Page 162 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“I don’t have a master,” I spat, circling him carefully.

His smile widened, cruel and cold. “You don’t even know what you are, do you?”

“Why don’t you enlighten me?” I hissed, slashing out with my rapier. He flicked his wrist, forming a tendril of dark energy that deflected my blade with a sharpcrack.

“You’re something special,” he sneered. “Your power—your blood—it’sold. My master is very interested in you. Once I finish off that oversized lizard, I’ll take you back where you belong.”

I lashed out again, but he was quick, twisting away. His palm shot out, hurling another pulse of magic. I barely dodged it, feeling the air crackle as it missed my ribs by inches.

“You’re not taking me anywhere,” I growled.

He laughed. “No? Then fight harder, little girl. Because when I’m done with you, your dragon will be nothing more than a dripping carcass. The king’s creatures will feast on her like a day-old fawn. She will be unable to fight back.”

I lunged, feinting left, and slashed wide to the right. The tip of my rapier sliced through his sleeve, drawing a thin line of blood.

His smile faltered.

“Not so easy after all, is it?” I taunted.

His eyes flashed, and another pulse of magic shot toward Kaelith. Her body jerked as if something was tugging her spine. Her eyes were wide and unblinking—helpless. Rage flared hot in my chest.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” I said lowly.

I charged before he could react, swinging my rapier with all the fury boiling inside me. He tried to deflect again, but this time I twisted my blade mid-swing, sliding past his shield and driving the tip deep into his side.

He staggered back, gasping in shock. “You?—”

“You talk too much,” I spat, jerking my blade free.

He crumpled to the ground, clutching his side as his magic flickered and died. Kaelith’s body shook, then she exhaled in a great rush, her muscles trembling before she slowly lifted her head.

Well done,she said, her voice rough but proud.Next time, try not to let them get the first hit.

I snorted and wiped the blood from my blade. “You’re welcome.”

Kaelith’s neck expanded, her throat glowing like molten iron just before fire erupted from her mouth. The flames engulfed the fallen Blood Fae, turning his body to ash in seconds. But as Kaelith swung her head toward the second fae—the one who had created the sound barrier—he bolted, vanishing into the dense forest.

Kaelith let out a deep growl, low and guttural, but made no attempt to pursue him. Instead, she moved back to the creature she’d already killed. Her talons curled into the body as her powerful jaws tore through sinew and muscle. The sickening sound of tendons snapping and bones crunching filled the air.

I turned away, swallowing hard.

Dragons do not waste meat,Kaelith said between mouthfuls.Unlike humans, we eat what we kill.

I sat down a few feet away, my legs shaky from the fight. “Most humans don’t poach,” I muttered. “Even though we struggle to get enough to eat... well, commoners anyway.”

I tried to ignore the sounds behind me—the wet tearing of flesh, the splintering crack of bones breaking between her teeth—but it wasn’t easy. My mind kept replaying the fae’s words, the smug way he’d taunted me.

You don’t even know what you are...

“Do you know what he was talking about?” I asked aloud. “Or who that guy’s master is?”

Kaelith lifted her head, blood streaking her scales, dark and slick.I do not know why they want you,she said carefully.But it is likely because of me.

My heart stuttered. “Because of you?”

Yes.Her sharp teeth gleamed as her tongue flicked out, licking the blood from her snout.As to his master… that is easy. There is only one.

The coldness in her voice sent a chill racing down my spine. “The Blood King?” I whispered.