Page 52 of The Forbidden Dragon King (Shadow Kings #1)

Ignatius hesitates for a moment, before he repeats in a strained voice, “I am a nobody.”

Caligo reaches out, gripping the top button on Ignatius’ uniform. He twists it, until it breaks off .

Then he throws it onto the ground.

What the hell?

Caligo tuts, flicking over the area where the uniform is now damaged. “Look at that, cadet, your uniform is missing a button. You’ve failed the inspection. This evening, you will report to the post for a whipping. Ten lashes.”

Ignatius pales. “Yes, sir.”

Freya draws in a sharp breath.

Is this what happened to Aurelius on his first day? It looks like one of the instructor’s standard tricks.

What a fucking bully.

But why did he choose Ignatius? Is it because he believes that he can forge him into a weapon in the same way that he has Aurelius?

Or because he wants to break him?

It’s ironic that Caligo appears to have the same idea about dividing the group into the strongest and weakest on the first day. Shame for Ignatius that his high opinion of himself has just been shattered because it turns out that he’s the prey.

“Something that you want to say, wolf?” Caligo taunts, dangerously quiet.

Freya shakes her head.

When Caligo turns to me, I’m not surprised.

“I bet that you’re expecting me to make your life hell, fae.” Caligo adjusts my uniform in careful but firm movements that could be avulcular, if it wasn’t for his words. “After all, you broke my brother’s nose. Cracked his teeth. And he’s been sent to the borderlands because of you. ”

“Shouldn’t I get a medal for that?”

Caligo’s hands tighten on the front of my uniform, wrinkling it.

“You’d expect me to kill you. Nobody would know.

Have you any idea how much power I hold behind these walls?

But actually, Tiberius was always a lazy, careless fucker.

If he allowed a prisoner to beat him in a three to one fight, then he deserved to be exiled.

He brought shame on my family. No, I’m going to make your life hell because I fucking hate fae. ”

“Why? I’m charming, once you get to know me.” I flash a smile.

Caligo grabs me by the back of the neck and drags me close enough to whisper into my ear to make sure that no one else can hear, “I was there, you know, at the sack of the Winter Court. I watched your parents burn .” I try to wrench free of his hold, but he only drags me closer.

My heart is hammering in my chest. My hands clench at my sides.

“Settle, cadet. You don’t want me to punish your Omega, hmm?

Behave, King Daire. Are you eager to fight me like you fought my brother?

You’ll find that I’m not out of shape and easy prey like those guards were.

Plus, Maximinus, my old friend, told me over a few drinks of mead how he’s controlling you with iron poisoning.

Just like he poisoned your Winter Court.

What, struggling again? Does it hurt to remember?

You should never have survived the First Fae War.

I’ll make sure that you fly to reunite with your parents soon, don’t worry.

How weakened are you? I’ve never fought a blind fae before. Shall we see who wins?”

He shoves me back roughly .

My breathing is ragged. Rage and distress swirl around me like my fluttering shadows.

I bare my canines.

Freya is staring at me worriedly but also, her brows are furrowed with confusion.

She didn’t hear. Thank the Shadow Gods.

Caligo believes that my vision is more impaired than it is. If I can convince him that I’m less powerful than I am, then that gives me the advantage.

Freya is still watching me, concerned.

I can’t explain my plan but I tap on the snowflake. Immediately, she becomes more alert.

All the cadets are watching now, even if they still haven’t moved a muscle.

Time to put on a show.

Caligo prowls into the middle of the parade ground in front of the whipping post.

He beckons to me. “Walk toward my voice, fae. I assume you have enough enhanced senses to still fight me.”

He means to humiliate me.

I need to play this just right.

My wings stretch behind me, as I stalk toward Caligo. “Any time.”

“Feel free to call me sir.”

“I can kick your arse any time, sir .”

Freya laughs.

Caligo circles me. I crouch into a fighting stance.

When he jabs for me, faster than I’m expecting, I weave to avoid the blow .

He tries to catch me with a hook, but I twirl out of the way like it’s a dance. Frustrated, he swings at me repeatedly.

Jab, cross, lead hook, and rear hook.

I’d forgotten how fun sparring was.

But he’s too predictable. His patterns are obvious. He’s spent too long in the academy and off the battlefield.

I may be a bandit but I’ve spent the last decade fighting for survival. I could destroy this arrogant bastard in moments if I chose to.

I catch Caligo with my wing, and he sprawls backwards.

He growls.

Then he appears to be reconsidering his tactics. This time, when he attacks me, he’s as silent as possible.

I pretend to be confused, turning my head this way and that, while sniffing the air.

Caligo sweeps out my legs, and I let him. I land heavily, grunting. He stomps heavily onto my broken rib, and I know that it’s not an accident.

I hiss in agony, as he keeps his boot on my chest like I’m a conquered trophy.

He grinds his heel into my ribs. “Stay down, fae.”

I pant, sweating in pain.

I avoid looking at Freya.

Does she realize that I threw the fight?

I’m her protector. I’m suffering this for her. I’m dying for her and my people.

Does she guess? Or think that I’m not worthy to be her Alpha ?

Caligo grinds the heel of his boot down into my broken ribs. “Messalla, your turn next. Every dragon cadet will fight the fallen king. No one here will forget that the fae were once our enemy, one that we have conquered as we will conquer the fucking Bloods.”

I grit my teeth.

One beating down. A dozen to go.

I’ve lived my life with pain, however, it’s carved into my skin. What’s a drop of torment in an ocean of agony?

Caligo lifts his boot from my chest. “Up. Fae have to be good for something. Once, I used Unseelie prisoners for target practice. I should have thought to use them as punching bags during training sessions. Don’t break him totally, Messalla.

The first trial is happening tomorrow, and he must at least be able to walk.

Still, the weakest of you won’t survive the trial.

Probably the silver dragon who came here believing that service in the academy would enhance your position at court like a pretty, gleaming medal.

But the fae can at least die on his feet like a warrior. ”