Page 47 of The Dragon King’s Claw (The Dragons of Serai #17)

We were about a foot through, all of us covered in sweat and dirt, when I heard shouting. Then the rocks began to move. My chest filled with a light feeling, and I grinned as I stepped back.

“Everyone get back!” I waved the talons away from the rocks. “Our rescue has arrived.”

“Our rescue?” someone asked. “Thank the Gods.”

A roar came, loud enough to shake the stones.

“Is that a Dragon?” someone else asked.

“Yes,” I said and grinned wider. “Yes, it is.”

“He's with the King, remember?”

“Oh. Shit. That's the King ?”

“Better step further back,” I said.

We stepped back just as another roar came, this one louder.

And then the wall of stones burst inward.

Through a veil of dust, a massive form appeared.

A man. Hair wild. Eyes glowing. Teeth bared.

That furious stare pierced the fog of debris and locked onto me.

The Dragon King barreled into me, lifting me off my feet.

After catching my breath, I said, “I'm fine. I'm all right, Tor'rien. Everyone survived.”

Tor'rien set me down but didn't let go. “Are you sure?” He brushed back my hair and inspected my face. “No wounds? Do you need blood?”

I cupped his face. “I'm fine.”

“It was that Chelli, wasn't it?”

“Yes. Rulli and Juva. One of the talons saw them.”

“Juva too? Well, that's good enough for me. They will die for this.”

“Not for this.” I took his hands and pulled them away from my face.

“They must pay for those other deaths. They moved the bodies, Tor'rien.

That means there's evidence on them. I assume they'll have remnants of frang nectar, but maybe there's more. Either way, I have to find them. I have to give them a proper burial.”

“Don't worry, Claw Shinkai,” Sir Gilhu said as he came over to us holding something. He lifted it to show me what it was—a finger. Burned to the bone, but still recognizable. “They were sloppy. I can track the bodies by this.”

“Sloppy and foolish,” King Tor'rien said. “Did they really think they could bury my lover and a team of talons without me looking for you?”

“They were desperate.” I looked at the Talon team. “And for good reason. Right, team? What did I say?”

“Before dinner, sir!” they shouted.

“That's right, Talons. Before dinner.” I nodded and looked at the King. “I'm going to arrest them with hungry bellies.”

“If they survive my wrath.”

“Tor'rien,” I whispered. “I am delighted by your show of affection.

Truly. It lightens the heavy emotions that have plagued me.

But please, do not kill them before they stand trial.

I want the city to know that you can't hurt people—any people—without paying the price.

I want everyone to know that it doesn't matter who you are.

Even if you're the wife of the General of Horns, the King's justice will find you. His talons and claws will hunt you down. We will not give up.”

The Talon team cheered again.

Tor'rien's shoulders eased down and his savage expression softened. “As you wish, my Claw. For you, I will rein in my fury. And perhaps you're right. It's better to draw this out. Make them suffer a bit before I fucking kill them .” He snarled the last bit but then smiled again.

I chuckled. “Can we get out of this mine now?”

“Yes.” He took my hand, and then addressed the Talons, “Well done, my Talons. You kept a cool head in a terrifying situation and you've made me proud. But your work isn't over yet. We must find the bodies of those who were murdered here and give them justice.”

The Talons cheered and applauded again. I picked up my shirt, coat, and tube light, and then took the King's hand.

We led everyone out of the mine, the King's guards bringing up the rear.

Once outside, I squinted, shocked to find that it was still early afternoon.

It felt as if we'd been digging forever.

“How long were we in there?” I asked.

The King cleared his throat. “An hour. Maybe a little more.”

“How did you know to look for me?”

“I didn't. I came to take you to lunch. I knew you'd forget to eat.” He glanced back at the mine.

“I wasn't shocked by the blockage, but you weren't here.

No talons or any sign of someone working to open the mine.

And then I smelled you. I knew you were inside and I knew that wasn't where you were supposed to be.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“I will always find you if you need me, Tekhan.”

“I believe you.”

“Sire!” Sir Gilhu called from the forest nearby. “I found a mass grave.”

“Well done, Sir Gilhu!” the King called back, and then he faced the Talons. “Let's finish this.”