Page 100 of Ensnared

You’re injured?

“Hardly,” I say. “But your scales are hard, and holding on isn’t easy for a puny human like me.”

I’m sorry.

I didn’t expect to hear that from a dragon in my lifetime. It’s a little gratifying. “Don’t worry. It’s no big deal. Thanks for spending so long looking for them.”

We’re nearly back when Rufus shouts a message. Found them in a boat. Nearly drowned.

I can barely breathe while we wait for Rufus. “Maybe we should go to them,” I say for the third time.

“They’re almost back,” Axel says.

I’m pacing in the kitchen and have been for nearly twenty minutes now.

“Rufus says they’re alright.”

“That doesn’t mean the same thing to him as it does to me,” I mutter.

“It’s strange that you care so deeply for your siblings.” Axel looks as if he’s studying me.

I stop and pivot to face him. “Is it? I think most people do.”

“We don’t,” he says simply, as if that makes sense.

“Dragons, you mean?”

“Why do you persist in calling us dragons?” He frowns. “It’s rude.”

“Maybe I want it to be,” I say. “You did take over our world. The least we can do is call you what we want.”

Axel stands up and walks toward me. “I would not risk my life for any of my siblings.”

“No?” I sit on the edge of the table. This way, even though I’m markedly lower than he is, it’s for a reason. When we’re both standing up straight, I’m so much shorter that I feel. . .small. I don’t like it.

Axel stops a step away from me. He sighs. “I’d kill most of them if given the chance.”

“Really?” That I can’t understand.

“They’ve all tried to kill me, and they will again.”

That thought is a horrifying one. “Your brothers and sisters tried to kill you?”

He shrugs. “Only one of us can replace my father. It’s natural.”

“But you don’t need to rule, right? So why do you need to kill each other over it? Just live your life.” I think about how upset Ocharta was that he didn’t just kill her. I clearly do not understand the dragons at all.

“I find it fascinating, the affection you share.” He’s studying my face as if it’s a Sanskrit scroll when I hear Rufus arrive outside.

I shove my way around Axel and sprint for the door. Somehow he gets there the same time as me. He waits while I exit.

The sun has set, but I can still see outlines well enough. Sammy’s asleep in Gideon’s arms. He’s clearly just dismounted from Rufus’ back. Jade and Coral are huddled together on the ground by Rufus’ leg.

“Everyone’s alright?” My eyes scan them all frantically.

Gideon’s expression is tight, but he nods.

I hover, but I don’t take Sammy from him, nervous it’ll wake him up. Jade and Coral both look too tired to stand, so I offer my arms to Jade, who lets me lift her.