Page 16

Tari

A fter Shiri and Marius left, my mother returned to sit beside Derrick in the dungeon, and Cassandra and Gadea retired to their bedchamber. I finally tucked in the girls for the night, sitting at the top end of our makeshift bed while stroking their arms. Ember sucked on her thumb and crushed one of her dolls while snuggling against her sister. Aurora fought sleep, her eyes falling heavy while she draped an arm over Ember’s side, her bottom lip caught behind her top fang.

Though I knew I needed rest, too, I could watch my precious cherubs sleep all night. My heart ached when I thought of all the years I’d missed with them, and I thanked the goddess every day for Shiri. I hoped the children appreciated their aunt as much as I did. She was a better Fae than I, the kindest, most giving woman I’d ever known. It broke my heart to discover how much she was hurting. I had always known our mother favored me, though I hadn’t realized how keenly Shiri still suffered as a result. I remember feeling badly for her and giving her extra hugs as a child when our mother had refused to show her affection.

Why had I believed my love would’ve been enough? And what did that say about me that I didn’t understand the full weight of her sorrow? Our parents had been so wrong about us. If one of us would’ve turned evil, it would’ve been me. I’d certainly inherited our aunt’s selfish streak.

Goddess , a dark dragon’s voice called in my mind. I could hear the thumping of her paws and swishing of her tail nearby. She must’ve been in the garden beneath the balcony.

Yes? I asked.

Come riding with me.

I can’t leave the children. I tensed, feeling bad for refusing when her sigh echoed in my mind.

“Tari,” Helian whispered while kneeling beside me, “Radnor and Isa want us to go riding.”

“I know.” I repressed a shiver when the terrace doors cracked open, letting in the frigid northern night air. “I can’t leave the girls. I just got them to sleep.”

Helian’s features fell before he plastered on a smile. “Then we will wait for Shiri to return.”

I shook my head while clutching my stomach. I’d been particularly nauseated today and feared I’d lose my tarts if I went for a ride on a dragon.

Helian, go with Radnor. Isa’s voice rang in my mind. Triss and I will stay with the goddess.

I need to stay with Tari in case a demon attacks , Helian answered.

The double doors banged open as a puff of steam blew into the room. My gaze dropped to the girls as they continued to sleep, unbothered by the smoky air.

Isa wedged her snout inside the room, snarling. You think I can’t protect our goddess from a demon?

I went to the doors, rubbing Isa’s snout while peering outside the window. She stood in the garden, her paws resting on the railing, her long neck snaked across the balcony. I sure hoped the balcony was sturdy.

“Go, Helian.” I waved toward the moonlit clouds outside. “Don’t let me stop you.”

Helian didn’t bother arguing as he strapped on his sword. “We’ll be quick,” he said, kissing my cheek.

“Enjoy yourself,” I called as he slipped past Isa. Then I gave Isa’s snout another good rub. “Thanks, friend.”

Her nostrils flared as she looked me over. You need rest, Goddess.

I nodded, fatigue weighing heavily on my bones. “I know.” I returned to the girls, slipping beneath the covers and snuggling against Aurora.

My last thought before drifting off to sleep was for Aurora. I wondered how much she’d been neglected by her yaya, though I knew Shiri more than made up for it by loving her unconditionally. There was no purer heart than my sister’s. Now we just had to make her believe it.

* * *

Helian

I RAN OUTSIDE, brEATHING in a crisp gulp of ocean air before leaping off the balcony and landing on my dragon’s back. He’d ditched the saddle, no doubt after being ridiculed by Isa, though she wore one for Tari and Shiri. It didn’t matter. I could hold on easily enough without one by grasping a rigid scale.

Once I settled myself on his back, Radnor jumped into the air, rapidly putting distance between us and the ground as he flapped his wings. Soon, we were wordlessly soaring through the heavens, his scales vibrating beneath me as we streaked across the sky like a falling comet. I focused on the feel of the wind cooling my skin and the thrill of watching the ground pass beneath us in a blur.

How I loved moments like this, though I was mindful this time spent together would be more rare, as Radnor and I had our families to keep us occupied.

Releasing a sigh, I closed my eyes while the wind blew back my hair, enjoying my few stolen moments of freedom before I would be stuck in that infernal castle once more, subject to the whims of a mad queen.

Radnor’s thought resonated in my mind. You’re quieter than usual, Prince .

Sorry, friend. Opening my eyes, I squeezed his scales between my thighs. I have a lot on my mind.

I know you do.

I didn’t come here to talk about my problems. I came to escape them. What’s it like being a father? I asked him.

The hatchling brings me joy.

I could feel the smile in his words, and I was slightly envious. I couldn’t wait to hold my babe. Hopefully, we survived this demon invasion.

We flew beyond the wall, across the misty ocean, its tall, crashing waves turning into undulating rollers the farther we flew from shore. How I missed flying for miles, no worries other than what we’d catch for supper.

Fatherhood looks good on you , I finally answered. You’re a little less cranky.

He let out a deep rumble. Maybe you’ll be less insufferable when you become a father.

I laughed. I doubt it.

When Radnor didn’t return my laughter, I sensed a lecture was coming.

We play a dangerous game here, Prince , Radnor said as he slowly turned back toward the wall and those pointy turrets, my daily source of frustration. I fear the bitch queen and your mate will kill each other before the demons arrive.

I grimaced. I know.

You must protect your mate and unborn child.

His warning rolled through me, churning my gut. I know that too. Tari doesn’t want to leave Shiri. One reason we remained here. The other was the growing threat of a demon attack.

It doesn’t matter what she wants , he warned. You need to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

I heaved a groan, growing ever tired of his nagging. And here I thought a flight would take the edge off.

The wolf cub can bring us all back to Fallax before the sun rises.

I scoffed at his idea. And leave my brother and Drae here? Tari would never agree to leaving Ash behind, and we couldn’t exactly haul a demon around with us. Sure, they’d done so with me, but it wasn’t a risk I was willing to repeat.

They would want you to prioritize your mate too.

He was right, damn him, but I didn’t come here to talk about that. I came here to ignore my problems, if only for a few moments. Was that too much to ask ? I’ll talk to Tari about it.

Tell her she must go to Fallax. Give her no choice to refuse you.

And how does it work when you tell Isa what to do?

He paused. She listens.

Hmm , I teased. Shall we ask her?

No , he answered with a rumble. I prefer my bollocks remain attached.

I laughed. That’s what I thought.

Radnor went suspiciously silent as we soared over the other side of Thebes, the quiet side with the serene park and pond with the attached bathhouse. I wanted to tell Radnor to leave me here, so I could soak my worries away in that big tub, but I didn’t like being away from Tari for so long.

You should go for a swim , he hissed.

I tensed at the strain in his voice. I’m not in the mood.

Too bad , he said before flipping over and soaring upside down.

I grappled for the reins, realizing too late Radnor didn’t wear a saddle. “Curse you, Radnor!” I screamed while falling through the air.

The frigid water stung my back when I hit it, almost like falling onto gravel. I swallowed a pungent gulp before coming up for air and shaking the water out of my eyes. When Radnor flew past in a blur, I shook a fist, letting out a litany of colorful curses. I cut swiftly through the water, swimming over a few warm pockets before climbing onto the wall that divided the temple and the pond. My teeth chattered as I slipped into the temple’s lukewarm water, which fortunately grew warmer as I swam into the heart of the temple. I climbed onto the side of the tub, peeling off my clothes and dumping water from my boots.

Damn that drake.

Luckily, there was an ample supply of thick towels inside the temple. I wrapped one around my waist and used another to dry my hair. Radnor had better return, or I’d be forced to put on those wet clothes and trek back to the castle.

I gave a start at a splash behind me and turned around, expecting to see my drake’s head poking through the temple entrance. My veins hardened to ice when, instead, a naked Malvolia stood waist-deep in the waters, her large, pert breasts on full display.

My knees weakened when she rose from the waters, turning up her chin while protruding her breasts.

“W-what are you doing here?” I stammered, stumbling back.

She flashed a slow, sultry smile while smoothing her hands down her curvy hips. “I came to clear my head. Just like you do.”

“You should put some clothes on,” I blurted, then averted my gaze, shame washing through me that I’d taken so long to look away. I couldn’t help it. I was in too much shock to think clearly.

“Why?” she cooed, biting her bottom lip. “I’m not ashamed of my body. Besides, it’s only fair, since I’ve seen you naked.”

Molten lava pumped through my veins at the mention of the time I’d been chained to a table in her dungeon, completely naked and vulnerable to her touch. Nostrils flaring, I spoke through gritted teeth. “I’m not going to fuck you.”

She eyed me curiously while walking a slow circle around me. “You’re a dragon rider, and a king. Why aren’t you the alpha?”

I curled my hands into claws. “None of your concern.”

My spine stiffened when she walked up to me, flattening a hand on my chest. “She doesn’t appreciate you.”

“She does.” I pushed her hand away, regretting the move when she dropped her hand to my crotch, squeezing. I swatted her hand away with much more force. Good thing I was still cold. I wouldn’t want to give the bitch the impression that I was turned on. I wasn’t. She was more repulsive to me than Arabella and her sausage arms.

I held my breath, afraid to move a muscle when she stood on her toes and whispered in my ear. “If I had such a beautiful Sidhe mate, I’d want none other, especially not bastard shifters.”

I gathered enough of my wits to jerk away from her. “Watch how you speak about my brothers.” I sat on a stone bench and shoved my wet boots onto my bare feet. Then I rolled up my clothes in a towel.

“Or what?” She sauntered toward me, then dropped to her knees, batting her lashes while grasping my thighs. “Will you punish me?”

It didn’t matter that she was naked and willing. No way would I betray my mate and fuck this wicked whore. I jumped to my feet, swatting her hands away like she was on fire.

“No!” I spat. “But Tari will.”

Malvolia shook her head, snickering. “The na?ve little princess doesn’t have the nerve—or the strength.”

Running my fingers through my dripping hair, I looked out the doorway leading to the lake while projecting a thought to Radnor. The bitch queen is here. We need to go—now!

My knees quaked in relief when he answered. I’m coming.

I backed up toward another set of doors that hopefully led to land. “I should go.”

Radnor’s roar echoed above the temple.

The queen arched a brow while toying with her pebbled nipples. “Then, why haven’t you?”

Bolting for the door, I didn’t have the courage to answer. Her laughter echoed behind me like I was being chased by a scourge of demon fire.

Damn that bitch! She’d gone too far. Radnor was right. We had to get out of here before Malvolia killed us or we killed her.

* * *

Tari

I WOKE TO HELIAN CRAWLING beneath the blankets beside me and burying his face in my hair. Water dripped from his hair onto my nightdress. Had he gone to the bathhouse?

I rolled into his embrace, my eyes slowly opening. Though his face was always slightly reddened by the wind, his cheeks were more flushed than usual. “Did you enjoy your flight?”

“Not really.” He averted his gaze. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go to sleep.”

Arching back, I pushed on his chest, forcing him to look at me. “Helian, what’s wrong?”

His flush deepened. “Nothing.”

“Helian.” I sat up, frowning. Now he had me worried. “Tell me.”

“It’s nothing.” He patted the mattress. “Lie down. I’ll be fine.”

I let out a huff when he closed his eyes, pretending to fall asleep. I slipped from the covers, ignoring Helian when he called me back. Clenching my teeth at the sting of the chilly night air, I hurried across the terrace, scowling at the dragons in the garden below. Radnor was pacing, his tail furiously knocking down trees while steam poured from his snout. Isa sat off to the side, Triss tucked beneath her wing while she warily eyed her mate.

“Tari, come back to bed,” Helian called from the terrace doors.

Gripping the stone railing, I called to the dragons. “Radnor, what happened?”

Helian was beside me in an instant, tugging on my arm. “It doesn’t matter.” He had a pleading look in his eyes, reminding me of the girls begging for more tarts. “You need your rest.”

Radnor glared at us, his nostrils flaring. The horny old queen was at the bathhouse.

Iron solidified my veins. “What?”

“Radnor,” Helian said, “that’s enough.”

I shook Helian off me. “No,” I called to Radnor, “tell me.”

The ridge on the dragon’s spine stood up like an angry feline’s fur. She tried to seduce Helian.

Cursing, Helian tossed his hands into the air. “Why would you upset her?”

She needs to know. Radnor kicked up the dirt beneath his paw. The wicked whore won’t stop, and neither you nor Tari are safe in her presence.

Rage pumped through me as magic slowly swelled my veins. “That’s it! I’m blasting her to hell!”

Helian lunged for me, spinning me into his arms. “No, you’re not!”

“Helian!” I struggled out of his grip. “Let me go!” Then I froze when dark, ominous laughter echoed behind us.

Helian released me like I was a hot coal as we both faced our nemesis. Malvolia was clad in nothing but a black silk robe, the curves of her breasts and hips clearly visible beneath the flimsy fabric. She toweled her wet hair while walking up to us with an air of casual indifference.

“It’s a wonder you two are fated mates with all your bickering.”

Fury clouded my vision as magic pooled in my hands. “You fucking bitch!”

Helian snatched me back, then jumped between us, holding out a staying hand to Malvolia.

My aunt’s taunting laughter was like a thousand needles burrowing into my skin. “Is that any way to talk to family?”

Tears burned my eyes while I tried to get past Helian. “You’re not my family! You’re the evil witch who tortured and neglected my father for twenty-four years, who forced my family to live in poverty and fear, and who even now continues to taunt me while trying to seduce my mate!”

Malvolia walked to the edge of the balcony, boldly turning her back on the growling dragons while resting on the wide railing. Had she a death wish? “I have already apologized for the other things, but your mate is a dragon rider and a king, yet you make him a beta.” Ignoring the dragons’ growls, she picked grime from her fingernails while glaring at me from beneath her lashes. “You don’t deserve him.”

The rage that pressed on my chest was a steaming kettle, ready to explode. “My relationship with my mate is none of your business.”

“It is when I see a perfect male specimen going to waste,” she drawled, “when there are so many things that you’re too young and inexperienced to teach him.”

I want only you, Tari. Helian’s plea echoed in my skull while he latched on to my arm. Please back away. She’s trying to get you to fight her.

A nagging voice inside me said he was right, but damn, I couldn’t let her get away with this. She wouldn’t stop unless I stopped her.

Magic dripped off my finger as I pointed at Malvolia. “You stay the hell away from him!”

“Oh, my dear niece.” She let out a sultry laugh while thrusting her breasts in Helian’s direction. “You should be less worried about my advances and more worried about his reaction to me.”

“He hates you,” I spat.

“With the heat of a thousand suns,” Helian added with a groan. “Malvolia, please just go.”

“Do you?” She gave Helian a questioning look while seductively licking her lips. “Or do you simply tell your mate that to appease her?”

Helian released a huff of air. “Oh, I mean it.”

She waved him off as if he was a fly buzzing about her head. “You need not worry, niece,” she said to me. “I only keep my lovers for a season before I discard them. Think of all the bedroom tricks he could learn from me. We would both benefit from the arrangement.”

I’d always known Malvolia was crazy, but this was a whole new level of insanity.

I had to work hard to unclench my teeth while looking into her eyes that had turned blacker than a serpent’s, a reflection of her dead heart. “There will be no arrangement other than me turning you to dust, should you step over the line again.”

Malvolia eyed me as if I wasn’t fit to polish her boots. “You will be ash on the floor before you have a chance to conjure your magic.”

The twisted bitch! She would kill her own niece over a chance to fuck my mate? Turning her to dust was too good for her. Flexing my fingers, I regarded her through narrowed slits. I wanted her to suffer.

Radnor blocked Isa when she let out a roar that shook the ground, shielding her with his wings. End the whore before we get involved , he warned me.

No! Helian boomed, his chest heaving as he tried to pull me away. You promised Ash you wouldn’t lose your cool .

I froze, momentarily stunned. Damn him! He was right! Ash would be furious if he saw that I’d taken Malvolia’s bait. But I couldn’t back down now, or she was sure to seize on my weakness and finish me off.

“Please don’t hurt our mommy! Please!”

I gasped when Aurora and Ember ran to me, shielding me by clinging to my legs. Well, damn. Why weren’t they in bed? I gently nudged them behind me. “Girls, stay out of this.”

Malvolia at least had the decency to back away.

A stream of fire arced above our heads, and I looked up in time to see Marius landing with Shiri in his arms.

After they landed on the terrace, Shiri stumbled out of our father’s embrace. Her accusatory glare drifted from Malvolia to me, her eyes widening when she noticed the girls clinging to my legs. “What the hell is going on?”

Malvolia straightened, having the decency to tighten the belt on her robe while concealing her breasts. “Shiri, why aren’t you checking the refugees for demons?”

“I’m done already.” Shadows fell across Shiri’s face as she glared at our aunt. “Why are you here?”

“She tried to seduce Helian again,” I blurted.

Shiri gasped, clutching her throat. “Why, aunt?”

Malvolia turned up her chin, though she was unable to meet Shiri’s gaze. “It’s none of your concern.”

Shiri gave our aunt a long look. “This is why you don’t mourn Mortimus, isn’t it?” Her voice rose with each word. "You wish to join him, so you’re pushing Tari to kill you.”

Black fog seeped from Malvolia’s pores, shrouding her like a cloak. “She will be ash on the ground before she conjures her magic.”

“No.” Folding her arms, Shiri impatiently tapped her foot like she was scolding a child. “You want her to kill you. You’re too much of a coward to end your life yourself, so you’d rather put my sister through the trauma of doing it.”

A scream died in my throat when Malvolia struck Shiri, wrapping a whip of black, choking magic around my sister’s throat. Shiri fell to her knees, her hands wrapped around that lethal cord.

No! Not my sister! My world stopped spinning as the girls cried out, begging Malvolia to let their auntie go.

I tried to intervene, but my magic was stuck like a well that had been capped. I shook out my fingers with a curse. Damn that tea! When the ring of Helian unsheathing his sword cut through the air, followed by Isa’s angry roar as her long neck hovered above us, I feared our aunt would attack them next.

But then Shiri stood and threw off her bindings, her hands raised high as she tossed that rope back at the sorceress queen, binding Malvolia’s arms.

Malvolia cursed and flailed, to no avail. Shiri’s magic was stronger.

My sister stomped up to Malvolia with a snarl. “If you wish to die so badly, go jump from a tower.” She waved toward the turrets behind us. “Don’t involve my sister and her mate.” She flashed her teeth. “And don’t you ever attack any of us again, or you will die a slow, miserable death.” With a snap of her fingers, the magic binding Malvolia dissipated.

Malvolia clawed at the air, black ink spilling out of her fingertips. “I’m sure you’d all like that.”

Shiri shook her head. “What I’d like is for you to stop being selfish long enough for us to eradicate these demons!” Her voice dropped to a deep siren’s rumble as she jutted a finger toward the doors. “Now, go to your bedchamber, and do not bother any of us again!”

If looks could kill, Malvolia would’ve turned Shiri to ash. She stormed past my sister with jerky movements, as if her arms and legs moved of their own accord, pushed onward by the siren’s spell.

Only when Helian slammed the double doors behind the sorceress queen did I release a pent-up breath. The magic swelling my hands receded, though I feared I’d need it again soon. I resolved to stop drinking the tea. What good did it do to preserve my memories if I couldn’t access my magic? Malvolia was clearly a more imminent threat than the demons.

Shiri grasped my shoulders. “Sister, are you okay?”

What? Why was she asking if I was okay when she’d just been choking moments earlier?

“I’m okay. Are-are you?” I stammered.

She slanted a smile and nodded.

It took all my willpower not to collapse onto the ground as the girls blinked up at me like frightened baby birds. “I hate it here.” I bit down on my knuckles to keep from crying out. “I don’t know how much longer we can stay.”

Shiri squeezed my shoulders. “I know.”

Two pairs of glowing dragon eyes blinked at us from behind the railing.

She’s not going to be happy you’ve gained control , Radnor said, his gaze fixated on Shiri.

And she won’t stop until one of us kills her , Isa added.

Shiri released me, turning toward the dragons with stiff shoulders. “I can handle her.”

They answered her with huffs of smoke streaming from their nostrils.

The girls made spluttering sounds, plugging their noses.

I covered my nose, too, breathing through a wheeze.

Helian fanned the air. “We should do as she asks and kill her.”

Oblivious to the smoke, Shiri paced between us and the dragons while chewing her bottom lip. “And then what?”

“And then you take her place as queen,” I said, holding my breath when my sister’s gaze darkened. I knew it wasn’t what she wanted, but I no longer cared. Nobody was safe as long as Malvolia lived.

“She’s a powerful sorceress,” Shiri said, her voice lacking conviction. “We need her magic to defeat the demons.”

I shook my head while squeezing the girls to my sides. Didn’t she understand that tonight could’ve gone horribly wrong? After finally getting them back, I didn’t want to leave the girls without a mother again. Not to mention, I didn’t want to jeopardize the babe in my womb or risk my mates dying while avenging my death. I didn’t trust that Malvolia simply had a death wish. What if she was just evil? It wasn’t hard to believe after the Crimson Tide.

“What we need is to not be fighting wars on two fronts. How can we fight demons when we’re constantly watching our backs?” I squeezed the girls’ shoulders when they buried their faces against my skirts. “I’m sorry, Shiri, but Helian, the girls, and I have to go.” Which meant we’d have to leave Ash behind. The thought was like a blade twisting in my heart, but we had no choice, and I knew he’d want us to go.

You’re not leaving without us , Radnor huffed.

Helian nodded his agreement. “We’ll leave at first light. Aurora can take us to Fallax.”

I swallowed back my sorrow when Shiri gave us a hopeless look. “You can come with us, sister.”

She wiped her eyes while vehemently shaking her head. “I can’t leave Drae.”

My heart ached and twisted at the thought of leaving my sister behind when she had no mates to comfort her, but Malvolia had left us with no choice. Curse the bitch. I curled my hands into claws, thinking I should just turn her to ash tonight, but some part of me feared I wouldn’t be fast enough. I couldn’t risk my unborn child’s life, too. Tears welled in my eyes, and I bit down on my knuckles to keep from crying out.

When Shiri grabbed me in a fierce hug, the children pressed between us, I gave in to my tears, letting them soak my hair and clothes. What if Malvolia turned on Shiri without Helian and me to bully? What if the demons attacked? Would my sister be able to hold them back without us?

* * *

Blaze

F ORTUNATELY, BEFORE my journey, I’d taken enough gold from the Abyssus coffers to fund a small army. The Cyrene innkeepers were more than happy to find me deluxe accommodations and a hearty, hot meal after dropping the heavy sack onto the bar counter. It didn’t hurt when I’d told them I was the brother-in-law to Princes Helian, Ash, and Finn and mate to Shiri. That earned me an extra pint of ale and a hot bath to soothe my tired muscles.

After a little investigating, I’d learned that Nikkos and Finn hadn’t made an appearance yet, but it was only a matter of time before they flew in from the Fallax Islands. In the meantime, I’d promised more gold to the innkeeper if they notified me the moment they spotted them. Then I slept like the dead.

I woke to a hard rap on the door, jumping from the bed with a start and illuminating the darkness with my flames. “What is it?”

“Lord Inferni,” a timid voice called back. I recognized the voice of the innkeeper’s shifter daughter. “A flock of wyverns is approaching the town.”

“Good. Thank you!” I answered as fire raced through my veins. I was excited to finally see Nikkos and Finn and tell them the girls were safe. Mostly, I couldn’t wait to get back to Shiri. I fingered the lock of hair in my pocket while thinking of her sultry smile and luminous eyes and couldn’t wait to hold her in my arms again. I threw open the heavy curtains, letting moonlight spill into the room. How long had I slept? I spotted a flock of a few dozen wyverns flying below the heavy clouds in the distant horizon. I splashed water on my face and slipped into my trousers and boots, anxious to greet my brothers.

I was out the door in a minute, my wings propelling me down the stairs as I called to the young shifter. “Have a hearty supper for three waiting, and I will pay handsomely,” I called over my shoulder before I was out the door.

I pushed the heavy door behind me, my eyes easily adjusting to the darkness, and breathed in a gulp of sea air mixed with the town’s many strange scents, from the harlots’ cloying perfume, to strong body odor and the pungent smell of fish.

Just as I was about to leap into the sky and intercept my brothers, several menacing dragon roars rattled the marrow of my bones and nearly knocked me on my backside. Onlookers cried out, pointing to the sky as it lit up in a fiery inferno. Venom shot through my heart as I watched dragons pluck wyverns from the sky like hawks attacking sparrows, tossing them to the sea before diving after them. I jumped into the air when I spotted the shadow of a winged Ravini Fae diving for the sea, a dragon chasing after him, his flames singing my brother’s backside.

With my supernatural speed, I passed beneath the dragon, unsheathing my blade and slicing open the soft skin of his underbelly moments before he snapped his jaw over my brother’s tattered wings.

I heard Nikkos cry out as he hit the inky water. I fell behind him in the frigid waters, mindful not to let my wings get soaked as I lifted my brother into the air. Ignoring the sting of the cold air whipping against my wet legs, I flew as fast as lightning, weaving between angry dragons as they painted the sky with fire and wyvern blood. Because of my supernatural speed, they had no time to react to the blur of black feathers that flew past them. I couldn’t look for Finn, for I had to get my badly burned brother to safety first. He was deadweight in my arms, limp and moaning. All his feathers had been burned off, and his backside felt like a sticky ball of wax. I feared if we couldn’t find a green witch, he would surely perish from his injuries—if the dragons didn’t kill us first.

I landed hard on the sandy planks, stumbling into the tavern and dropping Nikkos onto a table. “Find a green witch now!” I called to the barkeep before heading for the door. “If he dies, you’ll have to answer to our mate!” I warned before jumping back into the sky in search of Finn.

The wyverns had all fallen into the water, crying out while dragons swam through the sea like sharks, dragging the hapless creatures to their deaths. I followed the sound of an angry howl and plucked Finn in his menacing wolf form from the dark sea moments before a dragon rose up from the water, the snap of its jowls like a thunderclap in my skull.

I tossed Finn to the shore, and he landed on all fours, heaving up seawater. I landed hard in front of him, snapping open my wings and shooting flames into the air when we were met by a dragonless rider in black riding gear.

I recognized the rider’s shiny bald head and dark, beady eyes, for I’d spied on Fachnan’s forces long enough to know this was Ivar, the captain of the dragon guard, though he was now missing a hand, a new injury, judging by the bloody bandages covering the stump. Behind him stood a group of at least a few hundred dragon riders, watching the carnage. Flickering torchlight lit up their wicked grins as they stood in their encampment of makeshift tents.

“What’s the meaning of this?” I hollered, an inferno of rage pumping through my veins. I had to get back to the inn. If my brother was dead...

The rider unsheathed his sword, gripping it with his one hand. “This doesn’t concern you, firemage. Return to your queen. You’re not welcome in Caldaria.”

“My brother is gravely injured, thanks to your dragons, so it does concern me.” I shot a stream of fire at his feet. “And I’ll return to my queen when you return to your king.”

“Our dragons don’t care for the taste of Fae.” Using his stump, he waved toward the dragons dive-bombing the hapless wyverns like seagulls attacking a ball of fish. “But your brother got in the way of their meals.”

I winced at the wyverns’ keening cries. I felt bad for the creatures, but there was nothing I could do for them.

Still in his wolf-beast form, Finn stumbled to his feet with a roar, towering over both of us like a monster of nightmares, his long, fanged maw dripping saliva and water onto the sand. Claws as big as blades extended from his curled fingers, and the ribs on his wide torso expanded and contracted while he heaved each breath. Though he stood on two feet, his legs were bent like a satyr’s, and he had big wolf paws for feet.

Ivar was wise to take a few steps back while gaping up at Finn.

Finn pounded his chest. “You would allow dragons to eat our wyverns?” His voice was a heavy rumble, like the roll of thunder.

“I don’t allow them to do anything.” The dragon rider gripped his sword with whitened knuckles. “Dragons do what they want. You should know that. This coastline has far fewer fish and game than the northern shores. Our dragons are starving. What would you have them do?”

A pitiful screech rang out, and that’s when I spotted the dragon I’d sliced open struggling to swim toward the shoreline as blood pooled around him. Dragon riders called out, racing toward the water. I was confident nobody saw me slice open the beast, but I would not apologize for saving my brother. Besides, it was a smaller dragon, so they probably assumed another dragon had accidentally mistaken him for a wyvern.

I turned back toward Ivar. “Our mates are white witches. The wyverns are their friends. They will not be happy.”

“I know who your mates are.” He arched a thick brow. “But they aren’t here, are they?”

The predatory look in his eyes caused me to tense. All he had to do was call his dragon, and Finn and I would be turned to ash. “No, but they have powerful magic and can see everything.” The half-truth slipped off my tongue easily enough. Tari and Shiri had known when the girls had been kidnapped. Hopefully, Shiri sensed Nikkos needed their help. “They’ve probably already seen the attack and are hastening here now.” I puffed up my chest. “You’d better pray my brother lives, or you will suffer the wrath of two white witches.”

The color drained from Ivar’s face. “Where is your brother now?”

“None of your concern,” I said on a snarl.

“One of our dragon riders is a green witch and can help your brother.” He motioned toward the shoreline, where the group of dragon riders were now wading into the water to retrieve the dragon I’d sliced open. “As soon as he’s finished healing one of our dragons.”

I shook my head. “So you can finish him off?” Though I was tempted to ask for the dragon rider’s help, I didn’t trust my brother’s life in his hands.

“That wasn’t our intention.” He sheathed his sword, holding up his one hand and his stump in a gesture of surrender. “Like I said, the dragons are starving. They were only looking to eat the wyverns.”

When Finn let out a menacing growl, advancing toward Ivar, the dragon rider retrieved his sword, pointing the tip at the shifter’s chest. “Don’t try anything foolish, Prince Lykaios. I know you want to avenge the Lupine shifters, but your brother Ash and I have formed a truce until the demons are defeated.” His words rattled with fear as Finn continued his advance. Ivar stopped when he reached the shadow of the ridge behind him, bracing his legs when Finn hovered over him. “Then he and I will battle at his chosen time, unless you’d like to fight me now in his stead.”

“Don’t fall for it, Finn,” I called to him. “You’re too tired to fight after the journey. He knows this.” I had no doubt Finn would win. I’d seen him and his brother shred Fachnan to ribbons, but the last thing we needed was Finn killing the rider and pissing off an army of dragons. “Nikkos could be dying,” I added, my voice laced with urgency. “We have to get back to him.”

Finn let out a canine whimper, then took a big step back, his shoulders falling.

Ivar visibly swallowed as he sheathed his sword again with a trembling hand. “My riders and I will be camped on the ridge.” He nodded behind him. “If you can’t find a green witch in town, let us know, and our green witch will be happy to help your brother. I apologize that he got in the way.” He coursed his one hand across his bald head with a groan. “Our dragons can get a bit frenzied when they feed.”

“Those wyverns served us honorably.” Finn flashed his fangs. “They don’t deserve to die like this.”

“If you want to try to stop the dragons, be my guest,” Ivar said with a laugh. “The wyverns are all dead by now.”

My gaze snapped to the horizon, where I no longer heard the wyverns’ cries, just the roars of dragons as they fought over their kills. Shadows eclipsed my heart at the carnage. Shiri and Tari wouldn’t be happy. “Come on, Finn.”

Finn whimpered as we trudged across the dunes. “Wait!” he called at my back, his voice a deeper, darker version of himself. “Ember and Aurora—”

“Are safe and with their mother,” I interrupted.

Falling to his knees, Finn tossed back his head and let out a keening howl while pulling on his fur. I waited for him to finish, then motioned toward the town of clapboard buildings, where a crowd of onlookers gathered to watch the bloodbath in the water. Emotion clogged my throat as I spied the weather-worn shingles on the top of the tavern’s second story. “I need to be with Nikkos.”

Finn wiped his wet eyes with the backs of his furry hands as he stumbled to his big paws. “Let’s go,” he said darkly, following me like my monster shadow. My gut churned as we made our way across the boardwalk toward the inn, in what was the longest walk of my life, as I prayed Nikkos still lived.