Page 20 of Dragon Blood (Dragon Island #3)

A stred stared at the golden liquid in her glass, the fingers of her free hand absently rubbing at the thin layer of scales still protecting her chest beneath the fabric of her shirt.

Everything about her mother’s rule was the exact opposite of how Astred lived her seafaring life, though that had changed a great deal in the last century.

Astred couldn’t just pick a fight, brawl, and be done with it.

She set the glass aside and picked at Bayn’s succulent steamed sea bass with her chopsticks.

Monarchs required diplomacy and tact.

I need Elora.

I need my mother.

Besides, who could she pick a fight with?

Freeing the moist meat from the delicate bones, she lifted the morsel to her lips.

The males weren’t the cause—this time.

The Consortium? Out of reach—for now.

The traitor.

Dragging her attention back to the present moment, she popped the food into her mouth.

Flavor enraptured her tongue as she savored the melting fish.

She swallowed and sighed, meeting Bayn’s intent expression.

“Perfection,” she smiled.

The tension in his shoulders eased as he lifted the first bites to his own mouth.

They all tucked in, talking as they enjoyed Bayn’s efforts and one another’s company.

Astred glanced around the table, realizing, not for the first time, how surreal this moment was. Over dinner, she’d learned a little more about each of her companions and their connections to one another. Two clans linked by family.

Bayn Long, a prince of the Shǒuwàng Zhě. The Watchmen of dragonkind. Antiques dealer and talented chef.

Aaron Connor, a nobleman of the Dùn Zhǎo tiger clan. The Shield Claw of the paranormals in the east. And a member of Joey Kane’s GPSA Shadow Corp.

Kai Sun. Dragon. Tiger. Shadow master?

Kai.

She suppressed a smile, recalling his curious behavior when she and Aaron had been chatting.

Jealousy? So unlike him.

How to sum him up? She wasn’t sure she could.

She swallowed as her thoughts bounced to the memory of their dragons nestled together. The safety of his arms around her, providing security and balance during their journey into the nexus.

Those qualities were a deep part of who Kai was, gently drawing out that softer side of her trapped well below the ballast level of her consciousness.

During these last days, she was learning more and more about the man who’d stolen her heart.

Protector.

Former lover. No, that label was too small for what she’d felt for Kai. She swallowed the sentiment.

Love of her life, if she were completely honest with herself.

The tender fish nearly caught in her throat as sudden unwanted emotions wedged themselves there. She’d never allowed herself to feel that way about anyone else. Hadn’t needed it. She’d never told him about her past, nor he of his.

Seems they’d both led double or triple lives.

Kai Sun was also a member of the Dùn Zhǎo, fostered by the Shǒuwàng Zhě, and a son of Aeleftheria.

Aeleftheria.

Loss crashed over her, stealing her breath. Astred had walked away from Kai—the hardest thing she’d ever done in her life. Love was a luxury that Astred could not entertain.

He’d asked her for forever and she’d ended their relationship.

For Aeleftheria.

A thief of happiness. A life of duty.

These events had pushed Astred and Kai together while ripping away the surface to reveal the underlying growing chasm between them. When would the edges crumble, swallowing them both whole?

Until yesterday, she hadn’t truly allowed herself to accept the depth of the honor of this duty. Not to Aeleftheria herself, but to the protection of the Dragon Mother that her ancestral line had dedicated themselves to as the Oracles.

A duty Astred had run from her entire life. She still didn’t want it, but who else was there? How many others before her had done the same? Resisted the shackles of destiny? Had her own mother?

Somehow, she couldn’t imagine her mother shirking her obligations to the throne. She lived and breathed for it.

Or had she too, discovered resignation?

Astred dragged her thoughts back to her mission. Untangle the vision in order to get her mother back on her throne.

Ignoring the wine, Astred picked up her teacup, glancing over the steaming rim at her companions again.

Too many moving parts.

Have the guardians caught up with the Crimson Claw yet? Did the ship make it back to Mikrí Oasis, Carson’s island? She hoped so, she wanted Kane’s insights on the crudely scratched map.

Her crew were highly skilled on the seas, but the guardians were unmatched in the skies.

So long as they sailed beyond Aeleftherian territory, they didn’t have the right to detain her or subject the crew to questioning—though that might not stop them, given the circumstances.

As Astred’s ship, they could request permission to board her, but not rightfully force their way aboard.

Discussion among her companions floated past her as she clung to her worries.

Aaron reached for the wine bottle while Bayn and Kai cleared away the dinner debris. As he topped up Astred’s glass, his watch buzzed.

“Ah, Joey’s ready for us.” He grabbed his bag, extracting his tablet to set up on the counter island where they gathered around.

Bayn leaned in to inspect the crystal dongle Aaron plugged into the side of the device. “Witch tech?”

Aaron shot him a glance. “I know your place is well warded, but we can never be too careful.”

Bayn nodded. “I’d like to get me a couple of those.”

“Joey’s department—she has great sources that she won’t share with the rest of us, but I suspect this one is dwarf tech,” Aaron grinned as he finished setting up the station to receive the encrypted call.

“Dwarf tech? Well now, I am impressed.”

A moment later, Jolena Kane’s face filled the screen.

“Boss.” Aaron adjusted the equipment to accommodate all of their faces for Joey’s view, then the audio.

“Aaron. Bayn, Your Highness, Kai,” she acknowledged each, expression tense. “Good to see you all again, though I wish the news was of a lighter matter.” To Astred she said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t respond to your message sooner, we’ve been swamped here trying to pull all the pieces together. Your First Mate, Tundi Okonedo, caught me up on what happened since we parted from Carson’s island.”

“You saw the marks my mother left in her room?”

Joey nodded. “While you were at Black River, Carson’s team resumed pursuit of the escaped males after the last attack on the island, and we’ve finally gained Sam Egan’s cooperation. Aaron, your flight is booked to join your team for the raid on the Consortium’s menagerie.”

“Holy fuck, you’re kidding! You got Egan to talk?” Aaron’s hand slid through his hair as he stepped back from the counter.

“It was a group effort. Lirikai and Raya wore her down to see sense, but in the end, it was Marli Fleetwing’s offer to help her sister escape from the menagerie that did the trick. We leaned into that.”

“You trust her information?” Bayn pinched his lip between forefinger and thumb, his arms across his torso.

“Egan’s ambitions crashed the second we picked her up. There’s no way the Consortium will accept her back or integrate her into their commanding elite.” Joey shrugged. “She wants her sister’s freedom and security.”

“You think you can get more out of her?” Aaron paced.

Joey nodded. “I think so. But not until we secure her sister.”

Astred leaned in, heart pounding with this critical news. But there was still more she needed. “Were you able to get the identity of Egan’s contact on Aeleftheria?”

“It was the second part of the deal. The location of the menagerie and the identity of her Aeleftherian contact in exchange for her sister and protection from the Consortium’s reach now that she’s vulnerable.”

Heat flared through Astred as her dragon pushed at her skin, wanting to be unleashed. This knowledge would allow them to act.

“And?”

“You’re not going to like this.” Joey’s voice softened as she turned toward another screen beside her, the sounds of keys being tapped. A file overlay Joey’s feed, the details extensive, followed by a photograph.

Astred’s breath stalled.

Impossible.

Impossible because digital technology didn’t work in Aeleftherian territory. To have a picture of that face…and wearing a modern t-shirt.

“When the contact clawed Egan’s torso, she not only caused nearly fatal damage, but the ferocity of the fighting left some of her genetic matter embedded in Egan’s. She topically absorbed enough of it that she could use it to morph.”

“Morph?” Kai’s voice broke through Astred’s haze.

“Egan has the ability to shapeshift into anyone, so long as she has some of their genetic material to consume or absorb in some way. That’s how she was able to live undetected among the mountain males for so long.” Astred explained, gaze still glued to the screen, though the distraction of Kai’s presence reduced her instinct to fly off with teeth and claws ready to tear the traitor apart.

“I thought this kind of shapeshifter was a myth.”

“Everyone did.” Aaron stopped pacing, peering at the photograph on the screen.

“If I hadn’t met one centuries ago, I’d have thought so too,” Bayn said. He nodded toward the image. “You’re sure about that one?”

Joey’s brows drew together. “As far as I know, the only way Egan can take another’s form is to have some physical contact with the genetic material. I suppose if it was supplied to her in some other way, she could fake it. But she was searched and given new clothes, so it would have had to be in her system already.”

Astred’s pulse resumed ticking in her temple. “A similar possibility of a targeted attack on the queen? Through some confiscation of her biology for a spell or poison?”

“Yes, it’s possible. The previous King of the Mountain used spell magic linked to his own biology, which transferred to Jori Mountainside at his death. He mentioned sourcing the spells from an unidentified wizard we believe to be a member of the Consortium.”

A growl erupted from Astred’s gut as she stared at the aged face of the council matron staring back at her from the screen. “And the Consortium has access to the Queen of Aeleftheria’s person? I will rip her apart for this.”

Kai’s warm hand slid across Astred’s taut spine, ebbing the rising rage. “Who is she?”

Astred jerked to her feet, fighting the haze impairing her reason as her dragon continued to strain against her confinement.

Now she had a target to brawl with.

And she would be formidable.

Astred snarled, “Council Matron Zadora Steelscale. Your grandmother, Kai.”

He dropped his hand as his gaze met hers, expression stony as her accusation washed over him.

“How is it that the Steelscales are at the epicenter of all Aeleftheria’s turmoil?” Her fingers curled into fists, mind racing.

Was it all a plot? All along?

Jori Mountainside’s ‘accidental’ crash in their territory? His mother, Elora, had been ‘missing’ for decades and found to be in King Kargassa’s mountain. A bid to turn Kymri against her people?

And Marli? Now bonded with Jori’s right-hand man?

Kolina Steelscale?

Astred stared at Kai.

Kai? Is he part of this too? All this time?

She locked eyes with him as the fury continued to crowd her mind, resisting the urge to lunge at him. She didn’t. As much as the raging woman within her wanted to lash out.

Her head spun. She uncurled her fist, resting her palm over her chest to calm herself. Her dragon’s attention was focused on the image of Zadora Steelscale, not on Kai.

She looked at the others then, all silent, watching her facing Kai.

Would they stop her?

She was the only female among these males.

Maybe they’re in on it too?

Astred spiraled, free hand gripping the edge of the countertop.

Finally, her dragon huffed, soothing the raw rage surging through Astred’s body.

‘The conspiracy is not so great. We know there is no deceit here.’ Her dragon, her soul, brought up the memory from the Nexus. ‘The Nexus strips away all duplicity. If there were any in Kai, it would have been exposed then.’

Astred drew a deep, stabilizing breath.

No. Not Kai.

The memory of his protecting her from the terrifying remnant rose in her mind, shaking the final dregs of her sudden, raging paranoia.

Not anyone else.

The strain of too many days, worried sick for her mother’s life and the safety of Aeleftheria, had worn on her. She closed her eyes, regaining her equilibrium, drawing on her mother’s influence. What would Regina do?

‘Tread carefully.’

The exact opposite of Astred’s habit of punching first and asking questions later.

“She’ll be after the seal. That’s what Egan stole from the mountain,” Bayn said.

Joey added, “And as a council matron, she’ll have access to the vault.”

“The vault, yes, but not the seal,” Astred said, rubbing her chest again.

Matron Zadora’s image blinked off the screen, Joey’s taking its place.

Connections began to snap in Astred’s subconscious.

“Joey, you saw the etchings aboard the Crimson Claw?”

“I did. I guessed you figured out that the markings represent locations, since you made it to the nexus and to Bayn’s place.”

Astred nodded. “I recognized Black River right away, but not the other location. Kai said the scratches resembled the eastern territories. Why would my mother send me there?”

Kane was silent for so long, Astred thought the screen had frozen or they lost connection.

“That’s where the Star Stone is hidden.”

The Star Stone, from the legends.

The image of the streaking meteor shot through Astred’s mind.

“It’s with the Shǒuwàng Zhě,” Bayn hesitated. “Has been since Kolina brought it to us.” He glanced from Astred to Kai. “The reason she met Kai’s father.”

Astred dropped onto the stool next to the counter, weary.

Kai turned away, rubbing at the back of his head. “That explains why we saw the royal compound in the vision.”

“Why would this matron want to do this?” Aaron asked, “and how does Uncle Keone fit into this? This is all dragon politics.”

“Kolina would have needed permission to enter Shield Claw territory in order to reach The Watchers. Especially in those days.” Bayn said. “Things have relaxed since then.”

“Okay, but why? Why would Kolina take the Star Stone to the Watchers? And what is the connection to Zadora Steelscale?” Astred demanded.

“Because I advised Regina to order it,” Joey said. “She had a vision, much like you did, and she sent for me.”

“Why?” Astred persisted.

“Because with the stone, Zadora was too powerful, and it was infecting her. The meteorite made her who she was and acted as a charge when in her proximity. When she threatened to take control of the throne, we agreed that moving it to the care of the Watchers was the best option.” Joey sighed, eyes closed, pinching the bridge of her nose, finally showing some sign of weariness. “I just never suspected Zadora would make another play for control after she’d been stripped of the stone’s power. Hoped against it.”

“But you knew something.”

“Regina’s vision warned of it. But as you know, these things aren’t precise to our understanding of things.”

Astred huffed. “Yeah, I do know.” She rubbed her face. “And really wished I didn’t. But it is what it is. Now I just need to figure out how to get my mother back in the game so she can fix this, and we can all get on with life.”

“Wouldn’t the stone be safer hidden away where it is?” Bayn’s voice drew Astred’s gaze from the tablet.

“Maybe, but that star in the vision… It was overwhelming. It has some role in what’s happening now. Maybe Kolina can use it, or Kymri, after the baby is born. I just don’t know how much time we have before things really go sideways.”

“Could it just be a symbolic representation?”

“I wish I knew for certain, Bayn,” Astred said, throat tight.

Joey drew their attention back to the tablet screen. “If Zadora figures out how to open the vault without the seal, your mother’s life will be even further at risk. The seals are a sort of fail-safe to ensure proper rituals are in place for the transfer during the awakening.”

“More than just to keep the peace between the dragon clans?” Bayn leaned in.

“So much more. They represent the creation of dragonkind. The merging of dragon, human and djinn.”

“Djinn? You’re shitting me!” It was Aaron’s turn to gape at Jolena Kane.

“Afraid not. During a previous cycle, a very long time ago. At the height of the Ascension, dragonkind were created to protect the earth against invasions from the other world.”

Astred’s thoughts flicked back to the remnants.

They’d be just the beginning.

Aaron picked up his forgotten glass of wine and gulped it down.

“The legends are true. Odson’s stories?” Kai whispered.

Joey’s expression softened. “I’m afraid so. Listen. Aaron, I need you on that flight tonight to meet with the rest of the team. The planning for the raid is almost complete and you’re an essential part of it. We have to get the timing right. Astred, I can arrange a flight for you to meet with Bayn’s clan to collect the stone. But just get in and get back to Aeleftheria. You need to claim ownership of the vault before Zadora does. If you don’t, the Mother’s essence will consume Regina in her weakened state if the proper rituals are not in place.”

“Consume? I don’t understand any of this—,”

“You don’t need to right now, but it’s important you trust me, as your mother did. My only motivation is to protect this earth. Regina and the Dragon Mother’s security is imperative to that mission.”

“Protect the earth from what?” Kai accepted another glass of wine from Aaron, who was determined to empty the bottle he’d brought…

“I told you. From the other world. With each Ascension, we never know what and who will come through the veil. The dragons are our greatest protection.”

“And the Consortium’s role in all of this?” Kai’s usually tanned face paled.

“Do what they always do, find ways to exploit everyone and everything. The thinning of the veil and the opening between worlds is always a power boon for them. Access to more resources.”

“So, if they control the dragon mother, they control everything?”

“Essentially, yes.”

“But, this is Zadora. What will she do with the Dragon Mother?”

“That’s the biggest question, Astred. I don’t know.” Joey’s expression turned pained.

“How can she possibly access the vault if it’s supposed to be aligned to the royal bloodline?” Bayn leaned down to peer at the screen.

“Zadora is descended from the royal line.” Joey’s voice was tight. “She was removed from succession after the accident.”

“Accident?” Kai asked, incredulous. “This all sounds unbelievable.”

“She was too close to a meteor strike that altered her genetics, which created the Steelscale line.”

“Insane.” Kai breathed. “Insane.”

Joey shrugged.

“Is that what this is about, then? Zadora wants the throne? Why now? She’s had millennia to challenge my mother—my grandmother, for dragonsake!” Astred was on her feet again.

“I wish I knew.” Joey’s voice softened. “But for now, we have enough to act on the menagerie while you retrieve the stone. It will have to go to Kolina. Zadora may have no intention of awakening the Mother. But if she does, then, well, there will be consequences we can’t reverse.”