"What about my cut?" Vanity asked.
"Where was I?"
"Ireland, Cliffs of Moher," the demon said impatiently.
Cara grabbed her phone and punched in the bank account the demon recited. While the demon waited for the transaction to show up in her account, Cara rummaged around in her closet. The demon watched Cara stuff a wetsuit into her backpack and hurry to the nightstand for her passport.
"If you didn't meddle in his business, your sister wouldn't be sick," Vanity said.
The murderous look in Cara's black eyes made the demon back away slowly. Vanity cleared her throat and rushed over to the cracked mirror in the corner of the room. Vanity fluffed her hair as Cara strode over to a laptop and pulled up flights to Ireland and any reference to the Cliffs of Moher.
"You can't save her," Vanity said, watching Cara in the mirror. "He won't let you."
"We'll see," Cara said distractedly as she leaned closer to the computer screen.
"You're walking to your death. Even if you did find an Ancient, there's no guarantee they'd help. Like I said, they've been gone for centuries and they've fallen from their posts as guardians of good."
"I have no choice. Are you going to tell him?" Cara asked and glanced up briefly.
The demon cocked her head to the side and a catty smile curved her mouth. "He may be my master, but fucking with him sounds fun. Remember me, Cara."
"Remember you for what?" Cara asked.
Vanity blew her a kiss and without another word, walked out of the apartment.
Present
Cara woke with a groan and moved her hands over shattered ribs. She didn't have the energy to heal herself. Distorted images filled her mind and her eyes flipped open. Once again, she was flat on her back and there was a monster looming over her. Sheer terror filled her. The dragon was as large as a New York building and nearly touched the top of the cavern. Unblinking turquoise eyes set in a silver scaled face were so focused on her that she looked around for the pool she'd come through. Drowning didn't seem like such a bad fate after all. The dragons razor edged teeth were bared and a tail set with spikes slithered restlessly nearby. If she lived through this, she would find Vanity and put a few holes in her body before sending her back to hell. Cara had been set up to be eaten by a freaking dragon.
You can hear me?
The voice in her mind was so loud that she clasped her head between her hands. Cara considered playing dumb, but she'd already revealed she was telepathic. The dragon's peculiar eyes dared her to lie. Slowly, she nodded.
How?
"I don't know. It doesn't work with everyone," Cara said between pants as she pressed a hand over her aching ribs.
What's your name?
"Cara."
Cara.
She shivered as she listened to the voice inside her head. The dragon was definitely male and had an accent long gone from this world.
Who sent you here?
She had a few choice words to describe Vanity, but she was sure the dragon didn't care to hear them. "I was set up."
By whom?
She noted that the dragon's tail began to curl and flick from side to side. She swallowed hard. Would she be impaled by a spiky tail or ripped apart by his teeth? "I was looking for someone."
Who?
"An Ancient."
The dragon's head dipped so suddenly that she cried out and raised her hands in a worthless attempt to protect herself. One huff from his nostrils knocked her hands from her face and slammed them down beside her. Turquoise eyes were mere feet from her own and made her feel as if she were in the middle of a spotlight.
Why are you looking for an Ancient?
She stared into his eyes and felt a spark of hope. "You know about the Ancients?"
I am an Ancient.
She wasn't sure whether to be relieved or terrified. Vanity warned her that the Ancients wouldn't be inclined to help her, but she hadn't expected to face a dragon. She had pictured the Ancient as an old man with a beard, not a scaly beast. So, maybe she wouldn't torture Vanity, she'd just send her back to hell. Would it have killed Vanity to mention that the Ancients were dragons?
How did you find me?
"A compass."
The dragon didn't move. She got the impression that he was trying to discern if she was telling the truth. She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.
"I made a deal with a demon to get your location."
A growl rumbled in the dragon's chest. She had a split second of warning before talons gouged the rock on either side of her. The dragon tilted his head back and flames exploded from his mouth. Despite her broken ribs, she flipped over and crawled towards the only exit. She was several feet from the pool when the dragons tail slapped between her and the only escape route. She stopped where she was, engulfed by pain and fear. A talon flipped her over and she felt one of her broken ribs press against her skin. She muffled a scream as the dragon leaned down once more. Heated breath caressed her face and her eyes watered.
Only corrupt humans associate with demons.
"I had no choice!"
She and the dragon stared at one another. The urge to look away drummed through her, but she beat it back. She was here and couldn't show weakness. She would finish what she started. The dragon could fry her with one breath, but he hadn't... yet. As long as she could talk, she would barter.
What did you give the demon in return for my location? Your soul?
Cara's soul wasn't hers to exchange for favors from demons, but she couldn't tell him that. Despite her peril, the dragon's patent disgust for demons gave her hope. If he hated demons, the dragon was on her side, right?
"I gave her every penny I had," Cara said.
The dragon didn't seem too interested in the fact that she was bleeding out. The wetsuit acted like a bandage around her broken ribs. The tight material was the only thing that kept her from screaming in pain.
You summoned a demon to locate an Ancient. Why?
Cara swallowed hard. "I told you, I need a favor."
And why do you think an Ancient would grant a human a favor?
Her heart began to pound and she struggled to sit upright. "The demon said Ancients are guardians of good."
That was long ago.
"So this was all for nothing?"
Fear fled. Fury blitzed through her chest. She forced herself to her feet and faced the dragon. She might pass out, but she didn't care.
"I risked my life to get here! I flew halfway across the world, nearly drowned in that stupid ass tunnel and now you're gonna tell me you used to be good? I don't have time for this bullshit!"
Watch your tongue.
A flash of his teeth sobered her and she dropped her eyes in defeat. Her five year old sister's face rose in her mind, ravaged by pain no child should endure. Cara's heart sank and furious tears pricked her eyes. She tilted her head back and met those eerie eyes. She had to make one last appeal before he ate her. If he had a shred of good left in him, she prayed it would be roused from its centuries of slumber.
"My sister is sick. I came all this way because I need help."
The dragon shifted and the sound of his metal scales clicking as they slid over one another made goose bumps ripple over her arms. She trembled where she stood, fatigue and pain making her stand in a hunched position. She clenched her hands into fists and waited for the deathblow.
You associate with demons, yet you sacrificed your life to come here for your sister?
"I've always been able to sense demons. I don't have a choice," Cara mumbled.
I have never heard of a human with that ability.
"Have you ever met a human that's telepathic?" she challenged.
Her bravado wavered when rockets of flame poured from the dragon's mouth. Cara took an unsteady step towards the pool, but a talon flashed out and knocked her off balance. She let out an enraged squawk and placed a hand over her throbbing ribs. She froze when she found the dragon's face in front of her again. His scales were so shiny that she saw
a dozen mini reflections of herself. There were two horns perched on his head and lethal spikes ran down his spine. Ghostly wings flared out and filled the cave. Cara's mouth dropped in an O of awe.
What is this favor you want from me?
Cara thought of Sky running through the fields, laughing. Everyone that came into contact with Sky fell in love with her. At five years old, Sky sensed turbulent emotion in others and with one touch, could cleanse their soul. Sky was a beacon of hope and part of the next generation of healers. She had to live.
"My sister is going to die," Cara whispered.
For several seconds, the dragon didn't respond.
And?
"And the world will be a less brighter place if she isn't in it!" With all the conviction she could muster Cara said, "If you have the ability to heal her, I beg you to do it. She's five-years-old. She doesn't deserve to die."
What shall you give me in return?
Cara's breath hitched. "Anything."
You're rash.
"I don't have time!" Cara snapped, nerves stretched to the breaking point. She was in pain and so tired she could barely think straight. She was arguing with a creature she'd only seen in children's books and she could hear an invisible clock ticking. She didn't have time. "I don't care what your price is. If you need to kill me to spare her life, do it."
Brave words.
She went rigid at his taunting tone. If he were toying with her before he killed her, she would say what she needed to. She would be the mouthiest thing he'd ever eaten.
"My whole life my mom's tried to teach me that I can't change the world. She wants me to accept that Sky is going to die and I can't." If the dragon thought she was a stupid, emotional human, she didn't care. She loved her sister with every fiber of her being and wouldn't stop until she found a way for Sky to live. "If you aren't going to help, kill me now. Otherwise, I have places to be. I won't stop until she takes her last breath and I don't have time for games."
Silence in her mind. The dragon's eyes were so piercing, she was afraid he would see straight through her to the taint on her soul.
"If there's any good left in you, it should be for Sky."
His alien features were gruesome and foreign enough to turn her stomach. She wondered if he wanted her to beg, but she discarded that immediately. He would grant her request or not and there was a big possibility that he would kill her any moment now. As the silence continued, beads of sweat dripped from her forehead. This had to work. If it didn't, Sky would die and take Cara's heart with her.
I will grant your favor.
Chapter Three
Cara bowed her head and whispered prayers of thanks under her breath. She didn't care about her ribs or the fact that her wetsuit was soaked with blood. Sky would live. That's all that mattered.
I ask for a life in exchange.
She expected no less. No good deed went unpunished, right? She nodded and waited for the deathblow, but nothing happened. She looked up and once more, was caught and held by those serpentine eyes.
"You have to do a ritual or something before you kill me?"
You need to feed your sister my blood for her to be healed. You will be able to see her one last time.
Joy was an unstoppable fountain in her chest and she beamed at the forbidding dragon and babbled, "You're so k-kind. T-thank you."
You will return here.
She nodded vehemently and held her hand up like a girl scout. "Yes, I promise."
The dragon let out an angry hiss. You seem very willing to die.
"Everyone dies," she said philosophically.
You promise to return here?
"Yes."
I will be with you the whole way to ensure you keep your end of the bargain.
She gulped. "You're coming with me? Won't everybody freak when they see you?"
I'll be in your mind. I can see what you see. If you stray, I can force you to come back to me. I won't be merciful.
She blanched and hesitated before she asked, "You can read minds?"
No. Do you have something to hide?
Cara shook her head quickly. Being able to see her family one last time was a priceless gift she hadn't expected. She didn't care if she had to hold the dragon's claw through the airport. Sky would live to the age of six and beyond. That was all that mattered.
You agree to these terms?
"Yes."
My blood will heal your sister. It's on your left.
Although there had been nothing beside her a moment before, she now saw a glass vial with a cork at the top. Its contents glowed.
And for you.
Talons gripped her face and she froze, knowing they could puncture her skin like a tomato if she flinched. Talons applied pressure and her mouth dropped open in reaction. She saw another talon coming towards her and held her breath. 'What are you doing,' she wanted to scream. The tip of one talon dipped into her mouth and she tasted something sweet before he released her. She gasped as her ribs snapped into place. Tiny cuts on her feet healed and the tips of her fingernails that popped off during her mad scrabble down the tunnel reformed. Exhaustion vanished and she felt as if she could take on the world. She got to her feet. The wetsuit felt like a straitjacket, but she wasn't about to strip naked in front of the dragon.
"Thanks," Cara said and realized that amazing taste must have been his blood.
You have money to travel?
Cara was startled by such a practical question from a mystical beast. "No."
Here.
A stack of money in US Dollars and Euros landed at her feet. Her mouth worked soundlessly before she got out, "It's too much."
You can give the rest to your family.
Cara was so taken aback that she stared at him open-mouthed for a minute before he bared his teeth. She stooped and swept the money and glass vial into her backpack. She made sure the zip on the pack was tight and once more whispered a spell so it remained waterproof. She had the vial of blood and money and with one drop of dragon blood, felt as if she could fly to the top of the Cliffs of Moher.
Triumphant and jubilant, she asked, "Can I leave now?"
The dragon didn't reply for a few moments and she wondered if he changed his mind. He crouched over her and she heard the ominous hiss of metal scales. He stood proudly, neck arched and wings tucked neatly on his back. He looked invincible and she wondered how he could stand living in a cavern when he was so obviously meant to be in open space. Maybe he liked it down here?
You will return to me as quickly as possible, Cara. If you tarry, I will punish you severely. Do not make me regret this bargain.
"I swear I'll be back as soon as possible." She opened and closed her mouth, unsure if she wanted to know the answer to her question.
Ask.
She swallowed. "How are you going to kill me?"
She sensed that the dragon was amused, but she also thought she could fly. She must be getting delusional buried beneath tons of water and stone.
You are not coming back to die. You will remain with me as long as I am trapped here.
Cara's eyes widened and her mouth opened to speak. He was all-powerful and trapped?
Go!
Despite the questions winging through her mind, she rushed over to the pool. She lay on her belly and took a deep breath before she slithered in with her backpack. The cold didn't bother her this time. Knowing there was an opening at the other end, she kicked with all her might, which was considerable because of the dragon blood. She was probably stronger in this moment than she'd ever been in her life. Her eyesight was so clear she didn't need to conjure light. She replenished her lungs with a quick spell when she blasted out of the tunnel. It took several minutes to reach the surface despite her best kicking and stroking skills.
When she broke the surface of the water, she was immediately picked up by a wave and slammed into the cliffs. Head ringing, she ducked beneath the water and used the cliff to push off from. She swam out before she came up for air and tri
ed to get her bearings. She paddled around the cliffs and couldn't believe that in her weakened state, she had managed to swim out so far from the beach. Desperation and love could accomplish anything, she thought and couldn't keep the smile off her face as she made her way to the shore. The cliffs were still covered in mist, but she sensed a lot of time had passed since she left the beach.
When she walked onto the rocky shore, she quickly stripped and changed into her clothes and boots. She checked to make sure the vial was safely padded and the money was dry before she scrambled up the muddy hill like a new recruit in the army.
You are very reckless.
The voice startled her. She lost her footing and slid halfway down the hill before she caught herself.
"Sky doesn't have time," she said out loud.
You're going to kill yourself if you're not careful.
Cara barely refrained from saying, 'Yes, Dad.' She didn't think the dragon would appreciate that. She started up the slick trail like a Billy goat released into the wild for the first time. The dragon blood gave her an odd sense of euphoria, strength and clarity. She lost her footing twice and felt the dragon's aggravation both times. She made her way to the top and once she cleared the zigzagging path, ran along the edge of the cliff. Her legs burned from the exertion, but she didn't care. Speed was her friend.
You're going to kill yourself.
Cara didn't respond to the dragon's surly growl. Her mother's affinity with the earth sang to her with each step. The fog was so thick, she thought it would catch her if she fell over the edge. Her heightened eyesight pierced through the mist. The hike from the Cliffs of Moher to the village of Doolin should have taken her three hours. She made it in half the time. She jogged through cow pastures and jumped fences while the sun hid behind the clouds. She sensed it was early morning and ducked into a cafe. Thankfully, none of the tables were filled. Two voices argued in the kitchen. She slipped into the bathroom and observed herself in the dingy mirror. Her hair was a tangled mess and her clothes were filthy and torn. She had a streak of mud on her face and her lips were curved into a broad smile. Using damp paper towels, she tried to wipe off as much mud as possible. She managed to look presentable after she produced a plastic comb from the backpack and whispered a spell to clean and repair her clothes. When she walked out of the bathroom, the server behind the counter blinked in surprise.
Clutch of the Demon (Cursed Ancients Series Book 1) Page 2