Heart of the Dragon

by Rachel Jonas

  With one word, it became clear these two had history.

  “Reaper,” he seethed. “I should have guessed.” Those long, fingers of his balled into tight fists at his sides. “Seems we have ourselves in quite the conundrum.”

  Liam ignored the solemn greeting and made a demand. “I won’t discuss a thing until she’s clothed.”

  Behind Sebastian, Blaise’s eyes narrowed into slits as he glared.

  A long, disinterested breath puffed from Sebastian’s mouth and he turned, snapping his fingers at a lycan off to his left. “Shirt,” he sighed.

  Without delay, the lycan removed his black tee and placed it in Sebastian’s hand. At the sight of the dark fabric soaring through the air when he tossed it, my heart leapt. With only a glance over his shoulder, Liam caught the covering and handed it over, spreading his wings the next second to create a shield between me and the strangers. Slipping it over my head, I was painfully aware of there not being much material, but at least I was covered. When I finished, Liam passed a long, hard stare my way … and it made my heart race.

  “Whatever happens, I need you to promise me you won’t look back. I want you to promise me you’re gonna run until you can’t anymore.”

  What was he … what was he saying?

  There was no time to answer.

  “Enough, dragon.”

  My hand warmed when Liam took it into his for the fraction of a second—a fleeting moment that made me grateful, and sad, and afraid all at once. Letting my fingers slip from his grasp, he turned toward the Sovereign and his army once again, wearing a disquieted expression I wished I could forget.

  Because the sight of it made it feel like my heart was breaking.

  Impressively broad wings retracted and disappeared beneath tanned skin. I discreetly placed a hand on his waist, taking slow steps until my chest was flush to his back, needing to be close as fear nearly strangled me to death.

  “Unless you’re a ghost, I suppose it’s safe to say the report of my men was false. Last I heard, you were in pieces on the battlefield after the Lunar War.” Sebastian paused to chuckle. “In fact, all this time, I was under the impression the set of wings hanging over my mantle belonged to you, the infamous Reaper.” The last syllable dragged a bit as he scanned Liam.

  “Guess you heard wrong,” was all he said back, glancing to each side, making sure none of Sebastian’s men had advanced toward us.

  “Hmm … and I supposed I ought to hunt down the man who sold them to me, and demand he return the $2.7 million I paid for them, plus interest, but … it’s neither here nor there,” he shrugged.

  That figure … nearly three million dollars, it put into perspective the price Liam’s reputation had put on his head. At the thought of it, I felt sick to my stomach.

  “Besides, there’s not much to fret about … seeing as how I’ve stumbled upon something much more valuable today.” His eyes landed on me, prompting my heart to race again as he stepped forward.

  In response, heat rose from Liam’s skin and I heard the crackle of embers bursting just beneath the surface. Sebastian heeded the silent warning with a grin.

  “You’re really going to make this harder than it has to be?” he asked. “By law, she is now a prisoner of my kingdom. It doesn’t matter who she is, or who you are, rules are rules,” he smiled. “And, seeing as how you were foolish enough to resurrect her, I’ll bleed you to death right where you stand, dragon.”

  My brow quirked at those words. He thought Liam was to blame for my being alive. And, in true Liam fashion, he didn’t correct that assumption. If I had to guess, he was well aware of the consequences that coincided with restorative magic. As Hilda once shared, and as the Sovereign reminded me today, this practice was punishable by death.

  Sebastian took another step, and while Liam’s attention was focused there, I was snatched from behind, lifted off the ground by a set of powerful arms. They squeezed until I couldn’t get air into my lungs. I gasped, clawing at the attacker, but wasn’t strong enough to break free.

  Liam started in my direction, but halted when the sharp point of Blaise’s knife pressed to his jugular. A trickle of blood raced toward his collar bone, and in that moment, as I focused on that red streak, the last grain of hope I clung to slipped through my fingers.

  We were outnumbered, out of moves, out of time.

  “I’m so sorry,” I told him, slipping into his thoughts to get this out while I still could. “I tried to keep you away from here.”

  I never wanted this. Never wanted him to wind up hurt because of me.

  He didn’t waste time accepting my apology or saying things to make me feel better. Instead, he spoke from his heart, stating the one thing that mattered, what was most important.

  “I love you.”

  I’d barely gotten a syllable out in response when a sudden turn of events stole my chance. Two large wings extended from Liam’s back and the force of it knocked Blaise back several feet. While he scrambled to right himself, Liam turned the tables, switching roles, locking an arm around Blaise’s neck. I wanted him to squeeze, wanted him to end his life right then and there, but … he didn’t.

  Instead he spoke.

  “Let her go, and I’ll let your son live.” The offer was aimed at Sebastian, but Liam’s eyes never left mine.

  A tear spilled over my lower lid and I understood why he hadn’t just finished Blaise off. He needed leverage, needed to create a cushion of time where none existed.

  “Liam, no …”

  He ignored me, forced me out as he stated his terms to Sebastian. “Let her go and I’ll come with you without a fight.”

  I wanted to scream. Wanted to fall apart right then and there, but I was frozen in shock. How had it come to this?

  Liam continued to hold my gaze as he sweetened the pot for Sebastian.

  “I’m nearly as valuable a trophy as she is,” he explained. “But … you and I both know I’m worth more to you,” he went on, adding, “especially if you sell me off in pieces—my wings, my head.”

  The gruesome image he inflicted made my eyes slam shut, made my stomach swirl, nearly made me vomit. In a state of sheer disbelief, I tried to wake myself up from this nightmare.

  “I’m willing to bet I can even get a pretty penny for locks of your hair,” Sebastian remarked, speaking with the same chilled indifference despite the grave subject matter. “Or perhaps I might flay off your tattoos, seal them in jars, sell them individually.”

  Liam remained stone-faced, like this wasn’t his life he bargained with. Like Sebastian wouldn’t make good on all these promises and more.

  I lost it. The contents of my stomach poured out into the snow as the henchman kept me locked in. A few on the outskirts laughed, of course, because that’s what seemed to amuse this brood—the anguish of others, whether it be physical or, in my case, emotional.

  Sebastian considered Liam’s offer, tapping his chin while he thought. “I suppose I could agree to this if you’re also willing to give up the name of the witches who assisted you with the spell.”

  “They’re dead. The former three who were linked to this town’s clan were the only others involved,” Liam said convincingly. “Their names were Scarlet, Marin, and Lilith.”

  The lie seemed to hold. Sebastian was thoughtful for a moment.

  “If you try anything … anything, dragon … I promise you that, on this day, Lake Superior will run red with your blood.”

  Liam spoke with so much bravery and boundless conviction. “If you let her go, I won’t fight,” he reiterated. “You have my word.”

  Sebastian was silent again. Eventually, a half-satisfied sigh left his mouth as he stared down on his son locked in a chokehold.

  “Fine.” His gaze shifted to the one who captured me. With a nod and a few short words, I was free.

  I backed up, and much to Liam’s dismay, I didn’t run. I couldn’t. I was frozen, knowing this could have very well been the last time we’d ever be face-to-face.


  And … I couldn’t leave.

  “Run, Evangeline!” he demanded, his voice booming a harshness I knew wasn’t meant for me. He hadn’t released Blaise yet, and likely wouldn’t until I was out of sight, but … my feet wouldn’t move.

  “Now!” he growled.

  I back up, feeling the bark of a tree against my fingertips as I stumbled past it, barefoot. When I took another step, Liam nodded, making it clear he was pleased that I finally followed his orders, seemingly unaware of what this all meant for him. I clung to that last fleeting moment we stared, feeling robbed of physical contact, a chance to embrace him, kiss him.

  Something …

  My back was to the army now as I sprinted away like my warrior had commanded me to do. I went into his thoughts while I still could.

  “I’ll come for you,” I promised. “No matter what, I’ll come for you.”

  I expected to be scolded for even considering it, expected to argue all the reasons I was going to go over his head and do what I wanted anyway, but … there was no answer. Glancing back over my shoulder, I understood why.

  Two of the Sovereign’s witches rushed him, blowing a vibrant, purple powder into the air, letting it surround him. Within a fraction of a second, the light slipped from his eyes, his arms went limp, and his body slumped to the snow.

  My feet continued ahead, but I was moving on autopilot as hopelessness ravished me like a predator.

  For the first time in a long time, I was completely alone.

  —Chapter Fifteen—

  Evie

  I ran in zigzags through the woods for hours, sensing Sebastian’s soldiers on my heels each time I slowed.

  Keep moving.

  Keep moving.

  You have to stay alive to save him.

  Despite Liam’s deal, it was obvious Sebastian simply couldn’t pass up the chance to have us both. Still, the diversion had given me somewhat of a lead.

  The sun was gone, leaving my wolf to race through the darkness by moonlight as I clutched the t-shirt Liam procured for me in my teeth. This chase was wasting valuable time, time I should have been searching for Liam. Time that gave Sebastian an opportunity to put hundreds of miles between us. But I couldn’t focus on that, not on the fact that I had no idea where Sebastian intended to take him, couldn’t focus on the fact that I was one person against an entire army. Neither of those things would stop me from trying. Neither would stop me from laying down my life in the process.

  Going home was out of the question. With the lycans on my trail, I’d lead them straight to Elise, Hilda, and Dallas. I was on my own.

  I slowed again, this time coming to a stop. I held my breath and listened, sniffed the icy air.

  Nothing.

  It seemed they had finally ended their pursuit.

  I was painfully aware of time. It’d become a solid, tangible ball that sat in the pit of my stomach. Yes, time had suddenly become my enemy.

  While I could, I shifted back to my human form and removed the shirt from my teeth, sliding it over my head. I’d shift into my dragon to search for a place to sleep. The only reason I hadn’t done so earlier was because I wanted the Sovereign’s henchmen to have something to follow, something that would lead them as far away from my home as possible. So, I gave them paw prints, pawprints they’d see disappear here if they were still on the hunt, because I burst from the snow with flames engulfing me.

  I was airborne and finally out of danger. For the moment anyway. I would, after all, be sleeping outside tonight, in the open, vulnerable. But I didn’t even consider it an inconvenience. I’d do whatever it took to save him.

  Circling the woods several times, I thought of a few places to hunker down, including the old, abandoned warehouse where I’d been to a party once. But then, that knot in my stomach ticked loud within me.

  Tick tock.

  Tick tock.

  Tick tock.

  I had to keep moving, had to find him.

  When I landed, I had no real plan, only a destination. I needed help, direction, the guidance of someone who might be able to give at least some insight.

  Baz … he was the only one I could think of.

  A private, back entrance to the library led to the winding staircase of stone. I tugged at the shirt I wore, the only thing that covered me, and I knew what a pitiful sight I must be—half naked, dirty, and bloody. My bare feet were damp with melted snow, but at least gave me the advantage of being completely silent as I ascended, listening for signs that the Sovereign or his men had beat me there.

  There was no noise in the dark abyss that awaited me at the foot of the stairs. Only the sound of dripping water as it echoed from some unseen source. There were torches lit, but far fewer with there being no meetings scheduled tonight. My heart raced with each step and I paused at the last, staring across the large, empty room.

  Tick tock.

  Tick tock.

  There was no time for the childish fear that crept up within me, fear of the dark, fear of the unknown. I had too much at stake.

  I stepped down and crossed the room, heading for the door behind the Elder’s table. I’d seen them come from behind it when I attended a meeting, but had no idea what lie across that threshold.

  Should I knock? Should I simply barge in?

  I rounded the table, and just as I lifted my hand to bang against the dark, thick wood…

  “Can I help you?”

  I turned at the sound of Baz’s gravelly voice as he emerged from the shadows, startling me. With a clear view of my face, recognition came shortly thereafter, prompting him to take quick steps forward.

  “Evangeline?”

  Panic swathed the sound of my name when he called out, only now confirming that it was, in fact, me. I couldn’t blame him for not believing his eyes, given my appearance.

  “What’s happened? Are you injured?” he asked, gawking at the mix of blood and dirt that covered my legs, searching for a wound that had long-since healed.

  “I’m fine—I’m fine,” I panted, struggling to breathe after he scared me half to death. “But Liam isn’t,” I added in a panic, feeling my hands begin to shake as those words caused reality to set in.

  A gentle touch went to my shoulder. “Slow down,” Baz crooned. “Tell me what’s happened.”

  “They took him!”

  He lowered his hood and gazed at me with confusion in those milky-white eyes of his.

  “Who?” he asked with a compassion-laden tone, far different from that with which I heard him address others.

  Every limb shivered with terror at the thought of losing Liam.

  My voice was quiet and strained when I uttered the name of the man who’d taken the most important thing in this world from me. “Sebastian.”

  Baz froze like a deer in headlights. Processing the full breadth of this information, his hand fell away. His eyes wandered back to mine.

  “When was this?”

  I shrugged, scrambling for numbers, clues as to how long they kept me there, surrounded in the woods, how long I’d been running.

  “Hours,” I choked out, feeling warm streaks of liquid race down my cheeks. “It’s been hours.”

  They could have been anywhere by now.

  Anywhere.

  Baz suddenly came to his senses and reached to console me again when I slumped against the wall, feeling like Earth was upside down. I suppose, for me, it was.

  “How many were with him?” was the next question.

  I forced myself to see through the haze of emotion to answer. “At least a hundred. And there were witches.” I thought of how the brigade seemed to appear out of thin air and added, “Powerful witches.”

  Baz was silent as he thought. “I’ll get my best men on this,” he promised. “By sunrise, they’ll start out to—”

  “No.”

  At the sound of my voice, Baz fell silent, questioning me with his eyes. “No?”

  While the ordeal in the woods had left me rattled, I paid attention
to details. My mother—in one of her “stranger danger” talks when I was a kid—taught me to always be aware of my surroundings, to pay special attention to what was done and said in any instance that I felt my safety was threatened. Coming face-to-face with the Sovereign definitely qualified. As he spoke, certain statements stuck with me.

  “No,” I repeated. “Your guards have been compromised. I have no clue which one or how many, but I heard it with my own ears.”

  Baz seemed to stop breathing as he listened. “Are you … are you sure?”

  I nodded. “Yes. He knew I was here because of ‘an informant’, and the report of ‘a gullible guard’ who I’m guessing contacted him after Nick’s trial yesterday, sharing whatever information he gathered.”

  Baz shrank back a bit as his eyes searched the stone floor. “Then … he knows everything.”

  I hated being the bearer of bad news, but we were surrounded with bad. Better to be aware than ignorant, vulnerable.

  “So, we have to do this another way,” I asserted, feeling my dragon step forth, clearing some of the emotional haze my human form was drowning in.

  Baz lifted his eyes to mine again. “What other way is there?”

  I swallowed hard and offered the only idea I had. “I’m going after him myself.”

  An incredulous expression graced Baz’s face. “That’s absurd. You can’t—”

  Cutting him off, I corrected the statement I hadn’t let him complete. “I can and I will … I have to.”

  He blinked several times, and searching for a way to stall, placed his hand on my shoulder again. “You need to rest. I’ll have Gadreal draw you a bath. She’ll also conjure clothing for you, and—”

  “I don’t have that kind of time,” I snapped.

  I couldn’t expect anyone else to understand the urgency that ate me alive inside. There were gruesome images embedded in my mind. Images of that madman tearing pieces off Liam just for the fun of it, torturing him for amusement until he inevitably ended his life.

  My resolve hardened and I swiped away a tear.