A Dragon's Mind: A New Adult Fantasy Dragon Series (The MINATH Chronicles Book 1)

by A. L. Tippett

  It’s the sky!

  She could have wept in relief. Instead, she hauled herself onto her feet, using the wall for support. The gloomy daylight was just visible through a curtain of vines that hung down the cliff face. Steeling herself, Sera scaled the side of the small cave, using the cracked and uneven wall for foot and handholds. It was only a short climb, but it taxed the last reserves of her strength. She made it to the opening and found a ledge that jutted out from the mountainside to pull herself onto. Puffing, she gathered herself before pushing the vines aside and poking her head through the hole.

  I’ve never been so happy to see the sky. Closing her eyes, she lay on the outcrop and basked for a moment in the fresh air.

  A roar to her left made her snap her eyes open. She gasped in horror as the black and copper scales of the two dragons mingled into a bizarre version of a yin-yang symbol as they tumbled out of the cave entrance and into the air. They grappled together, battling for the upper hand. They continued to free fall and Sera covered her mouth with a hand, a whimper escaping as she imagined Arius’ body smashing to the earth. That thought must have also been in the dragon’s minds as they pulled apart before they came too close to the ground. Arius spread his wings and pushed himself away from Desamor with his talons. The wind filled them like sails and broke his fall, but his wing beats seemed laboured as he soared away from Desamor.

  “Arius!” she yelled, but she was too far away for him to hear. If only I could help him.

  She glanced above her head and grabbed a vine. She gave it a hard tug, thinking she could use it as a rope to climb or swing to safety. The roots let go and the vine fell into a coil at her feet.

  No luck.

  She glared at the vine. She tried others, all with the same result. She was fairly certain the vine itself was sturdy enough to take her weight without breaking, but the root system didn’t have enough of a grip on the cliff to hold her.

  So, I survived a cave-in and almost drowning, only to get stuck on the side of a cliff. If only I had wings of my own.

  With that thought, her head snapped up and located Arius. He barrel-rolled through the sky, avoiding Desamor’s outstretched talons. Sinking into the semi-meditative state that was becoming second nature to her now, she called his name inside his mind. He pivoted mid-air and his emerald eyes found her. He let out a relieved bellow. Swiftly switching direction, he surprised Desamor by using his tail spikes to tear a hole in the membrane of the black dragon’s wing. A pained snarl tore from his maw as he struggled to right himself using his injured limb. Her dragon came hurtling toward her, and as he closed the distance between them she noticed red streaks of blood that stained his scales. She bit her lip to hold back a sob.

  Are you okay, Arius?

  I could ask you the same, Sera. I’m going to have to try to land underneath you and hold onto the cliff face with my talons. You will have to jump on my neck. Do you think you can do that?

  Fear flooded her but she tamped it down. This wasn’t much different to some of the training scenarios she’d completed as a Tracker at MINATH. Albeit without the part where she jumped on to a dragon’s back and all that stood between her and certain death was the empty sky.

  Yes. I can. She grabbed one of the vines at her feet in case she needed it and tied it around her waist. I’m ready.

  You will have to be quick. Desamor’s injury won’t slow him down for long and he’ll be on us sooner than you think.

  Sera withdrew from his mind. Arius closed in on her perch, slowing his beating wings and tilting his body so he would land feet first against the cliff face just below her. She grimaced as he hit hard and dug his claws in, sliding a little as they gained purchase. Letting her instincts take over, she lined up the jump and refused to think about the consequences of failing. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted the dark shape of their adversary winging towards them. Setting her mouth in a grim line, she leapt.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  There was a moment of suspension as she took the leap of faith before she felt her stomach in her mouth as she dropped sickeningly through the air. Sooner than she expected, she smacked into his neck. The scales were slick with blood and she scrabbled frantically to stop her fall. Snatching at the closest neck spine, she managed to hang on. A black shadow blotted out what little sunlight there was as Arius pushed off from the mountainside, wings folded close to his sides, and dropped straight down.

  “Goddess, damn it!” Sera swore as her tentative hold slipped.

  Desamor’s great shape smashed into the cliff where they had just been hanging and he screeched his fury at missing his prey. Arius spread his wings and levelled himself out, allowing her time to crawl along his neck to her usual seat at the base of his neck.

  “Sorry about that.” He flung the words over his shoulder, shouting to be heard over the wind. “Are you all right?”

  Yeah, I’m okay, she answered in his mind. Exhausted. But unharmed.

  Let me try something. You might want to hold on tightly in case it doesn’t work.

  Gripping the spine in front of her, fatigue seeped into her bones. She had already pushed herself to the limit in the cave, and now they were being chased by a dragon intent on both of their deaths. Her thoughts were interrupted by a strange electricity that crackled through her senses. The shock wasn’t unpleasant, though. The current shot through her blood and a jolt of energy engulfed her. Invigorated, she grasped the spine tighter as Arius wobbled mid-air.

  What was that? she asked him, straightening up.

  The bond. I have been told that Soulbounds can share their life force with one another. I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Not the ideal scenario to practise in, but desperate times…

  Are you okay, though? You shouldn’t have risked yourself on my account.

  I’m fine. I can’t live without you so I will always risk myself before allowing you into danger.

  That’s sweet, but I can take care of myself. So, what’s the plan then?

  Arius didn’t answer immediately, just flew as fast as his damaged wings would allow him. Honestly… I don’t know. I need to get you to safety. I don’t want to kill my brother, but he’s after our blood. I’m not sure if I’ll have another option.

  Sera mused on their predicament as the wind howled past her ears and the ominous form of Desamor gained on them.

  Desamor won’t drop this feud until I’m dead. If he kills you in his pursuit of me, she shuddered at the thought, I’m as good as gone. I don’t think Desamor will be waiting around to see what your father decides. If you kill him, I might be safe for a little while longer, but I have no idea what your father will do to us. There must be another option.

  Her father’s voice echoed in her mind. “There’s always another way, darling girl.” It was his favourite saying. She smiled as a plan started to take shape.

  Arius, I have an idea. I will need you to trust me. And to catch me if I fall.

  What are you going to do? He twisted his head so he could eyeball her.

  I don’t think you’ll like it. So, all I need you to know is that I need you to fly above Desamor.

  Arius raised an eyebrow and gave a disgruntled snort. Fine. Hold on tight.

  Sera lost her stomach once again as he angled his head up and fiercely beat his wings, shooting straight up through the cloud cover. They glided on silent wings, and Sera gazed around in wonder at the silver dusted clouds; they could have been flying over a steely ocean. She wished she could stop and take in the moment, but for her plan to work they would need the element of surprise. Arius adjusted his wings and lowered them deeper into the blanket of cloud cover.

  Sera took a moment to get her bearings as her vision turned grey, the beads of water sliding off the spines in front of her, making the ivory bones slick. The wind still whipped past her, grasping at her clothes and threatening to pull her from his back. Bending at the waist, she ducked her head low and leaned over the side of Arius’ neck as far as she dared. She heard a frus
trated snarl from somewhere below as Desamor searched the skies for them.

  I need us to go lower.

  I don’t like this, came his taut reply.

  You don’t have to like it. You just have to trust me.

  She withdrew from his mind. She’d need all her wits about her to win this battle. Arius descended further, careful to keep them hidden in the clouds. A second set of wingbeats came into earshot, and Sera checked that the vine was still wrapped around her waist, before pulling Firinne out of its sheath.

  “Here goes nothing,” she whispered to herself.

  She drew her knees up and settled into a crouch, using the nearest spine to balance. Peering down, she could just make out the dark form of Desamor visible through the mist, only a few metres below and slightly behind them. He saw them at the same time and released a triumphant roar at detecting his quarry. With that, she let go and dropped through the air.

  The wind pushed against her, threatening to send her off course and plummeting to her death. Tightening her core, she kept her eyes locked on the black dragon and spread her arms and legs out to slow her freefall. His eyes widened in shock as she fell towards his neck, landing hard; the air left her lungs in a whoosh. Ignoring the pain, she dug her blade into Desamor’s neck as she started to slide and used her momentum to swing up onto his back. Moving quickly before he had time to fully comprehend what was happening, Sera settled into a gap between two spines. She used the vine from her waist to fasten herself against the spike at her back to make it difficult for him to throw her off and tightened the cord just in time. Scales rumbled beneath her as he released a torrent of fiery rage. Screeching, he launched himself into a series of complicated aerial manoeuvres in an attempt to dislodge her. Doing her best to ignore the acrobatics, she closed her eyes and placed her hands against his scales.

  Feral aggression met her when she entered Desamor’s mind. A mental wall of power slammed into her, leaving her gasping. She thought of the way she had gotten around Talegar’s defences and concentrated on making her spirit as ethereal as the wind that still lashed her physical body. Her mind leant into the wall that Desamor had thrown up, applying pressure until it crumbled to dust beneath her.

  White-hot rage filled him and made her feel as if her soul were on fire.

  Stop this! She shouted the words into his mind.

  Never! He was incensed at her presence, and she got the feeling that nothing she said would change his opinion of her.

  I don’t want to hurt you. Please, let’s talk.

  He roared his opposition, refusing to consider her request.

  You leave me no choice. I’m sorry.

  Not wasting any time looking at his chaotic memories, Sera propelled herself through the turbulent seas of his mind. Ignoring the sticky, black tendrils of thought that spread towards her, she quickly located the glowing doorway that led to the next level. The light was different from Arius’. It gave off a sickly green glow and she had to shove her way through. A little part of her questioned the morality of her actions, worried that she would damage his brain irreparably. She waved the thought away. It came down to survival. If she wanted to live another day and save Arius, she couldn’t afford the luxury of mercy.

  As she sunk into the second level, Desamor focused on attacking her within his mind. In doing so, his wings faltered and they dipped closer to the ground. He roared in frustration and beat his wings violently to avoid crashing. She felt his pain as the wind tore at the damaged membrane. The warmth was building in his chest again as he longed to spew fire onto her body, his thoughts screaming for her to get out. As they rose into the air again, Sera did what Talegar had asked of her. She forced her way into the third level.

  She sensed Desamor’s shock and fury as if it were her own as she violated his mind. She gathered the glimmering green lines that controlled his body and on instinct clumsily heaved on them. His wings flared open, and his body swung perpendicular to the ground, slowing their forward motion. She kept pulling the strings and forced him to turn back towards the plateau. She could see Talegar and Aliah standing on the cliff’s edge, watching the battle unfold. She compelled him to fly back to them, keeping a tight grip on the reins of his mind. A distant screeching vainly beat at the back of her mind, but she brushed it off easily. The absolute supremacy she felt as she manoeuvred the massive body of the largest predator in the world was indescribable. And it terrified her.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Aliah openly gawked as Sera guided the black dragon’s body awkwardly onto the plateau. Talegar’s gaze remained guarded as they landed heavily in a billow of dust. She opened their mouth and forced Desamor to speak her words.

  “I have done as you asked, Talegar. I have controlled your son. But I only did this to save Arius and myself.” Though the words were her own, they sounded strange in his voice. “I swear to the Four Gods I will not use this power for evil.”

  Talegar snorted at her words. “Surely you have learnt by now? There is no good and evil. There are facets of light and dark in all things.”

  He watched shrewdly as his youngest son landed in a hurried heap in front of them. Arius snaked his head back and forth as he tried to comprehend what was happening.

  Talegar continued with an impatient toss of his head, “Sometimes you have to do evil things for good reasons.”

  She opened her mouth to argue but bit back her retort when she recognised that she had just done precisely that. In her effort to save the life of Arius she had taken away the free will of Desamor, manipulating him as if he were no more than a puppet. Feeling sick, she withdrew her iron grip on his mind. All was quiet in the once-turbulent ocean of his thoughts as she extracted herself. Coming back to her own body, she sucked in a gasp of air. It felt like her lungs were no longer large enough to hold the amount of oxygen she needed. She shook herself free of the last vestiges of the dragon’s aura. With trembling fingers, she untied the vine that had kept her human body from plunging to the earth. The usual dizziness that accompanied her exit from a dragon’s mind didn’t hit, instead, a familiar hum of electricity trickled through her veins. Her brows knitted as she looked up to meet Arius’ apprehensive gaze.

  You’re feeding me energy again?

  Yes. Relief coloured his tone.

  Once again, thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without your help. But you shouldn’t keep giving me energy. You’re hurt! She winced as she noticed the open slashes on his neck and the blood coating his wings.

  I’ll be fine. He bowed his head. It is I should be thanking you. You saved us. Green fire lit his eyes from within as he drank in her features hungrily. I am so very relieved that you are safe. Thank the Four Gods.

  She blushed at the depth of his concern for her. Cautiously sliding down the side of the unconscious form of Desamor, she worried her lip as she stepped in front of him.

  “What have I done?” She wrapped her arms around her middle, guilt sinking its hooks into her stomach, making her ill. His great body rose and fell with each breath he took, but that was the only sign of life. His eyes remained closed.

  “He slumbers, but I believe he will wake before the day is done,” came the rumbling response from Talegar. The golden dragon shifted his weight. “I have seen this power once before, but not for many decades.” He turned the full weight of his piercing eyes on Sera as if weighing up how much to tell her. “There was another, like you, who could enter the minds of dragons. She could also See.”

  Aliah’s gasp drew Sera’s attention. She snaked her head forward, tail twitching in excitement. “Father, do you believe Seraphina is the one spoken of in the prophecy?”

  A low warning growl rolled from Talegar’s chest. “Do not speak of things you do not understand, Aliah.”

  A squeak escaped from Aliah as Talegar sent his will crashing into her, cutting off anything further she might have said.

  “Prophesy? What prophesy?” Sera darted her eyes over the dragons assembled, trying to decipher w
hat they knew.

  Talegar turned back to her as he explained, “There was a prophesy made many years ago, of a human with a dragon’s abilities. We always assumed it would manifest in more physical ways, but I suppose there is a chance you could be the one it speaks of. I do not recall the exact wording. We would need to take you to Sky Valley to see if you are the one.”

  “Sky Valley? Where is that?”

  “For the safety of my brethren, I will not reveal the location of our home to a human. I am willing to take you there if you are unconscious for the journey, but I refuse to share the location with you. You are a Tracker at heart, and until I can ensure your loyalty, I will not put all of dragonkind at risk.”

  “I can understand your concern, but I swear I won’t lead anyone to your home.”

  “You may not have a choice.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Do you truly believe that your government has the best interests of both humans and mythics at heart?”

  “Yes, of course. That’s what our entire way of life has been built around since the Mythic War.”

  A column of smoke drifted from his nostrils as Talegar chortled. “You naïve little thing. Your foolishness would almost be charming if it wasn’t so dangerous. What do you think happens in the Iniques Rehabilitation Centre?”

  “How do you know about—” She shook her head, deciding to ignore the intimate knowledge the dragons seemed to have about Mandar and the way it operated. “The IRC is committed to serving justice and offering rehabilitation to mythics who have been arrested for unlawful acts,” she said, echoing her teachers from MINATH.

  “I didn’t ask what the IRC claim to do. I asked what you think they do.” A dangerous gleam shone in his eyes as he pointed a talon towards her.

  “I don’t exactly work there. I don’t know anything more than what I just said.”