Page 20 of The Midnight Death Match

My stomach knots. This is really happening. “I’ll let Harek know.”

Einar nods before returning to his book.

The wind stirs hard against the mountain, pulling at the outer doors with low, rattling groans. Sapphire thrashes her wings restlessly, her scales shimmering like lit coals in the storm light.

“Easy,” I murmur, pressing a hand to her flank. “We’re not leaving you behind.”

Harek, busy filling the enormous food bowls with some kind of meat, manages to wave when he sees me.

Vash circles just outside the open doors, eyes glowing like cut emeralds in the dusk. He huffs and paces, his tail flicking with sharp snaps.

“He knows something’s wrong,” Harek says, coming over to me. “They both do.”

“I think they’ve felt it for days,” I say, smoothing a hand down Sapphire’s shoulder. “They’ve been restless.”

He moves to stand across from me, gently catching Vash’s reins as the black dragon prowls around.

I tell him what my father said about the noble. After a brief hesitation, I ask, “Do you want to come with us?”

His eyes meet mine, steady. “That’s not even a question. When do we leave?”

“As soon as possible.”

“You’re nervous.” He wraps an arm around me. “You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here for you always.”

I relax against him. “This could be dangerous. Einar and I are looking for a way to end the hunter curse. I’m sure we’re not the first to try and figure this out.”

“But you’ll be the last.” He rests his chin against my shoulder.

The wind howls again. Thunder groans far off.

“It’s going to be dangerous. I want you to know what you’re getting yourself into.”

He nods like he understands. Maybe he does. Not that any of us really know what we’re stepping into. “I’m up for anything, and I want to be part of this. No matter the cost.”

The words hit somewhere deep. “I don’t want to put you in harm’s way.”

“You can’t stop me. I’m already involved, and there’s no way I’m letting you leave me behind.”

For a moment, the only sound is Sapphire’s soft, huffing breath and the rhythm of Vash’s tail against the stone.

Then Harek brushes a strand of hair from my cheek.

I swallow, turn to face him.

His gaze lingers on me, stealing my breath.

The door creaks open, and we both leap back.

Einar steps through the door. “There you two are. We should plan on being gone a few days.”

I clear my throat. “I’m going to start packing.”

Harek nods. “I’m going to saddle Vash.”

My father turns to him. “You’re ready to fly on your own?”

“Yes. We’ve been communicating through our minds.”