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Avera had no clear plan or idea as to how to deal with either Benoit or Zhos, just an instinct that told her to head to Velunda, and quickly.

Gustav tried to talk her out of it and when she wouldn’t be swayed, snapped, “If you won’t change your foolish mind, then I’m coming with you.”

He would too. He’d give his life for her, and in vain.

Despite all his bravery and willingness, Gustav couldn’t do a thing against Zhos.

On the contrary, he could be a liability.

She’d not forgotten what happened in the spire, how Zhos overtook his mind, turning him against her.

Sure, she could smear him in her blood, but what if that wasn’t enough in the presence of Zhos?

As she struggled for a way to tell him he wasn’t needed, she received help from the oddest source.

Starlight joined the discussion stating, “You can’t come.”

“Why not?” Gustav snarled.

“Because this isn’t a fight that will be won with blades.”

“Seemed to work pretty good last night. So long as the queen marks me with blood again, I’ll be fine,” the old soldier retorted.

“You prevailed against mindless creations. We’re talking about an entity powerful beyond your ken. Would you risk the chance you’ll turn your blade against your queen?” Starlight argued.

“I won’t let her do this alone,” was his stubborn reply.

“While your devotion is commendable there is a larger issue,” Starlight said. “The truth is while I can carry Avera, and because of my recent growth, possibly Griffon, I am not yet large enough to carry a third.”

It took Gustav a moment to cipher what was being said. “Wait, when you say carry…”

Starlight rolled her eyes. “I will turn into a dragon and fly them. How else would we get there in time?”

“Fly.” Gustav sounded faint.

“It would take weeks to travel by land, not to mention the indignity of sitting on a horse.” Starlight wrinkled her nose. “They taste better than they smell.”

“No eating horses,” Avera quickly admonished. “Or people.”

Argent entered the room in time to offer a dramatic sigh. “Again, ruining all my pleasures in life.”

“You probably don’t want to be here for this conversation as we’re discussing who’s going to the capital.” Griff rubbed his jaw. “Flying would be quicker. But at the same time, we don’t want to get there too early. Isn’t the rift a few weeks away still?”

“Actually, it’s coming much sooner than that.” Starlight shook her head.

“How soon?” Avera asked.

“If I’m correct, then sometime tomorrow, which gives us very little time to get to the castle and put all the pieces in place.”

“What’s the point of even going since we don’t know how to vanquish Zhos? Or have you changed your mind about donating blood and flying it through the portal?” Griffon pointed out.

“I haven’t changed my mind. I offer you flight because I shall be going in that direction to aid my captive kin. Whether you join me or not is your choice. I’ll be leaving shortly,” Starlight stated.

“How do you know the guardians and the other dragons are in Velunda?” Avera asked.

“Because they’ve called out for help and for just a moment, I was able to look through Karoki’s eyes before she slammed that access shut.” Starlight’s lips turned down. “There was a time the blooded wouldn’t have dared to do that.”

“Wait, when you say you look through their eyes—” Griffon started to ask.

“It means exactly what I’ve said. The blooded bond allows me to slip into minds.”

“Like Zhos!” Gustav huffed.

“We don’t control the person, merely see what they see.”

“And can they do the same in return?” Griff asked.

“Some can.” Starlight cocked her head. “You’ve seen through a dragon’s eyes.”

“Yes, he has, and it was very annoying as I was hunting at the time and he completely distracted me,” Argent grumbled.

Griffon blinked and Avera brought the conversation back around.

“Okay, so we know the guardians are in Velunda with the other three dragons. We’re assuming the guardians’ plan is to sacrifice them for the blood to immobilize Zhos, and then have the one they don’t kill take Zhos through the rift.

Only, you want to stop them from doing that. ”

Starlight shrugged. “I’m unclear as to what I shall do when I arrive, however, I feel a strong need to be present.”

Avera wondered if that need was contagious. “And you’re willing to take me and Griff?”

Kreed protested, “You can’t take just the two of them. That would be suicide.”

“Yeah, Cap. You can’t be battling evil without your crew,” Simhi huffed.

Starlight shook her head. “I doubt this fight will be won with blades.”

“You can’t be sure of that, though,” Gustav pointed out.

“It’s pointless arguing because I can’t carry you all,” Starlight stated.

No one looked at the silently listening Argent.

He’d been clear that he was along for one reason only: To save his kin, but only if he wouldn’t die in the process.

His trauma ran deep whereas Starlight wanted the same, but it also appeared she wasn’t averse to getting involved.

At the same time, her goal was different than Avera’s.

She wanted to save the other dragons. Avera… she needed to save the world.

If it wasn’t too late.

Zhos already thought she’d lost. He’d told her so the night before in her dream where for a brief second she saw it.

A squat creature of brackish colored skin standing in the throne room she knew so well, snarling, You’re too late.

I’m free and now the world will pay. There is nothing you or your companions can do to stop me.

But feel free to try… An invitation that ended in an evil cackle before the vision shattered.

It left her shaken because she understood the taunt was meant to goad her into coming. Most likely Zhos had laid a trap in anticipation that she would, but what other choice did she have? The rift would open shortly. As to how long it would remain ajar? That could vary according to Starlight.

I remember the first time I saw the conduit between our worlds and the other.

It stayed open for days. But with each appearance that has shortened.

The last occurrence lasted only an hour.

A good thing it was short-lived, given the debris it dumped.

Had the flow not stopped, more than the lake might have been poisoned.

The possibly short duration meant Avera might have only minutes to find a way to toss Zhos into the rift.

She had to keep trying to convince Argent or Starlight to help.

Perhaps they could lob the entity through the rift?

They were big and strong. Maybe Zhos could be pushed off the highest parapet into it.

By all indications, it would appear close to the castle over the Lake of Tears.

“You do realize Zhos and its puppets are expecting you?” Argent finally spoke.

“Yes. I also know that if we sit here doing nothing, Zhos will come for us, and then what?” Avera arched a brow. “We can’t fly away and hide in a volcano. Nor can we return if we die.”

“And exactly how will you, little tiara queen, stop Zhos? You have no weapon to pierce its flesh. Nothing but your blood, and you don’t have a considerable amount of that to start with,” Argent pointed out.

“I’m aware, but unlike you, I’m not afraid to try and do something. I won’t be a coward who hides from adversity, knowing I could make a difference.”

Argent hissed. “You dare to insult me.”

“I dare to challenge you,” she huffed right back. “Yes, what happened to you and the others was horrible, but have you given any thought to what will really happen if Zhos is left unchecked?”

“Humans will die.” He shrugged.

“Humans will die first. But Zhos won’t stop there.

Next will be the animals, leaving you with no food.

Have you ever starved before? I assume it will kill you.

And when you die, this time there will be no resurrection.

No humans to dump you in a volcano. Nothing.

Forever.” Avera didn’t hold back, and Argent recoiled.

“We would keep a few blooded and herds,” he argued.

“Do you really think Zhos will let you live, knowing your blood is its weakness?” Avera kept hammering Argent. “It might be a century, even a few depending how long it takes for it to dominate the world, but once it’s conquered the continents, it will come for you.”

Argent pressed his lips tight. “Let’s say we do agree to help, who’s to say the humans won’t betray us again?”

“Because you have my word,” Avera stated firmly.

“And mine,” Griff added.

“Me too!” Simhi chimed in.

“As if I’d let me drinking buddy languish in an egg,” Kreed scoffed. “Fear not, lad, I’d drop you into a volcano just so I can have someone who can keep up with me.”

Argent ducked his head and a second later his shoulders shook. Did he cry?

Before Avera could put a hand on him to console, laughter burst free.

“You are the most irreverent group I’ve ever dealt with.

Back in my day, no one would have dared to speak to me like this.

” Argent met Avera’s gaze. “It is refreshing. In the past, my servants often lied in an attempt to remain in my good graces. Lies I ignored because I could taste the fear in them. Fear of what I would do. But you lot have absolutely no respect for my status. You treat me like I’m one of you.

” His expression twisted into a grimace.

“And while I should dislike it, it’s actually quite enjoyable. ”

“It’s called being friends, mate.” Kreed slapped him hard on the back, not that Argent budged.

“Friends.” Argent rolled the word around. “What a concept.”

“They don’t speak for me,” Monty huffed. “I think you’re a prick and you owe me three jackets and two pairs of pants!”

“You’re just jealous because I’m more handsome than you,” Argent replied with a wink.

Monty lifted his chin. “I’m not the one with an empty bed at night.”

A red-cheeked Simhi looked everywhere but at Monty.