Page 2 of Exquisite Monster

“I’m not a fool,” Andaros said. His voice was right in front of me, and he gripped my chin. “My plans have nothing to do with you. You are merely a tool. And tools don’t have their questions answered.”

He shoved my head back, and liquid poured down my throat. Thick and foul, my body thrashed, trying and failing to expel it. It burned its way into me, and my fire rose without me calling it. So fast and so violent, I felt ill. Flames poured from my lips. They tore from me painfully until my body forced me to take a breath.

Instantly, my stomach twisted, more fire hurling from me. There was no control in this.

Low laughter echoed. “Get used to it, dragon. This is your only use now.”

A clang of metal and retreating footsteps followed. I barely heard them over the roar of my flames. They didn’t stop.

Theywouldn’tstop.

My shoulders nearly gave out, leaving me hanging, sick and gasping as fire was wrung from my body over, and over, and over.

Until it was nothing but pain. Until I was fading once more, my body still breathing fire.

Lena.

I whispered her name in my mind.

She was alive.

That was all that mattered.

If she was alive, I could bear anything to stay alive for her.

Lena.

CHAPTER TWO

________

KATALENA

Ifell for a very long time.

So long that time seemed to stretch and bend around me.

Voices emerged from the wind.

Helena, my grandmother, and even my mates whispering in my ear that they loved me.

There was nothing but darkness.

At least I wouldn’t see the end coming.

Tiny claws pricked into my side, and I gasped.Varíhad been so still I hadn’t even realized he was still with me. He shouldn’t be here.

“Fly,Varí.”

His claws gripped me tighter.

“Please.”

I felt the gentle bump of his head. A clearno.

Emotion hitched in my chest. I didn’t want to die. I’d never wanted to, and I certainly never wanted to take anyone with me.

Please let it be quick.