by S. D. Grimm
“Quinn, I’m sorry.” He held out his hands to calm her. “I—don’t wake me up like that, okay?” He wanted to reach out and comfort her, but he didn’t want to startle her.
She flung her arms around him and squeezed. “They’re coming.”
“Who’s coming?”
“The shadow wolves. The trees say the levels have expanded. The Mistress is gaining power.”
Ethan pried her loose and strapped on his sword belt. “Remind me?”
“They’re the ghosts of the afterworld. They howl like the wind and hunt in packs. They can enter your dreams and kill you there.”
His heart jolted. “Do they have red eyes?”
“Yes.” She trembled.
“Hey.” He touched her arm. “Listen. I’m going to keep you safe.” He wished he had Jayden’s ability to calm others. Sometimes Quinn forgot how powerful she was. She needed to focus on who she was becoming, not who she’d been. “Tell me everything.”
“Everyone who is asleep is at risk. You—I think you were—they were attacking you.”
Heat exploded across his chest. Whatever they were, they wanted the Deliverers. And Quinn. Ethan raced out of his tent and started shouting a warning. “Sound the alarm!” More people repeated his call until the alarm gong resounded.
Chloe dashed to his side. “What is it?”
He faced her. “Where’s Jayden? Something is coming, and whatever it is wants the Deliverers for the Mistress. I really hope Serena is okay.”
Chloe raced for the tent while Logan grabbed Ethan’s arms. His eyes begged for an explanation. “The shadow wolves. They fly. The level expanded. They can reach us now, and they inhabit dreams. Everyone who is asleep is in danger.”
“Can they be killed?” Jayden ran up to where they stood.
Quinn nodded. “By fire or Wielder-crafted weapons.”
“And lightning?”
“Let’s hope so,” Logan said.
White wisps darkened the clouds above. They resembled giant bats with wolfish heads and whips for tails with arrowheads at the end. No shrieks, only the deep, unsettling howl of wind.
The sky rumbled and clouds congregated, blocking the stars. The beasts dove through the cover and dropped close to the earth. Jayden held up her dagger.
Ethan touched her arm. “How many bolts can you call?”
She shook her head. “Maybe one? I–I—” She stared at the sky. “If the wolves were congregated.”
“As you wish.” Ethan allowed himself a smile, and that fueled him. “Zephyr.” He called for his gryphon. As he felt Zephyr drawing closer, he touched Jayden’s cheek. “I’ll get all those monsters herded into one spot for you.”
“Ethan, I—”
He let go and raced toward Zephyr. But he called over his shoulder, “Just don’t hit me. I trust you.”
Zephyr dropped to the ground, and Ethan touched his friend’s shoulder. “We have to get these monsters to chase us. Up for some antagonizing?”
“Always.”
“Ethan!” Chloe’s voice caused him to turn. She grabbed his arm. “They want you.”
“They’ll be sorry when the lightning strikes.” He jumped onto Zephyr, but Chloe clung to his shirt and jumped, too. “Chloe—”
“You will not win this argument.” As the gryphon took flight, she held tight to him. Then she spun around on the gryphon and pulled out her daggers.
“Do not fall.”
Her smile warmed him. “Don’t worry, Ethan Branor. I have your back.”
Zephyr zipped through the clouds, closer to the spot where the beasts seemed to be free to maneuver. One of the white beasts dove toward him. Gleaming teeth exposed. Red eyes, the same as the targets from his dream, locked onto him. He slashed, and it shrieked as his blade passed through like a hand through a wisp of smoke. Gone. Blood tainted his blade as clear as water.
Could these things harm people who were awake? They didn’t seem substantial enough.
“It’s like cutting smoke,” Chloe said.
“Yeah. Keep cutting.”
“Hold on.” Zephyr dove, and Ethan grabbed Chloe’s arm.
They headed into a mist, and razor claws sliced at his face from every direction. Zephyr grunted.
“You okay, friend?”
“As long as they don’t bite, she’ll be fine.”
“She?”
“We are impervious to their venom, Ethan. Chloe is not.”
Ethan’s heart sped. Great. At least he had his talent to help protect her. A creature dove for him, and Chloe’s dagger pierced its chest. It puffed away like a cloud of white smoke and vanished. “They’re following us.”
“You default to this plan often.” Chloe glared at him, but there was a smile in it.
“Maybe I like to be chased.”
She laughed.
“Incoming.”
A group of three more drew too close. Ethan decapitated one and swung to slice through another. No resistance. He’d lose his balance if he wasn’t careful.
Chloe killed another. The sky darkened. Thunder rumbled, and everything smelled like rain. He breathed in. “I hope Jayden’s ready.”
“Here we go. Hang on.”
A gust of cool wind followed these creatures. Jayden whirled around. Stormcloud flew above her in the clouds, kicking and fighting each of the animals. They blew away like puffs of smoke, but there were so many.
The Feravolk fought beside Jayden on the ground.
Melanie stayed at her back. “You think you can call a storm in time?”
“There really isn’t a choice.”
More cold air. And screams followed. They shrieked. Jayden slashed with her dagger, and another puff of mist clamored to fill her lungs with moist air. She looked up. Zephyr dove again, herding the beasts in a chase.
“Here they come.”
She braced herself, exposed, but with Melanie and Gavin and Logan protecting her. They dove for her.
Jayden called the storm. Lightning leapt to her command. Filled her every vein. Ready to strike. Ethan passed her. The Creatures gaining on him. Electricity zapped. She told Melanie and the others to run and pointed her dagger at the mass of creatures.
Lightning poured from her blade. Fire crackled and shot into the creatures, right where she directed it. Hundreds of spindly legs of electricity zapped out, lighting up the creatures from the inside and blowing them apart like exploding clouds.
Cheers struck up around her as the Feravolk raced back in to attack the remaining few.
But the shadow wolves knew defeat. With the flutter of an angry wind, they began to fly away.
And she slumped to her knees, exhausted. A tearing rip sent hot pain through her shoulder. She buckled over as the weight of a creature slammed into her.
Blood trickled down her back. Seeped into her clothes.
She spun around and faced the ghost-white creature. Then Logan’s sword passed through it, and the monster was nothing but mist.
“Jayden?” Logan grabbed her other shoulder. His blue eyes pierced her, and his worry flooded into her.
“I’m okay.” She struggled to her feet. “I’m just tired.”
Stormcloud landed beside her, and the skies looked much less full.
Logan’s expression turned grim. “You’re bleeding. Melanie!”
“You did it!” Melanie touched Jayden’s arms. “What happened?”
“It—it scratched me.”
“Not a bite?” Quinn asked, eyes wide.
The face of the creature flashed in Jayden’s mind. Blood speckled its whiskers, but that could have been anyone’s.
“I don’t think so.”
“If their saliva gets in your bloodstream for too long it can make you have nightmares.” Quinn touched her uninjured shoulder. “And they can kill you there.”
“I–I feel fine.”
Chapter 23
Vulnerable Heart
Serena braced herself for the pain of dragon’s fire across her back, but none
came. Dash sprung in front of her, but the flames didn’t come.
Kara pushed Serena off of her and stood. “What were you thinking?”
“That you were about to die.”
“So you jumped in front of an open-mouthed dragon for me? Dragon’s fire can hurt Healers. You know that, right?”
Serena stood. “Yes.” It surprised her that Kara knew. Dragon’s fire could stunt a Healer’s power the same way bandy weed could.
Kara had lost her sneer. “Ember wouldn’t hurt me. We’re bonded.”
“Bonded?” Dash stamped his hoof and a shudder of fear rippled over the bond. “To a dragon? She can lie to you. Get on my back. We’re leaving.”
Serena’s heart clutched. This could not be happening. “We can’t leave. I have to go after Ryan. And she’s my way out.”
“The one person who can deceive us?”
“I didn’t know.”
“You know now. Let’s leave.”
“No.”
“You would trust her to take you into the palace as a prisoner even now?” Dash faced her, pushed his soft nose into her. “I won’t let that happen.”
Serena looked at the dragon. Ember. Kara had called her Ember.
Kara put out her hand, and the dragon placed its red, scaled chin in her palm. “She’s been following me at a distance since I left the Island in the Swamp with your friends Gavin and Melanie.” Kara scratched Ember’s chin, and the dragon thumped her spiked tail against the ground.
“I thought she’d be larger.” Serena marveled at the creature. Maybe she wasn’t the color of fire. Maybe it was more like a warm summer sunset. Serena extended a shaking hand. “May I?”
Kara smiled an actual, soft smile and nodded.
With trembling fingers, Serena touched Ember’s long neck. The scales were warm and incredibly hard. Ember’s eyes flickered to meet Serena’s. She opened her talent to feel the dragon’s heart. Her probing stalled, and she sensed a heavy door, like thick armor, that she could not break through. Dragons could prevent Healers from reading their hearts. Ember’s eye narrowed, but slowly, the door cracked open, exposing the tender heart beneath.
Warmth radiated through Serena’s body. The heart felt good. Sensible. Gentle. The door slammed shut.
Serena looked at the dragon. “Thank you.”
Ember cocked her head.
“Did you feel it, Dash?”
The unicorn snorted. “I felt it. Doesn’t mean I trust her scaly hide, or the woman to whom she is bonded.”
“It’s better than nothing.” Serena turned to Dash and stroked him.
“Your hand is warm.”
“She will help us.” Kara patted Ember’s neck. “And promises not to hurt your friends.”
Serena turned to the dragon. “Thank you. We’ll need all the help we can get.”
Half of Kara’s face scrunched up. “But . . . she brought a friend.”
“What?” Serena gasped as another dragon, slightly larger than Ember but green in color, raised his head and walked closer to them, bending young trees, snapping others. He was slender enough to fit between some. And as he rose, she could see how his colors had rendered him nearly invisible here. Like a grassy hill.
Kara clenched her jaw. “This is Blaze.”
“Two dragons?” Dash reared up, flailing his hooves at the beasts. “No.”
Serena locked eyes with Blaze. Something inside the green eyes seemed soft. Uncertain. Would he be willing to show her a glimpse of his heart? She felt for it. Blaze’s eyes narrowed, and he lowered his head, more to her level.
Dash stood between them, swishing his tail.
Smoke poured from Blaze’s nostrils.
“He says he doesn’t like you, either, horse.”
“Horse?” Dash snorted and stamped.
Kara shrugged. “His words. Not mine. But he says something about that vicious sword of noble light.”
Serena placed her hand on Dash’s shoulder. “Dragons have fire that stunts our abilities. Unicorn horns can cut through dragon scales easily. It’s said that only a sword of noble light can kill the evil dragon. But that’s not you, is it?” Serena looked at Blaze. “The evil dragon is an important distinction.”
“What are you talking about now?” Kara crossed her arms.
“A unicorn’s horn can kill a dragon, sure. But so can other things. But the dragon, the mount of the Mistress, the dragon she created. That dragon must be killed by a unicorn’s horn.” She looked at Blaze. “If you’re on our side, instead of the Mistress’s, I think you’ll help us.”
Blaze tipped his head to the side as if agreeing with her. Serena probed for his heart again. This time, the door opened easily. Loyalty, friendship, and trust lingered there.
Serena smiled at him. “Your heart is pure.”
Dash snorted.
Serena let him feel her unease about the situation, too.
She turned to Kara. “Can I trust you?”
“That’s up to you.” Kara shrugged. “I’m going to the palace regardless.”
“I still need you.”
Dash’s head jerked up. “Serena?”
“You can trust me, right? I need you, Dash.”
“I trust you, but that is not what will anchor me to this fool’s mission. I will not leave you to die by her hands if I can help it. Just let me be clear. This is stupid.”
“I know.”
“Reckless.”
“I know.”
“Dangerous.”
“Dash, I am going through with this.”
“I know.”
Kara held out her palm and sliced it open. Blood pooled in her hand, and she stared at Serena.
Air left Serena’s lungs in a rush. “Another blood oath?”
“You must promise that you will never heal me without my permission.”
“A Healer can’t—”
“Even if I’m unconscious.”
“Kara, I can’t promise that.”
“Then this is as far as I help you.”
“Kara! You promised already. You can’t break a blood oath with a Healer. You’ll die.”
“I guess it will be a death at your hands, seeing as you could prevent me from going back on my word.” She pushed her hand toward Serena.
“Serena, this is madness.”
“What would you have me do, Dash? Let her die?”
“It seems she has a death wish, not wanting you to heal her.”
Kara wiggled her fingers. “Now or never, Serena.”
Serena slit her palm and sealed her second oath with a dragon.
Chapter 24
Gift for a Dragon
Ryan opened his eyes. A soft down mattress cradled his back. Where
was he? He sat up. Crimson, velvet blankets covered him to his waist. Heavens, where was his shirt? His heart sped as he searched the room for any sign of familiarity. Fire crackled in the stone fireplace across from the massive bed he sat in. A large mirror hung on the wall to his left, and an ornate wardrobe fashioned from cherry wood stood against the wall on his right. A table big enough for his whole family to sit at without bumping elbows sat in the center of the room, and draped across one of the chairs was a shirt, breeches, and a vest.
He hopped out of the bed and grabbed the clothes. If anyone walked in on him, he wanted to be decent. At least he was wearing undergarments.
But why was he here? And where was here?
He picked up the pants. The fabric was smooth against his fingers. Whoever laid these clothes out for him had expensive taste. He slipped into the black slacks and grabbed the white shirt. He glanced over his shoulder at the mirror, and air rushed from his lungs. Was that his back? All of those scars were his? He touched one. Numb.
How had—? His head throbbed as he started to remember.
Belladonna. He shook and heat coursed through his blood. She’d left the scars. A constant reminder. His grip around the shirt tightened. Didn’t matter. She could scar him all she wanted. She would
not break him. Slowly, he started to put the shirt on. Before he had an arm through the sleeve, the door opened, and she entered. His blood turned to ice.
“Pet. I see you’ve found the clothes.”
He wrinkled the shirt in his shaking fist. A dull pain throbbed behind his eyes. Made him want to see how beautiful she was. What in Soleden had spurred that thought? He pushed it away. All he saw were the scars she’d inflicted.
Belladonna walked up to him and trailed a finger down his chest. “Did you sleep well?”
He grabbed her finger and bent it backward.
She pressed her other hand against him, and the feeling of hundreds of lashes knocked into him all at once. Trembling, he buckled over and gripped the chair back. Then all the pain stopped. All but the dull ache behind his eyes. That intensified.
She leaned in and before he knew why, her lips were pressing against his. Everything tasted like pears. Memories flooded back to him. The dungeon. She had kissed him in the dungeon. Why? Oh. Right. Because she loved him.
She looked marvelous. And the headache dissipated. “Where am I?”
“In my quarters.” Her eyes sparkled as she stepped toward the wardrobe. “I have a present for you.”
He caught her arm. “Where are you going?”
“Don’t you want to see your present?”
“Later.” He backed toward the bed, pulling her with him.
“Pet, I told you, not until we’ve seen the Mistress.”
Ryan smiled and swung Belladonna toward the mattress. He let go and she bounced on the bed. He pounced on top of her. As he leaned in, her finger pressed against his lips.
“Your eagerness pleases me, pet, but the Mistress will chop off my head if I defile you before she’s done with you.” She pushed against his chest, and he rolled off of her. “I wish to keep my head.” She walked toward the table. Paused at the chair and picked up the white shirt. “Now, get dressed.”
The shirt landed on his face, and the leather jerkin slapped against his chest.
“The Mistress does not tolerate tardiness.”
Ryan sat up and pulled the shirt on. Looking at himself in the mirror, he almost didn’t see a familiar person. He looked so regal. The laced shirt, the dark pants and jerkin. He looked like—like one of the king’s personal guards. Not one of the front line guards, but one of the protective men that walked alongside him. Hadn’t someone told him he would dress like the king’s men? The dizziness hit him again. A tingle started on his forehead and washed over his scalp. He shook his head.