by Zoe Chant
Ah. There.
In the distance, he saw what he was looking for. A house on an island – if it could even be called a house. It was more like a castle, pointing up from between the thick trees that covered the island where it sat in the middle of the vast lake.
There. They are there.
Angling his wings slightly, Liev forced himself to slow down even as all his dragon’s instincts screamed at him to land on the roof and tear it open, before closing his jaws around Erik Lukich’s throat. He didn’t know how many dragons were inside – he could sense Darklis, of course, but Erik Lukich’s power was so great that it was hard to tell if there was anyone else.
Turning, he swept around the house in a massive arc, surveying it. His dragon was all but writhing in its eagerness to fight, but Liev forced it to calm down.
Remember what our fencing master said, he reminded it. Survey your surroundings. Always be aware of what’s going on around you. Don’t rush into a fight unprepared.
Kill! his dragon howled, flames licking at its jaws. Kill them all!
For a moment, Liev could feel dragonfire building within him, and he almost let fly with a stream of it at the house. But then, remembering how weak Darklis had sounded, he forced himself to stop. The only flame that could harm a dragon was dragonfire. And if Darklis was weakened, she may be badly hurt if he did anything rash.
Darklis! He called her name through the mated bond, reaching for her desperately with his mind. Darklis, can you hear me?
There was a long pause before she answered.
I’m here, Liev.
His heart leapt at the sound of her voice, but he could hear the fear in it.
Are you all right? What have they done to you?
I’m fine Liev, just... oh God. Liev...!
Fear ripped through him like a tidal wave. His dragon let out a deafening roar as it folded its wings and dove, speeding through the air toward the roof of the house.
If they have harmed you Darklis, I swear that I will –
It’s not that, Liev, Darklis’s panic-stricken voice interrupted him. It’s Erik, he’s –
In the next moment, whatever she had been going to say was drowned out by the sound of a terrible crashing sound beneath him, followed by a bellow of pure fury.
Shocked, Liev was only just quick enough to swerve out of the way as an enormous green dragon suddenly surged toward him, red eyes glowing in the darkness of the night.
Erik Lukich.
Shocked at the size and power of him, Liev could barely process what had just happened. He risked a glance down, only to see a gaping hole had been torn through the roof of the mansion below. Roof tiles were still spinning through the air, wooden beams hanging limply. One of the castle-like turrets had crashed to the ground, its stones spilling across the expansive lawn.
Clearly, in his rage that someone was daring to tamper with his plans, Erik had simply shifted and then smashed straight through the roof.
Liev turned in the sky, twisting his body to follow Erik’s trajectory. Clearly, he had been hoping to crash straight into him, and use the element of surprise to catch Liev utterly off-guard. It had been only Darklis’s hasty warning and Liev’s own quick movement that had saved him. If not for that, Liev was certain that his neck would now be between Erik Lukich’s jaws, and he would be preparing to breathe his last.
So. You escaped.
Erik’s voice sounded in his head as Liev twisted around, scooping his wings to keep himself airborne. Finally, he spotted the massive green dragon again as it turned slowly through the sky with long beats of its enormous wings.
You took my mate! Liev couldn’t stop his furious bellow in response. I’ll kill you for that.
He could sense Erik’s surprise in the pause that followed.
Your mate? Perhaps I should have known, he finally said, his voice tinged with black humor. That one seems to have a lucky star over her head.
He let out a low laugh. The sound of it sent a chill down Liev’s spine.
But no matter. You are easily dealt with. And then I will return to more important matters.
Liev felt rage tearing through him, his vision once more misting over with red.
Shut up and fight me, then, he roared, filling his wings with air and propelling himself forward, straight at Erik’s massive form. You won’t leave here alive, I swear it!
Won’t I? Erik’s voice was sardonic. In the distance, Liev could see his red eyes flash, see the gathering of dragonfire at his jaws. I don’t think you should be making promises you have no possible way of keeping.
The next thing Liev knew, a white-hot stream of dragonfire had burst through the air in front of him, forcing him to turn suddenly in order to avoid being burned alive.
Even though he managed to avoid the brunt of the flame, he could still feel the scales on his side curling with its heat, the sensitive membrane of his wings scorched and blackened.
Pain lanced through him, and he let out a small howl of surprise. Erik was even stronger than he had thought – he had shot the flames at him from a shocking distance away.
I will need to be careful. Erik is no ordinary opponent.
Although his small injuries from the fight with Rowena had already healed, healing took energy. His swift flight to find Darklis had strained his body, whereas Erik, newly shifted, was fresh for the fight.
Gritting his teeth, Liev wheeled in the sky, trying to make his movements as unpredictable as possible. He had hoped he might end this quickly – but now he could see he was going to have to be far more cautious.
Remember your mate, his dragon roared. Remember that you are not fighting for yourself – you are fighting for her!
With that, Liev felt a fresh burst of energy flow through his body. A dragon would stop at nothing to protect his mate. No matter what, he would fight to the end. He had to win, if Erik was to be stopped from enacting whatever terrible revenge he had planned for Darklis – and her clan.
Fury rising anew within him, Liev swung around, letting dragonfire surge from his jaws. The jet of flame shot through the air, forcing Erik to dodge, massive wings scooping the air.
Liev anticipated his move and threw himself upward, colliding bodily with Erik. Liev’s claws found the softness of Erik’s sides and tore into them, leaving whatever wounds he could. Then he sprang back, releasing the other dragon, his wings propelling him away as quickly as possible. Liev knew he couldn’t beat Erik on power or strength – so he would just have to settle for using speed instead.
Erik roared in fury, his claws tearing through the air where Liev had been only a moment before. If Liev had been a split second slower to make his escape, those claws would have been buried in his flesh.
Don’t think about that. Concentrate!
Darklis’s voice from below him sent a jolt through his entire body.
Darklis! Are you all right??
Don’t worry about me, worry about Erik! came her reply, a moment before another stream of deadly dragonfire shot past him, forcing him to dodge.
Good advice, he sent back to her.
Shooting upwards, he once again tried for a speed attack, lashing out with his teeth and claws as he rose up past Erik’s massive form.
But this time, it was clear that Erik had been waiting for him.
He twisted in the air as Liev shot past him, jaws open, red eyes glowing in the darkness. Fire surged forth from his mouth, catching Liev in the shoulder and neck as he rose.
It was only with effort that he stopped himself from roaring in pain – the heat was unbearable, his scales offering no protection whatsoever against the heat of Erik’s flames. His shoulder was engulfed in agony – but at least Erik had missed his wing. Without his wings, he would truly be done for.
But if he injures me like that again...
Liev couldn’t afford another blast like that. Erik had clearly worked out he was relying on his speed, and so had set out to slow him down. Once he could no longer make such swift st
rikes and then retreat, the fight would come down to a matter of strength and endurance – in other words, a fight that Liev couldn’t hope to win.
You can do it, Liev. I believe in you.
Liev spread his wings, unfurling them into the night sky. Pain seared through his shoulder, but he ignored it.
My mate, he thought, letting forth a mighty roar. For my mate!
Chapter Fourteen
Darklis
Sitting in the vast living room of the house where Erik and Dante had imprisoned her, Darklis looked up, biting her lip. She had always known that Erik Lukich had a flair for the dramatic, but she had to admit that even she hadn’t been expecting him to smash a hole in the roof.
Fear gripped her. She felt so powerless – she could feel her dragon inside her, but she knew to try and shift would be useless. All her energy had gone into helping Liev bring his dragon forward, to give him enough power for the fight.
I should be doing more to help him, she thought desperately as she stared up through the crumbling ceiling of the mansion. Her hands and feet were still tied – as it was, she couldn’t even move to watch the fight. The only thing she could do was try to sense where Liev was, and to send him whatever strength and energy she had left within her. The golden ribbon of the mated bond was still strong between them.
I can help him. I can help him.
She had once told her brother’s mate, Holly, how to help Stefan in his own fight against Erik Lukich. Holly’s strength had been the only reason that Stefan had been able to defeat him then – saving both her life and Holly’s. She could do the same now for Liev.
But I want to do more.
Fury rose in Darklis’s chest. She was a dragon, and a Novak! Surely there was more she could do? She couldn’t bear to simply sit here while yet another man she loved battled Erik.
Gritting her teeth, she looked around. Dante had been silent ever since he had used the golden scepter taken from the Drakos hoard to give Erik back his power to shift.
It hadn’t been nearly as spectacular as Darklis had thought it would be – nothing like the bright, swirling portal that had sucked her and Liev into this place. In fact, there had almost been nothing at all – for a moment, she wasn’t certain it had worked. Until suddenly she had sensed the growing, terrifying presence of Erik’s dragon, emanating from his human form like a pitch black storm cloud.
It was something she remembered well from the time she’d been his prisoner. She would have known it anywhere, no matter how much time had passed.
For a moment, she had thought that her fear would swallow her whole. She had been terrified of Erik Lukich back then – her entire childhood had been lived under the threat of him suddenly deciding she wasn’t worth the trouble, and ordering her to be killed.
But I wasn’t, she reminded herself, in the small part of her brain that hadn’t been frozen in fear. I lived. And I will keep on living.
In her heart, she knew that Liev wouldn’t let any harm come to her.
But I have to help him. I can’t sit here and do nothing.
Outside, she could hear the sounds of dragons roaring, and see the occasional burst of light from a stream of dragonfire.
Through their bond, Darklis could sense that Liev was hurt – but she also felt his surge of triumph every time he landed a blow on Erik.
I may not be able to shift, she thought, forcing herself to turn her head away from the gaping hole in the ceiling. Her eyes settled on Dante where he stood on the other side of the room, still clutching the scepter. But I’m far from powerless.
“Dante,” she said softly.
Dante blinked as if coming out of a trance, before turning to stare at her.
“Don’t talk to me,” he warned her, his voice trembling slightly. “If Erik finds out, he’ll –”
“Erik won’t be able to hurt you,” she said, trying to keep her voice level, “if you help me. Nor will the manticores. I promise you, Dante, if you do as I ask, you’ll be safe. I promise.”
Even as she spoke, Darklis could feel unease building within her. Was she really in any position to be making a promise like this? Could she really guarantee Dante anything at all?
Swallowing, she quickly pushed the thought away. She couldn’t let herself think like that. If she had allowed herself to have doubts while she’d been Erik Lukich’s prisoner the first time around, she would have given in to despair. She had managed to hold on to hope then. She could do it again now.
“You don’t know them,” Dante said, his voice a low, vicious whisper. “They’ll do anything. They’ve always told me that if I don’t do exactly what they say, they’ll kill me.”
Darklis nodded. “I believe you,” she said sincerely. She’d met the manticores after all – she’d seen what they were capable of. “But you were alone before. You don’t need to be alone now. I can help you.”
Dante’s eyes narrowed. “You think that guy up there will defeat Erik?”
Darklis nodded. “I know he will. But please, Dante. I need your help. We both do. And then we can help you.”
Looking away, Dante shook his head. “You can’t stop them,” he said, voice soft. “If they decided to get their revenge, there’d be nothing you’d be able to do.”
Outside, beyond the house, Darklis heard the sound of a dragon’s roar – before suddenly she was flooded with a sensation of pain.
Liev!
She forced herself to keep her head clear even as fear filled her. Liev had been hurt, but he was still alive. He could still fly. But she had to hurry.
“Liev is a Drakos prince,” she said urgently. “His family is powerful. They’d be able to protect you. Do you... do you know who your own clan is? We could help you find them –”
“They abandoned me,” Dante said vehemently, spitting the words out. “Why would I ever want to find them? They didn’t want me.”
“Even if that’s true, which I doubt,” Darklis said, struggling to keep her voice even, “you’d be welcome in my clan. I would be proud to count you as one of my brothers.”
Dante turned to stare at her, eyes wide.
They’re green, Darklis realized, surprised. They’re green, like mine...
But then, she heard another terrible roar from outside – and knew immediately that it was the sound of Liev roaring in pain.
“Please, Dante,” she said, pleading with him now. “I can only do this with your help. Untie me. And let me tell you what I need you to do.”
Dante hesitated. Darklis could tell he was close – he wanted to believe her, clearly. But it was a matter of whether he would allow himself to hope that he could escape the clutches of the manticores who had clearly terrorized him his entire life, and the powerful dragon they were working with.
Darklis bit her tongue to keep herself from talking. Dante would have to make up his own mind now.
For a long moment, she was frightened that he had decided not to help her – that his fear had drowned any hope he might have for a better life. But then he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
“All right,” he said. “All right, I’ll help you.”
“Untie me, quickly,” Darklis said, as overwhelming relief flooded through her. Don’t relax just yet, she reminded herself, as Dante crossed the room to her, avoiding the piles of rubble created when Erik had smashed through the roof. You still have to win. And you have no idea if you’re right or not.
Dante struggled with the knots of the thick rope that bound her for a moment or two, before standing and grabbing something from a desk nearby. Darklis didn’t see what it was, but a moment later she felt her bonds loosening as Dante sawed through them with whatever he had picked up. After a minute or two, the ropes lay coiled on the floor, and Darklis was free.
“Quickly,” she said. “We have to get outside. Bring the scepter.”
Dante nodded, swallowing. Darklis noticed his hands were shaking as he picked up the heavy golden staff, laden with jewels.
“I take it yo
u know how to use it, then?” Darklis asked, as they began heading toward the stairs.
Dante nodded. “It was Erik who told me. He... he came to us about a year ago, saying that he needed our help. In exchange, he offered Rowena more riches than he said she’d be able to count. But Rowena can count pretty high.”
Darklis didn’t have to wonder too much where Erik had been planning to get these riches from. If he got his way and made his revenge on Stefan and the other Novak dragons complete this time, their hoard would be his for the taking.
“But to do that, he needed to be able to shift,” she said.
Dante nodded. “Get the scepter, get the gold,” he said. “But I think there was more to it than that. He clearly knew about it and what it was, what it could do. He seemed almost... obsessed with it.”
Darklis nodded as they raced through the marble-tiled foyer of the mansion to the front doors. She could see why he might be: a scepter that had the power to give or take away the power to shift, that gave the person wielding it the power to instantly teleport, and who knew what else besides, would be a formidable weapon in anyone’s arsenal. Despite the dire situation they were in, her own curiosity was already buzzing within her, wondering what other magical powers this scepter might have.
“Can you use it on yourself, though?” Darklis asked. “Why did he need you to... well, zap him with it, if he already knows all about it?”
“That was at Rowena’s insistence,” Dante said. “She doesn’t trust Erik as far as she can throw him. She wanted me to stay and keep an eye on him, and contact her if it looked like he wasn’t going to keep his promises.”
Smart manticore, Darklis couldn’t help but think. Erik Lukich hadn’t had any compunction at all about lying even to his own clan. She was sure he wouldn’t give double-crossing Rowena and her friends a second thought.
Shouldering open the wide front doors of the mansion with some force, Darklis at last emerged into the warm nighttime air, Dante hot on her heels. Looking up, she could make out the forms of Liev and Erik as they battled – though it seemed that for now at least, they were circling each other warily.