by Olivia Ash
In the arena, Russell stiffens. His face goes a little pale, and I wonder if he truly didn't see this coming. As Drew said, Russell had been sparring pretty much all week with Jace, but it would seem they don't fight in their dragon form very often.
It's clear he fiercely respects Jace, and the current dojo master isn't really one to tap out.
If I didn't know better, it would seem like this was a fight to the death. A victory against Jace Goodwin has to be hard won.
Whatever happens next, I know in my heart it's going to be merciless.
Harper shifts into her beautiful lilac dragon, the violet scales glistening in the bright sun as she paces the edge of the arena. Jace soars into the open circle in the middle of the courtyard and slowly paces the edge, his eyes on Russell in the center.
Harper gently brushes her wing against the edge of Jace’s, and I figure she just told him something through the subtle and silent connection dragons share in their primal forms. He nods even as he watches Russell, and she takes that as her answer.
Apparently satisfied, she leaps onto the stretch of wall that towers over the front gate and sits there with her wings spread, watching the two men in the center.
It would seem she's going to be referee.
She shoots a blast of magic into the air, and it explodes above us like a firework.
The start of the fight.
Russell’s form shimmers and twists in the center ring as he shifts as well. His body morphs as he allows his jet-black dragon to take over, his scales dark as night. His broad, angled wings glow with a subtle, golden magic—as do the vibrant golden stripes along his legs and face.
As he takes his first steps in the arena in his dragon form, his body glows with warm light. His chest and wings shimmer with magic as bright and brilliant as the sun.
He’s—he’s a thunderbird.
I had no idea.
I lean forward. This is going to be good.
The two warriors circle each other, their chests rumbling with fury and fire as they prepare for their duel.
Russell attacks first.
He snaps, teeth sharp as daggers, barely missing Jace's head as Jace dodges out of the way. My thunderbird slides across the ground, his claws digging up the black tile as he avoids a second attack from the razor-sharp teeth and powerful claws of Russell's dragon. Sparks dance along Russell’s skin as he coils, ready to spring again, and it's clear that magic is fair game in this fight.
Russell shoots a blast of crackling light at Jace, but yet again, Jace is faster. The magic shatters the wall behind him as he ducks out of the way. Black rock spews into the air, shattering to dust from the fury of Russell's attack.
Jace snarls, blue light burning in the back of his throat as he prepares an attack of his own. It simmers and surges, barely contained as he waits for the right moment to spring.
Russell snarls, diving toward the dojo master, and Jace lets his magic free. Russell dodges it, and the magic flies into the air.
Holy shit.
Jace missed.
Russell is even better than I realized.
They dig into each other, firing blasts of magic at each other's chests as their claws draw blood. Their tails and wings cut through the air, powerful and fierce.
Never stopping.
Never slowing.
Barely pausing for even a breath.
Every now and then they pull away, pacing in a slow circle as they wait for another chance to strike.
This is the deadly dance of two masters, and neither appears willing to give in. For Russell, everything is on the line—everything he's worked for, everything he's ever wanted.
Jace, on the other hand, fights for his legacy. This is how he will be remembered. More importantly than even that, though, is what this battle means for Russell—Jace can’t be merciful here. He fights for Russell, to make sure that those in the dojo honor the man’s word as law.
For him to be the dojo master, it must be fully and completely earned.
I lose track of time as they dig into each other again and again. Puddles of blood stain the cracked black stone across the courtyard, gleaming each time the sun glints off the surface of the blood freely spilled in this match.
The two dragons’ chests begin to heave as they start to tire, but neither backs down. The crowd watches breathlessly, tensing with every blow that lands, with every attack that draws blood, with every blast of magic.
It's a ruthless final battle.
Something shifts in Jace. I can see it in the way his eyes dilate and the way his nose wrinkles as he snarls with every breath. He charges at Russell, who meets him head-on.
They dig their claws into each other's shoulders. The claws rip apart their thick scales, drawing even more blood as they growl and snap at each other.
Russell digs his teeth into the base of Jace's neck and launches into the air, carrying Jace into the sky as Jace digs his claws into Russell's hide. Both men spread their wings, magic brewing in their throats.
Yellow and blue—sunshine and night—the magic of the most fearsome warriors on the planet.
A crackling blast of blue magic soars from Jace's throat, hitting Russell on his back. Russell roars in pain, releasing Jace impulsively as he tries to recover from the surge of agony. They both soar away from each other, blood dripping from their claws and teeth to the ground below.
A slow roar begins to build in the crowd, and I feel it too.
The final blow.
The deciding moment.
Jace's body hums with light and power. His veins glow, and I can see a massive blast of magic brewing in his chest.
Not to be outdone, Russell summons his own magic. Yellow sparks fizz across his skin as his body hums and glows.
They hover in the air, evenly matched, aiming their deadly magic at each other.
Jace fires first, but Russell isn't far behind. The rays of light crackle and sizzle through the air, aimed at each other.
The two beams collide.
An explosion rocks the courtyard, shooting heat and air past all of us. I squeeze my eyes shut hastily as the force of the blow kicks dust across the crowd and cuts through my hair.
A brilliant white light engulfs the world, and for a moment, I can't see. My ears ring in the sudden silence.
When the blinding light clears, both dragons are on the ground in the center of the arena, panting heavily. Their skin smokes and smolders as their chests heave. They’re spent from the fight, each of them having pushed themselves to the absolute limit.
The silence that follows is deafening.
No one moves. No one breathes. No one speaks.
We simply wait.
As the two dragons stand in the arena, exhausted but ready to go again, their wings curling slightly with every heavy breath, Jace lifts his head. His intense gaze—all of his focus—is trained entirely on Russell.
The blue glow recedes from Jace’s throat as he calls his magic back.
Russell hesitates, the yellow glow of his own magic still burning bright in his throat as he waits to see what will happen next. I suspect he wonders if this is perhaps a trick, or merely some technique he's unfamiliar with.
Good. A dojo master should always be ready to fight, even if he suspects his adversary is done.
Because I know the truth.
Jace relaxes his shoulders, and after a moment longer of pausing and watching his opponent, gently bows his head in surrender.
Russell relaxes, his dragon letting out a hearty sigh of relief.
Russell won.
Harper roars into the sky, declaring Russell the new general of the dragon dojo as the crowd erupts with cheers.
Jace stands, watching Russell proudly as the new master of the dojo bows his head in thanks to the man who mentored and taught him all these years.
My thunderbird tucks his wings at his side, and his head tilts toward me. I lean toward him in disbelief and joy, and I can practically see him smiling.
Just like that, he's fr
ee—and mine.
Chapter Twenty-Six
As evening falls, the celebration of Russell's promotion echoes through the hallways. Drinking songs float through every corridor, and I'm honestly a bit surprised at the sheer number of soldiers that stumble up and down stairways without falling to their deaths.
But these are dragons, and if anyone can handle a bit of heavy drinking, it's them.
I lean against the railing of the balcony adjacent to Jace’s suite, and it's strange to think this is the last time we'll be in here. It is reserved for the dojo master after all, and Jace is starting a new life with me.
He leans against the balcony beside me, listening to the celebration as it filters through every window and clamors across every path below. One of the trails below us curves toward the dining area, and three men stumble across it, unable to walk in a straight line as they try to maneuver their way back to the kitchens for more beer. With their arms around each other, they manage to vaguely move in the right direction, and I figure they should probably be cut off.
That said, no one seems interested in stopping the party tonight.
I laugh as one of the men hiccups and falls backward, landing in the grass beside the trail as he stares up at the sky. His eyelids are half closed, and there's a drunken smirk on his face as he hiccups again.
I chuckle at their shenanigans, and at his two friends as they try and fail to get him back on his feet. They tug on his hands, but the man won't move.
Jace laughs, looking over the railing at the three of them. “From that, you'd never realize those are three of the most capable fighters on the planet,” he says, shaking his head as he rests his forearms against the railing. “All of them are on Squad Two.”
I snort. “No way, really?”
He nods. “They went into the storage facility with us and Rodgers down there saved my ass when you were off fighting Diesel.”
Jace flashes an annoyed glare at me, but his proud little smirk gives him away.
He loved it—watching me fight.
“That's a Fairfax dragon for you,” he continues with a shrug as he nods toward the three of them. “They can take on ten fighters at once and then drink anyone under the table right after. Just don’t ask them to get up the next morning.”
I grin as they finally get their friend up on his feet and slowly maneuver in the vague direction of the kitchens once again.
“They deserve this,” Jace says with a broad smile. “This party. This time off. They've earned it.”
I scan the horizon as the drinking songs start up again, echoing through the corridors below. “This would be the perfect night for an ambush,” I point out. “Distracted soldiers. Guards are down. It would make sense for Zurie to attack, if she’s paying attention—and she’s always paying attention.”
Jace grins, his gaze sweeping over me briefly. “You're so depressing.”
“Oh, you’ve thought of it too,” I say, casting a playful sidelong glare at him.
“Of course, I have,” he admits with a shrug. “This celebration is my parting gift to Russell. One last night where he doesn't have anything to worry about, before he takes on the full responsibility of an army and the safety of a nation. I have my best soldiers along the perimeter, keeping watch the whole night.”
“Is that where Tucker, Levi, and Drew are?” I ask.
Jace nods. “We didn't tell you because we figured you would want to go.”
“You're right,” I say, chiding him as I quirk an eyebrow.
He grins. “I know. But I wanted you to have this too. A night off.”
I try and fail to hide the small smile playing at the edge of my lips, but I have to admit I'm kind of grateful. It's a sweet gesture, something I'm grateful the four of them decided on together, even if I didn't get any say in that.
They made a choice for me, but they had good intentions.
I'll allow it—this time.
“So, Tucker, Levi, and Drew are among your best soldiers, huh?” I nudge him playfully, trying to get him to admit it.
Jace laughs. “Don't you dare tell them I said that. I'll deny it if you do. I can't have their egos getting any bigger.”
“Not Drew’s anyway,” I admit with a grin.
“With them watching the perimeter, I can sleep soundly and know nothing will get in or out. So, the dojo can relax—if only for this evening,” He hesitates. “So, you can relax.”
I smile. “I don’t know if I can relax, Jace, but that was a kind gift to give Russell.” I pause, intentionally brushing my arm against his as I look up at him. “I kind of expected you to be out there too, though.”
With an exaggerated sigh, he stands and wraps his arms around me, pinning me to the railing. It’s a swift and sudden movement, and before I know it, I’m engulfed. My back hits his hard chest as he holds the railings, enveloping me with his body. He brings his mouth to my ear and gently nips at my jaw, sending an electric current of desire clear down my neck and into my core.
“I was tempted,” he says, “but I had a previous engagement planned for this evening.”
I grin, letting my eyes flutter closed as I just enjoy the sensation of his touch. My body crackles with lust and energy, and I unconsciously lean into him, my dragon shivering with glee at how close he is.
Familiar laughter carries through the air, carefree and relaxed. I impulsively turn toward it, surprised to hear Harper so close by.
She and Russell share a balcony below us and off to the side, their view overlooking the misty ravine as they talk in hushed tones. Russell gestures wildly as he tells whatever story he's telling, and with each gesture, Harper laughs a little harder. Both of them hold glasses, occasionally sipping the brown liquid inside.
That girl sure likes her whiskey.
As Russell finishes his story, he looks out at the ravine, and in that moment, Harper watches him with deep affection. It's playful and light-hearted, but all the more meaningful because she thinks he isn't watching her face. I manage to catch the moment where she lets her guard down—the sort of moment where the truth is undeniable and obvious.
I've seen that look before, and I recognize it instantly.
It's the way my men look at me.
The way I look at them.
And just like that, what I saw in Russell's face when I was strapped to that wooden and iron chair—it's confirmed.
These two want each other. Badly.
“I hope they get a happy ending,” I admit, watching the two of them as they stand in a moment of silence, looking out at the ravine.
Jace snorts. “What? Them? No, they're just friends, Rory.”
I twist around to look at him like he's blind because he has to be to miss those signals. He frowns at the expression on my face and looks again, studying Harper's features as if he’s somehow going to be able to prove his point.
“No, they’re… It's just…” He trails off as he stares at them, really studying them this time, his eyes narrowing in disbelief the longer he watches.
“Gods above—they’re absolutely into each other,” he mutters. “When the hell did that happen?”
“See?” I say, gesturing toward them, basking in how freaking right I am.
“That's just weird,” Jace admits, holding me a little tighter as he watches them. “They grew up together. I always thought of them as—I don't know. Related, maybe. Not romantically interested in each other. When they were kids, they fought like siblings.”
“They're not kids anymore,” I say, smirking as Harper throws back the last of her bourbon.
Russell leads Harper inside, pausing at the door so she can enter first, and I wonder if my friend’s going to get lucky tonight.
“They shouldn't really indulge their affection for each other,” Jace says quietly, setting his hand on the railing again as he leans into me once more. He peppers a few kisses on the back of my neck.
“Why not?” I ask, my heart hurting a little as I think about Harper denying herself of
something she so obviously wants.
“As a general rule, the dojo master shouldn't indulge romance,” Jace admits. “That's why I fought this for so long. Why I fought against you,” he confesses with an apologetic kiss behind my ear. “That said, it's sometimes permitted. On occasion, the dojo master can even keep his position and have a family. But for Russell to fall in love with Harper…” Jace trails off, pausing to take a deep breath as he holds me tighter. “That could pose problems down the line, but it’s hard to know for sure. After all, it’s his duty to protect the Fairfax family. To protect her.”
The conversation lulls as our minds wander, and another surge of drinking songs echo through the air. Someone probably brought out another round of beer.
“I don’t like this, Jace,” I admit as my mind wanders yet again to my former mentor. “You do realize that the longer we hear nothing from Zurie, the worse her attack is going to be? It means she’s mobilizing. Planning. Preparing.”
“Of course,” he says calmly. “I have every available soldier working on it day and night, some even monitoring the chatter during this celebration, when they should be off drinking. They volunteered for it, Rory—they want her dead as much as you and I do. We’re doing everything we can to find her. To figure out what her plans are.”
I don’t answer. I can’t, not with the possibilities buzzing around in my brain.
All the ways she can kill us.
All the things she wants to do—to me. To Irena. To the men I love.
I won’t let her.
“You need to relax,” Jace says in my ear, his voice a sultry growl as his hands grip my shoulders. “I’ve handled everything. Taken every precaution. So, take just one night, Rory. One night away from the dread and brainstorming. One night away from the obsessive brooding—and you can obsess to your heart’s content tomorrow morning.”
I snort derisively. “I don’t brood nearly as much as you and Drew try to make it seem like I do.”
Jace chuckles, gently biting my neck as his hands wander down the sides of my body. Sparks of desire and need burst through me beneath his touch, aching for more.
His fingers reach the hem of my pants, and he inches his strong hands past the fabric, sliding along my bare skin as he takes what’s his. His hands press against my thighs, his thumb brushing ruthlessly along my entrance, and I suck in a deep breath of surprise.