Page 36 of Wrath of the Dragons (Fear the Flames #2)

“It’s said the first dragons were born from the stars to light the world when the night became too dark.

I worship the Goddess of Flames but not the God of the Sun, although his power is fire.

There are four forms of fire: sunfire, starfire, dragonfire, and earthly fire.

The God of the Sun wields his power from the sun, obviously, and the Goddess of Flames can wield the other three, hence the triple flame symbol I wear around my neck.

Only gods can conjure elements from nothing, while mages and priestesses like myself can merely wield what’s around us. ”

“Why couldn’t they wield all forms of fire if they’re fire gods?” Saskia asks.

“Because they’re entirely different elements. That’s like asking why the earth god can’t wield water. All fire is unique and incomparable.” Asena’s dark eyes flash to the flames when a log cracks. “People think the gods disappeared.”

“But you don’t think that?” I ask.

“Nothing that exists on this earth is ever truly gone. Life and death are inseparable. When a body is buried, it’s absorbed by the soil that life sprouts from.

The God of the Sun was cruel to the dragons, and the Goddess of Flames challenged him to relinquish his claim as a fire god.

Their feud is what doomed the gods. There aren’t winners in war, only survivors. ”

“If nobody won, what was the outcome?” My palms moisten as I glance out the window to where some of my dragons are soaring above the trees, and others are sprawled out in the snow, their colorful scales creating a stark contrast. Nobody will take them from me.

Not a god or a mortal. I’ll rip apart anyone who challenges me with my bare hands if I must.

“We speculate, but nobody knows.”

“But what do you think?” Saskia presses.

“I don’t think the end has come to pass. I think it’s been brewing for centuries.”

I flinch as thunder claps in the distance, and swallow the ridiculous sense of pending doom, focusing on the task at hand.

“You say that I’m blessed by your goddess.

Do you think that might give me abilities beyond the bond I share with my dragons?

So that I could do more than simply ride them and command their loyalty? ”

Asena weighs my words, pursing her lips and glancing into the fire again as if she’s searching for an answer within. “I think there are many possibilities that can come from being blessed by a god, and I don’t think you should dismiss any.”

I glance at Saskia again and shake my head.

I’d rather not reveal unnecessary information despite her swearing she won’t.

I’d be long dead if I trusted every person who gave me their word.

Waking up dormant magic is a subject we can find in a book; godly lore is far more limited.

“When you opened the portal for us you were speaking Ravarian.”

“The forgotten language of the gods.” She nods. “It’s passed down through members of the cults, but written accounts are rare.”

A talon-like sensation scrapes against my mind, urging me to ask my question. “How do you say dragonfire?”

“Zayèra.”

“Zayèra,” I respond, rolling the R as she did, and a pleased smile forms on her face when I pronounce it correctly. “Thank you, Asena, you’ve been very helpful today.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I’m happy to help you in any way I’m able.”

“To repay you,” I begin, rising from the couch to escort her out of the office. “I’d love for you and Ophir to officiate the royal wedding. Your people are also welcome to attend.”

Her eyes widen and lips part before breaking out into a wide smile. “Y-yes, Your Majesty. We would be honored.”

“Asena, if you could just wait outside for a moment, I’ll walk you down,” Saskia says in a kind tone, and doesn’t continue until the priestess takes her leave and shuts the door behind her.

“The nobles will be in an uproar if you let a mage and a priestess officiate the ceremony. You’ve only just lifted the bans on magic. ”

“Oh, I’m counting on it.” I drum my fingers over my lips. “Sometimes when a snake slithers into your garden, you have to seek it out before it bites you.”

Saskia’s brows rise, and a smirk lifts her full lips. “I like the way you think.”

“We have a week to prepare.”

“A week?” she shrieks. “You tell me this now! You don’t even have a dress.” She places both hands on her forehead, groaning as she looks to the ceiling. “The wedding of the century and you give me a week to plan it.”

“The dressmaker is coming tomorrow!”

“Oh, yes she is.” She rips the door open in a huff and stomps into the hall.

I slide my pendant along the chain, still laughing softly as I glance toward my dragons again. Born from the stars. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been so drawn to them.

Footsteps patter closer, but it’s not coming from the hall, it’s coming…

from behind the wall. My palms prickle with nerves.

I know the house is warded, but that doesn’t stop me from pulling a knife from my thigh sheath and gliding through the room without a sound.

My back presses into the wall. I follow it and hold my breath as the gold-framed painting of a churning ocean with a stormy sky swings open, and a blond man dressed as a servant steps through.

The tip of my knife is pointed at his neck before he gets far, and his throat bobs as he swallows. He’s taller than me, but I latch my hand on to his shoulder, pressing the blade farther into his skin. “If I nick you right here, you’ll bleed out in seconds.”

“You move like an assassin.” He sounds far more impressed than a man in his position should be.

“Perhaps I am.”

The door to the office is shoved open and Cayden strides into the room. My heart swells at the sight of him. “Don’t make me jealous, angel. Alexus is a good spy, and you know I don’t act rationally when riddled with that emotion.”

“I’m your best spy,” the man…Alexus, answers.

I retract my knife and hoist my skirts to sheath it on my thigh again before rounding Alexus to get a better look at him: fair hair on his head and jaw, and light green eyes.

Not a deep shade like Cayden’s, closer to a lily pad floating atop a lake.

“You snuck in here so I’m not going to apologize. ”

His eyes scan me from head to toe, widening slightly when they return to my face. Not in a way that makes my skin crawl. He’s too earnest in his perusal. “That’s enough,” Cayden says, tucking me against his side. “I’m assuming you’re not here to gawk at my betrothed.”

Alexus clears his throat, his cheeks reddening.

“Yes, sir.” He pulls a small silver key from his pocket, swinging it around his finger.

“Lord Xantheus is hosting a dinner at House Baelyn, which several lords are invited to. I stole the spare key to Lord Xantheus’s office from the head butler’s chamber, and you’ll want to come with me tonight. ”