Page 59 of Exquisite Monster

Wait…

Turning inward, I collected as much power as I could spare and forced it through this entire place, blanketing it.My name is Endre, Heir to dragonkind. I am told a captive dragon is here. Tell me where you are.

It wasn’t a question. It was a command. As much as I hated using it, we didn’t have time.

I am here.

Further down the hallway and down another set of stairs. Sirrus was on my heels, and I shoved open the cell door with enough force that the door broke.

The dragon laid on a bed, entirely still with her eyes closed. “Dragon.”

No response. Not even a movement.

Sirrus approached and looked down at her. “Sit up.” Another command.

The dragon sat up smoothly and without hesitation. Fuck.

“I’m going to try something,” Sirrus said. “If her mind is broken it won’t work. If they’re poisoning her or using some sort of mixture…”

He set a hand on her head and closed his eyes. I felt the rush of magic and air around us as his power flowed in and over the female.

All at once her eyes cleared. A deep breath. I wished we could bring her out of it slowly, but none of us had the luxury. “If you want to leave this place, it has to be now.”

It took a long moment for her to nod before she took a breath and stood. “Yes. Yes, thank you.”

Sirrus held the door open for her, and we were moving. Up and toward the surface, the open sky, andLena.

Idroal?

It is good to hear your voice, Your Highness. We are close enough to speak now.

We’re on our way. Where is Lena?

Safe.

I huffed a breath as we looked around a corner to clear it.That wasn’t what I asked.

I practically heard their sigh.She is in the throne room.

My heart skipped a beat.What?

Belleo and Karadi are with her.

Zovai met us in the central hallway. “I thought you were burning something?”

He smirked. “I am. It’s just delayed a bit.”

“They’re escaping.”

Guards flooded down the stairs toward us, and we moved. It was almost sad how easy it was. No wonder they wanted scalefire. Even though the betrayal had been disastrous, I understood why the weapon had been given in the first place. These men were outmatched in every way. If the barrier fell, so would all humans, and only the six Elders would be needed to accomplish that.

The female dragon lunged for the guard and took his sword. I saw it too late. “Wait?—”

She turned the sword on herself, forcing it through her own body, close to her heart. The smile on her face gave me chills. She was already turning black before she hit the ground, and Zovai caught her.

Sirrus took down the last three guards with a slash of wind that opened their throats, clearing the way. I didn’t even think, simply unleashed my flames on the dragon’s body, sick as it made me. After everything, she deserved to return to ash. I could not argue her choice.

“Find your peace among the stars.”