Skarlet Kiss

by Elise Whyles

  Peace would not last, but perhaps they’d bought more than a night or two. He picked up the bucket sitting next to the front door and walked down the narrow path to the river. After washing up in the cool water, he filled the bucket and headed back to the house.

  Halfway there, he froze. His skin crawling, he glanced around. He could smell smoke, though it didn’t come from wood, or any fuel known to mortals. Nay, it was the smell, the scent of a dragon’s breath. The bucket slipped from his fingers, splashing to the ground as he raced back to the small house he’d left Una in. Dark, the morning light spilling over the brick, he couldn’t smell anyone but her. Slamming through the door, he caught sight of her curled up, her chest rising and falling with even breathing.

  “Gods be kind,” he prayed as he lurched across the floor. Before he could touch her, he heard the unmistakable sound of dragons approaching. He’d recognized the scrape of scales, the metallic clatter of armor as they opened the portal and transformed on their way through it. He felt his hearts freeze at their approach.

  “Una.” Dropping to a knee, he shook her.

  She huffed in her sleep, curling toward him, but didn’t wake. Half-crazed, fear closing his throat, Liam spotted the bench against the wall beneath a window. He scrambled to it on all fours, a flare of relief when he caught the corner of the trap door. Muscles burning with strain, he grunted as he ripped the bench away from the wall, then lifted the door and turned back to Una.

  * * * *

  “Quickly,” Liam’s quiet grumble pulled Una from a peaceful slumber. Blinking, she looked up at him. Worry flared in his eyes before he glanced away. The muscles in his shoulders flexed with each movement of his hand around his sword hilt.

  “What?”

  “Quickly. Up, up now, little one. There’s no time.”

  “Liam, what is it?” Una scrambled to her feet, her hands fluttering wildly as he wrapped the silk around her. “You’re scaring me.”

  “No time,” he hissed as he gathered the fabric she’d been sleeping beneath and wrapped it around her trembling body. She shuddered with mixed emotions when he pulled her after him toward the bench sitting at an angle. Below it, gaped the opening to a crawlspace. “In, in now.”

  “Liam.” Una clutched at his arm. Terror flowed like ice through her veins, but it was not terror for herself, she feared for Liam. He was acting more than weird, he acted as though he were afraid. “I’m not moving until you tell me what has happened.”

  “They’ve found us. I went to get water this morning and heard the sounds of a portal being opened.” Liam checked the partially open door, waving at the opening almost absentmindedly. “Do not dawdle, little one. The dragons have arrived. If they find you it will go bad for both of us. Come, hurry. Hide. No matter what you see, what you hear, you do not make a sound, do not show yourself until long after they are gone.”

  “What of you?” Fear ripped at the confusion in her mind. “If the dragons are so close, perhaps Saltar’s army is as well. We should just run. We can make it to the river—”

  “They hunt me, not you. I broke their laws. Please, put your faith in me, I will not allow anything to happen to you.”

  “It is not me I am worried about,” Una confessed as she stepped into the dark space. She sank to her knees, her eyes meeting Liam’s concerned gaze. “What will they do to you?”

  “For my crime?” Liam shrugged. “There is but one penalty, little one. Death. Now, be silent. Do not let them catch you. I’ll not have it all for naught.”

  Una gasped as he pushed her down, closed the trap door, and slid the bench back into place. Darkness slid around her. The air was heavy, dank, the smell of wet earth filling her nose. Turning her head, she studied the small area, a sigh of relief escaping when she caught the small sliver of light. Una scrambled across the ground to the light, her body tensing at the growing clatter of footsteps.

  She peeked out the hole and froze, her heart in her throat. Liam stood, sword in one hand, axe in the other. Beyond him, she could make out ten warriors. Males who seemed more monstrous than anything she’d ever imagined.

  One stepped forward, speaking in a language that sounded familiar but she couldn’t place it. Liam shot back a retort, his blade flashing in the sunlight as he pointed it at the soldiers. Una slapped a hand over her mouth to still the scream as the strangers advanced upon Liam. The clang of metal on metal filled the air with grunts and groans of pain and exertion. Beneath her knees, the ground seemed to tremble. She closed her eyes when one warrior caught Liam with a hammer, knocking him back several steps.

  “Please.” Who she offered her pleas to she didn’t know, nor did she really care. Everything within her heart screamed at her to help him. His words of caution however, kept her in place. She would not be more of a burden than she had been, no matter how it pained her to leave him to the cruel intentions of the men sent for him.

  Tears streamed down her face with the first glancing blow that drew blood. She licked her lips as she watched the scarlet trail down Liam’s arm. The flesh sliced deep, she could catch the faint glimmer of his scales.

  Heart racing, she flattened against the earth when one male careened toward her. He landed in a tangled heap, his throat ripped open, blood flowing out in torrents. She buried her head in her arms to drown out the sound of his gurgles of death.

  Voices rose, the words sharp, cutting. Una swallowed and curled into a ball as Liam roared in pain. She rubbed a hand over her heart, the pain slicing through her. Una caught the rattle of chains and lifted her head. Staring past the fallen warrior, she watched two men wrap thick, gleaming chains around Liam’s body, pulling him off balance. Still he fought on, cutting one man’s chest open to the bone. When another got too close, he grabbed his head, twisting his neck until it snapped before ripping it off his shoulders.

  Please, Liam, please...Oh gods, please don’t let him fall. Rage flirted with the fear racing through her blood. Her palms split beneath the touch of her fingernails, the smell of her blood mixing with the smell of Liam’s in her nose. Shaken, she eased closer to the hole as three soldiers managed to knock Liam down. Her eyes took in every detail of them as they kicked at Liam’s body. Their laughter and scorn filling her. You will pay for this. Aye, you’ll fall beneath my blade, of that I can swear. A shudder raced through her at the whisper of the threat, even as she reached for a weapon. She recognized the voice—the instinct belonged to Liam.

  Una swore as they bound Liam’s arms to his chest with the chains. They wrapped a heavy length around his neck before the air shifted and a portal opened.

  The survivors dragged Liam through the portal. It closed with a soft hiss like the air being released from a bladder. Huddled on the cool soil, Una shook with the force of her sobs. She had an idea where they’d taken him, but no idea how to get there.

  Hearing a pained moan, her head snapped up. One of the fallen shifted, rolling onto his back. She recognized the hitch, the pause in his breathing, and she smiled. He lived...but not for long.

  Scrambling toward where she’d come in, Una reached up to the trap door. The damn fool moved the bench back. Grunting under the weight, she sat back, fury and disgust a boiling knot in her belly. The image of Liam in chains, his body bloodied, danced across her sight. Screaming in rage, she punched upward.

  Shock filled her as the wood splintered, shattering like a clay pot. She pulled herself up into the warmth of the main room. The door slammed shut as she raced through the house. Hitting the front door hard, the wood cracked and the hinges gave way as she stepped out into the morning light, her breathing ragged, to stare at the dragon trying to crawl away.

  “No, you shall not escape.” Una inhaled, the sense of fading filling her mind before she dropped to her knees next to the wounded male. “Not until you tell me where they’ve taken him.”

  “You...it was you.” Wheezing, the gurgle of air through liquid filled the late afternoon sky as the warrior stared at Una. “He will perish for the gift h
e gave. A heart to bind you forever.”

  “Nay, I’ll not allow it.” Una placed a knee on the worse injury, a gaping hole in the man’s belly, and pressed. “Tell me where they’ve taken him and I shall ease your passing.”

  “Palace. For his trial.”

  “How do I get there?”

  “Only dragons can enter our realm.”

  “Your realm will know true suffering if he is not returned to me. There is life in you yet, you will guide me there so you may find solace in your own world.”

  Standing up, Una bent to grab his shoulder. Ignoring his groans of agony, she all but dragged him to his feet.

  His dagger slid from its sheath with a whisper, and she slid her toe under the hilt and kicked it up to catch the fallen blade. She turned the blade so the tip rested at his throat. “Peace will be yours, now open the portal.”

  Leaning heavily on Una, the dragon shook his head. “Even if you get to our world, do you think the king will grant him a boon for breaking the most elemental law? Death must be met.”

  “It will not be Liam’s.” Una swore as the visage of the river wavered, bending and twisting only to reveal a scene unlike anything she’d ever seen. The lush green of the rolling hills, the rocks, and dragons flying in the sky carried through the portal. “Move, dragon, so you may find what it is you seek.”

  Shoving him forward, Una followed him through the portal. She jumped, glancing behind her when the stifling heat of the mortal realm was snuffed out like a candle. A high wall of green moss and stone stretched upward behind her. With one hand, she reached out, her fingers dancing over the soft, moist plant.

  “Ah, death comes.” He swayed on his feet, the smell of his blood filling her nostrils. “For both of us, mortal. If the wild ones don’t get you, the king’s guard will.”

  “I defy either to do so.” Una stared out over the land. She could make out the mist swirling around a large structure in the distance. Squinting, she froze, shock wrapping around her heart. Warriors dressed in armor lined the walkway of a castle. Huge stone statues flanked the elaborate gates.

  Una turned to the dragon when he crumpled, his body hitting the ground with a thud. Bending over, she touched his face. He stared sightlessly upward, a half smile on his face, a look of utter peace easing the agony from his features. She swallowed, the taste of death on her tongue. She knelt and pulled the fabric of his garb up over his face then rose and turned to appraise the distance. It would take her two, perhaps three days, but she would get there.

  Palming her chest, she rubbed at the ache, her mind already on what these beings would do to Liam. She would kill them all if they dared to harm him. Absentmindedly, she ran her tongue over a fang, sucking on the droplets of blood as she gathered her courage.

  She tucked the dagger into her robe and glanced skyward. Perhaps the darkness would give her aide, though she didn’t know when the sun would set. She spotted several winged beasts flying but ignored them. What did it matter if they caught her? If they did, she would ensure they took her to their king, and if he wasn’t willing to listen, she’d show them all what happened when she was displeased.

  Chapter 18

  The setting sun cast shadows across the lush terrain as Una crawled beneath the ledge. She bent her knees, resting her chin on them as she stared out over the spreading shadows. Liam was out there, and gods only knew what sort of shape he was in. Would they torture him before they killed him? How did one kill a man such as Liam? With each dark thought, her mind conjured images that danced across her psyche until she snapped. Biting back a snarl, she lashed out, punching the rock above her.

  Amid the shower of debris, Una froze, ignoring the rock covering her knees. What light there was played across the long, sharp claws on her hand, casting shades of red and purple that danced across each nail. “What in this world?” She lifted her hand, tilting it to and fro as she studied it. “First it was the thirst for blood, now this... Gods above and below, what am I becoming?”

  An icy chill raced over her as she huddled deeper into the rock, her heart racing. Did what she was matter? Would it mean much if she could not save him? Trembling, Una shook her head and offered a silent prayer for morning light. Nothing mattered without him. Nothing.

  * * * *

  Una slipped on the wet grass, her claws digging into the earth as she slammed into the ground. She could hear the rushing water nearby, her face covered in the heavy mist of the spray. Her stomach rumbled, hunger gnawing at her. Two days without food and little rest had pushed her to the brink. Legs trembling, she sat on the moss, the coolness of the moisture seeping through the cloth wrapped around her.

  Exhaustion plagued her. She needed to eat, but there wasn’t... She studied the ground around her, instinct kicking in as she sought out food. Her mouth watered at the sight of a small, slimy looking creature sitting on a rock. About three fingers long, a deep crimson and blue, it appeared to be sleeping. Creeping forward, she stared at the creature, her tongue licking at her lips. Ah yes, it would taste delicious. Raw, its blood would ooze down her throat and soothe the ache in her belly.

  With a sudden pounce, Una held up the animal, her claws buried through it. Its body jerked as she studied it. Purring softly, she opened her mouth and sucked it in. Hot, the throb of its still beating heart eased her hunger as she looked around.

  Tasty little deargán, ain’t you? Not quite as delicious as Liam, but you’ll do. Una licked her fingers and returned her attention to searching for another. Leaping across two rocks, she grabbed a slightly larger one, the tail lashing angrily as she pulled it from the crevice it had slunk into.

  “Well, well, what is the little tart doing? Perhaps she’d care for something a bit larger to dine upon.” Rough, smoky, the drawl grated over Una’s nerves like a thorny bush.

  Turning her head, she stared at two males and a female who watched her. The taller of the two males sneered, his eyes drifting over her body. She gagged at the look of lust in his eyes, anger stirring as she straightened. Unwilling to give up her dinner, she popped the lizard into her mouth, chewing as she appraised the trio before her. She discounted the female with ease, she looked ready to run at the slightest sudden noise. The other male hovered, pity and fear in his eyes.

  “Well, tart? Have you nothing to say?”

  “Perhaps she is one of those who do not speak our tongue?” the woman suggested.

  “Didn’t ask you, did I?” the male snapped, half turning.

  Una turned her attention to the female who scurried back a couple of steps, her eyes downcast. Bruises covered most of her face; a split lip looked barely healed. The obvious swell of her abdomen told of a pregnancy. Beneath it though Una could sense fear.

  White light swirled and danced like ribbon around the woman’s heart, marred with the faint shadows of fear and pain. It called out to be free. Her heart yearned for better, but fear kept her bound.

  “I speak your tongue, female. Why do you not kill him and be free of his cruelty?”

  “He is my master. I cannot.” The woman’s eyes darted up to meet hers, fear and curiosity in their green-red depths before she masked her emotions by lowering her eyes.

  “Well. You one of those weird half-bred abominations? Or have you been punished?” The two men laughed, nudging each other with rough shoves.

  “Hardly.” Una studied them, her eyes narrowing.

  The shorter, stockier male cowed back, his eyes darting to the woman. She caught the scent of his fear, his uncertainty, and smiled. He would not present a challenge...the other—him she would kill.

  “Ah, so she speaks.” Striding forward, he chortled. “Shall we see what else you can do?”

  “Let’s.” Una whirled, her leg kicking out to catch him at the ankles, knocking him to the ground, his roar of fury drawing a smile. Without pause, she straightened, her hand going to the folds of fabric at her hip. Pulling the dagger from its hiding place, Una smiled. “I shall cut out your black heart and while it still beats I�
�ll drain you dry.”

  “Please, we didn’t—” The female reached out a shaking hand toward Una.

  “Be silent, you cowering twit.” The male climbed to his feet, his hand reaching for his sword. “You will regret that, you stupid little bitch.”

  “I think you will regret it far more.” Una ducked his swing, her hand coming up to land in his diaphragm, knocking the wind from him. He stumbled back, gasping for air. Una whirled, her body moving fluidly, like a dancer. She caught his arm when it raised, her claws tearing through flesh and blood to the bone. His roar of agony was cut off by her fist to his throat. Gagging, choking, he dropped to his knees.

  Power surged through her body. Every sense on alert, Una met the gaze of the two as she pulled his head back, baring his throat. With startling clarity the realization of what she was becoming hit. She was more than just a human female, more than the weakling Amuliana would have slaughtered. She was becoming a woman strong enough to be Liam’s mate. “Never challenge until you are certain who you offend,” she warned, her fangs lengthening, instinct guiding her motions as she sank them deep in the dragon male’s neck.

  Drawing mouthfuls of blood, she purred in satisfaction. Thick, syrupy, it laid heavy on her tongue as she drank her fill. Each pull of his blood pushed her further and further toward a goal. Only when the sweetness of his blood had faded did she toss his body aside. She straightened, wiping the blood from her face to lick her fingers.

  “Shall we discover what other skills I have?” Una glanced between them. She shook her head when they both denied her suggestion, scrambling back.

  “Please, I beg of you don’t kill me.” The woman held out her hands. “I swear fealty, I’ll do whatever—”

  “I’ve no need for a slave.” Una waved aside the pledge, her attention turning to the power surging through her veins. She could feel skills, knowledge flowing…the bitterness of the being seeping into her mind. Ruthless, cold, she clamped down on the man’s essence, clearing her mind with ease. Glancing down, Una sighed at her dress. Stained and ripped, it revealed more than it hid. No wonder the male had thought her an easy target. “I shall grant you freedom though. I seek better attire for my meeting. Perhaps you have a cloak or something...”