Riona, it’s time to put Saoirse to sleep.” Tears well in Papa’s eyes, as his chest moves in a staccato rhythm. I’ve only seen the King of Malvoria cry a handful of times in my entire life. Every time, it’s always been for another person or creature because that’s the selfless man that he is. He cries for me, and mourns the decisionshe must make in order to protect us from his best friend that broke his heart.

My father’s sorrow stirs an anger within me, because this is my fault… it’s also Tiernan’s fault.

Clenching my fists, I vow to Siorai that the demon king will pay for what he’s wrought on my family and my kingdom.

Mama kisses Saoirse’s snout. “Sleep well and take care of them when you wake,” she cries.

Cahir stands beside my mother, bowing low to Saoirse. “Don’t forget us,” he whispers.

Saoirse roars a guttural cry of mourning, as this could be the last time we are all together.

Papa tightens his hold because I desperately wish to be with my dragon.

This isn’t fair.

I never should’ve shown Emyr that day in the woods.

“Papa, please,” I scream. “Let me stay with her.”

“I’m sorry,” he cries. “There’s nothing in this realm I wouldn’t do for you, but right now, you have to trust me.”

As my wails fill the skies, my head falls limply against his chest. He cradles my trembling body as he did when I was just a young child. Angling his chin toward Cahir and Mama, he swallows thickly. “Do it,” he whispers. “Before I change my mind.”

Then, Mama and Cahir’s abilities swirl from their palms, cascading over my beautiful Saoirse… putting my companion into a deep slumber.

Ten Years Earlier…

As Mamaand I prepare dough to make some bread to accompany the game the men bring home, a loud boom echoes off in the distance, giving us pause. “What was that, Mama?” I ask.

Mama’s mouth tightens as she returns to kneading the dough. “I’m sure it’s nothing,” she murmurs. “Just keep working that dough. Your Papa and brother should be here any moment.”

As if summoned by her words, Papa and Cahir rush inside of our estate, as sounds of terror rip across the valley.

Papa drops his bow on the table. “Riona,” Papa shouts. “We don’t have much time.” Papa hurriedly closes up every window, running through the house faster than I’ve ever seen him move. Papa’s eyes are wild as fear bleeds into every movement and action. Cahir follows suit, securing the opposite side of the house.

Asthe screams outside echo, Mama’s beautiful face blanches. “Have they finally come, my heart?” she calls.