by E. L. Todd
Sunlight flooded the stone floor of the cave. The fire was cold, dying out sometime in the middle of the night.
Come to me.
She sat up, feeling the command pull her from sleep.
When she moved, Rush opened his tired eyes. “Treasure, I’m not letting you go anywhere…” He grabbed her wrist and tugged her back.
I said, come to me.
Geez, I’m coming. She sat back up again. “I’ve got to go.”
He sat up, blinking his tired eyes. “What’s going on?”
“A bit of déjà vu.”
Bring the general with you.
He’s not the general—
Don’t care.
“Ashe wants you to come too. And he’s not in a good mood.”
“Is he ever in a good mood?” Rush got up and pulled on his shirt before he grabbed his things.
“He has his moments…”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
They left the cave and moved to the grassy area.
“So last night was pretty hot.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“We don’t have time for this.”
“I’m trying to wake up Flare, so yes, we do have time.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Innocent Cora isn’t so innocent anymore…”
She gave him a smirk before she smacked him on the arm. “Shut up.”
“You never told me what you think is so hot about me.” He gave a short bow. “You have the floor.”
“Is Flare actually asleep, or are you being a dick?”
“Can’t it be both?”
She moved her hands to her hips and gave a long sigh. “Well, I guess it’s your fingers at the moment…”
He grinned wide. “Damn, you’re sexy.”
“I love your eyes.”
“Yeah, they’re pretty, aren’t they?” He puffed out his chest, wearing his arrogance on his sleeve.
“You’re really handsome.”
“So handsome.”
She chuckled at his humor. “You’re really…strong.”
“Come on, let’s not keep this censored. Strong is the word you’re going to go with?”
“Fine…you have a really nice body.”
He flexed his arms and kissed each bicep.
“You’re so ridiculous.”
He chuckled and dropped his arms to his sides. “Okay, I’ll go wake up Flare—”
“You asshole.” She shoved him in the chest.
He grabbed her arms and yanked her back to him, forcing their mouths to collide in a heated kiss. His hand immediately dug in her hair, and he clutched her ass, giving her his tongue and his breath.
Her arms hooked around his neck, and she hiked up her leg to his hip.
He smiled against her mouth as he gripped her by the back of her knee and held her close as he continued to kiss her, a moan escaping his lips, his fingers kneading her thigh.
Thud.
Rush immediately backed up when he felt the earth shake below his feet.
Cora’s heart jumped into her throat when she saw him.
A never-ending trail of smoke rose up his snout, a fire burning from all the way down to his belly. You lied to me.
“No, I didn’t lie—”
He opened his wings and took off again.
Ashe!
His mind became a brick wall—and nothing could get through it.
Flare landed on the meadow outside Ashe’s cave, and Cora climbed off.
What did you lie about?
I didn’t lie.
He wouldn’t make an accusation without evidence.
I. Didn’t. Lie.
Then what happened?
He asked if we were together… I told him no.
Rush turned quiet.
He told me never to lie to him, but I told him that before anything happened.
He was still quiet.
I’m just going to wait here for him.
Flare’s voice spoke in her mind. He’s inside his cave.
Flare?
Yes, I’m here.
Rush?
I’m here too.
Cora stilled. So…we can all talk at once now?
Seems that way. Again, you make the impossible possible.
Ashe stepped out of his cave, his snout still emitting smoke.
Let me talk to him in private.
I don’t want to leave you alone with him now.
He won’t hurt me.
Are we looking at the same dragon right now?
Rush, just go.
Rush spoke to Flare. You heard her.
Flare opened his wings and flew away.
I’m right here if you need me.
Cora walked forward and approached Ashe, seeing him stop just outside of his enormous cave. “I didn’t lie. Let me explain.”
Silence.
Cora stilled, finding his silence more intimidating than his words. When you asked me that, I told you the truth. Everything I shared with you was the truth. He wanted to be with me…and I said no.
You’re together now. Why?
“Because…it just happened.”
How can it just happen? How can you change your mind so abruptly?
“It’s hard to explain—”
My intelligence is superior to yours—so I will understand perfectly.
“I told him it would never work between us, not after everything that’s happened. He agreed, but also countered…and asked if we could be together while we’re here at Mist Isle.”
The smoke continued, the rage visible in his eyes. He killed your father.
I know.
He’s the General of the Empire—
Was. Was. Was.
He made a snort, blowing his smoke forward. He can’t take back what he did. Past and present are one.
I don’t agree. If it’s impossible to redeem yourself, then there’s no reason to grow, to better yourself—
Murdering magical creatures and butchering innocent people does not fall into that category, Cora.
Ashe, we need to forgive each other and move on. That’s the only way this world will get better.
I will never forgive him for what he’s done. But I have moved on—which is why he still breathes. I’ve put aside my own rage because I believe that he can be useful. That is the most you will get from me.
Okay…I understand that. I’m sorry I gave you the impression that I lied—
I don’t like him.
I…I know that.
You misunderstand me. I don’t like him for you.
With all due respect, I don’t care what you think—
Yes, you do. His eyes narrowed. You care what I think. You care what General Callon thinks. You care what Queen Delwyn thinks. That is why this relationship will expire. Yes?
Yes…
You think you’ve forgiven him, but when you leave this island and return to reality, you will realize that you’re wrong. What you’re doing now is forgetting. But once you leave this place, you will remember again.
She dropped her gaze.
Love isn’t enough, Cora. You will see.
She approached the cave as Ashe opened his wings and flew away.
Rush emerged in the cave entrance, his playful eyes and teasing smile long gone. “Work things out?”
“Yeah.” She moved past him and entered the cave. “He just has an issue with lying. When I explained to him I didn’t, it was fine.” She dropped her pack and leaned her sword against the wall. “Then we worked on expanding my mind and talking to multiple dragons at once…getting better at it.”
He remained at the opening of the cave, looking out to the grass ahead. “It’s okay, Cora.” His voice dropped to the bedrock, hitting as low as it could go. “I know he doesn’t like me.” He turned back around then entered the cave, taking the seat across from her, his arms resting on the tops of his knees. His eyes moved to the fire like she wasn’t there at all. “He doesn’t think I’m good enoug
h for you—and he’s right.”
“Rush—”
“Really, it’s fine. It’s good news, actually.”
When she’d been tortured, it was the most physical pain she’d ever endured, but absorbing Rush’s depression was somehow worse. It was deeper than physical pain, a mental state of sorrow that had no cure. “How?”
He kept his eyes on the fire. “It means he cares about you. Deeply. And if he cares that deeply…he’ll probably fuse.”
Thirty-Five
The Skull Crusher
“Did you have any boyfriends in your village?” Rush lay beside her on the grass under the stars. Evening had descended on the world long ago, and since it was a clear night, the stars were so bright they appeared close enough to touch.
She suppressed a sarcastic laugh. “Uh, no.”
“No one your type?”
“They just sucked.”
He released a chuckle. “Sucked, huh? Brutal…”
“They were immature, entitled boys. They weren’t like you…”
He turned quiet, but his smile was audible. “Like me, huh?”
“Yeah…a man.”
“I can literally feel my ego getting bigger right now.”
She chuckled. “I can feel it too.”
He moved one hand underneath his head while the other reached for her hand. His fingers slid through hers.
She gave him a squeeze, the innocent touch still giving her shivers. “What about you?”
“Nope. No boyfriends.”
“You know what I mean.”
“No girlfriends either.”
“Really? Because you made it sound like there were a lot of them.”
“There’s a difference between women and girlfriends. There have been a lot of women—but no girlfriends.”
She stared at the sky, his hand warm in hers. “So…what category do I fall into?”
His eyes remained on the stars, which reflected in his eyes. An entire constellation was visible on the surface. His hand contracted around hers in a gentle squeeze before he pulled it to his lips and gave it a kiss. “You’re my one and only.” He lowered it again and let out a quiet sigh. “But you already knew that.”
“I didn’t.”
“Then I guess I’m not doing a very good job of showing it.” He released her hand then turned over, his silhouette blocking out the sky above him. His hand grabbed her thigh and hugged it against his hip before he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “How’s this?” He cupped her face and supported his weight on his arm as he kissed her again, breathing passion deep into her body.
Her hands immediately slid up his chest underneath his shirt and felt his strength, felt the muscles of his core working to support himself on top of her. Her lips accepted his kiss with a breathless hunger. “You’re mine too.”
He broke their kiss and hovered his face on top of hers. “I know.” He lowered his lips to hers again and deepened the kiss, his passion rising with every breath he took, his fingers digging into her hair.
She clawed at his back before she moved her hands down to his trousers. Her fingers found the string that kept them tight around his waist and pulled it loose.
His hand grabbed hers and pulled it away, his eyes burning into hers.
Her eyes shifted back and forth as she looked into his before her palms cupped his face and pulled him in for another kiss.
He melted at her touch, his hand returning to her hair, sucking her bottom lip between his.
Her hands grabbed the waistband of his pants and slowly pulled them down over his hips.
His hand caught hers again, and he stared down into her eyes, his chest rising and falling with the deep breaths he took. “What are you doing?”
“You know what I’m doing.”
His breaths increased, his eyes glowing in their intensity. “I assumed you were waiting until marriage.”
Her featured contorted, her eyebrows spiking, a laugh rising to her throat. “Uh…no.”
“Ladies are supposed to wait—”
“And I’m not a lady. Don’t feed me your archaic human practices. They’re idiotic. That’s not how the elves are—because it’s stupid. I’ll never marry, so I’m sure as hell not going to keep my legs closed until I die.”
The intensity remained, but a quick smirk entered his lips.
“My village was that way—and I hated it. Marriage lottery, dowries, obedience…forget it. Waiting until marriage is just another way for men to control women. Like they don’t do that enough as it is.”
“Are you sure? Because that’s not the impression I got from you when we met.”
“Yes, I was inexperienced, but…I never believed in what they believe.”
His eyes remained uncertain, contemplative.
Her hand cupped his cheek and brought him close again, pressing a kiss to his lips. “Life is about moments…and I want to share this moment with you.”
He hesitated before he returned her affection, his lips embracing hers with the same passion. “I’m happy to have some of you and never all of you. So, this is your decision…if you’re sure.”
She tugged him close and brought their lips together. “I’m sure.”
Come to me. And be quick about it.
Her eyes opened to the inside of the cave, the stone ceiling coming into focus. Morning sunlight was on the floor, and the sounds of birds made it through the entrance and echoed off the walls.
She looked at Rush beside her, his arm draped over her stomach, his face pressed into her neck. “Time to get up.”
He didn’t move.
She slid from underneath his weight.
He gave a moan and instinctively pulled her back.
“Ashe wants to see me.”
He mumbled, half asleep. “You’re mine… Tell him to get over it.”
“Rush.” She gave him a gentle shove. “I need a ride.”
He pushed the blankets down. “Then climb on, baby.”
She smacked his shoulder before she pulled on her clothes then grabbed her boots.
He gave a sigh before he sat up and rubbed the sleep from the inside corner of his eye. “Why doesn’t he pick you up anymore?”
“I think he wants you there too.”
“Oh, this will be fun.” He got to his feet and dressed himself, hiding his chiseled physique under his long-sleeved black shirt and his trousers. His sword was hooked to his hip, and he pulled on his pack.
She grabbed her things, and together, they left the cave and stepped into the clearing where there was plenty of space. “I haven’t heard from Flare much.”
“I told him to go away.”
“Why?”
He nudged her in the side. “Come on, you know why.”
“You don’t tell him anything?”
He backed up as he shook his head. “Why would I? It’s none of his business.”
“I just figured that you would share that kind of stuff afterward.”
“Not that kind of guy. Ready?”
“Yeah.”
He changed into Flare and dropped his body down so Cora could climb on.
Hey, Flare.
Hey, Pretty. He launched himself into the air and carried them higher up the mountainside.
How are things with you?
A bit boring. But it’s fine. Rush is happy, so I’m happy. He landed in the meadow and lowered himself so Cora could climb off again. And I can tell you’re happy too—so that makes it even better.
If you guys don’t need me, I’m going to go back to sleep.
Cora approached the cave where Ashe would come from. Night, Rush.
Night, Treasure. His presence disappeared.
Treasure?
Yeah…that’s what he calls me sometimes.
Flare grinned, or at least grinned as much as he could.
What?
Nothing, Pretty.
Ashe stalked out of the cave, enormous, majestic, powerful in just his appearance alone. Every step he took s
hook the ground underneath his weight, his footfalls like drums. First, he was part of the darkness of his cave, and then he emerged, bringing the shadow with him. Good morning, Flare.
Good Morning, Your Highness. Flare dipped his head slightly.
Cora glanced at him. You call him that?
Flare locked eyes with her. Yes. He’s my king.
And your king is still here. He stopped in front of them, feet away. Cora, you need to create barriers if you wish to speak in private.
“I don’t know how to do that.”
Then I will teach you. Imagine the devastation of communicating your plans to your allies but broadcasting it to your enemies.
“Yeah…that would be bad.”
Ashe regarded them both in the morning light before he spoke. Cora, you deflected my mind when we first met. You remember this?
“Like I could ever forget.”
I want you to practice this.
“On you?”
Ashe gave her a cold look. I requested Flare’s presence for a reason.
“Oh, right…” She turned to look at the red dragon.
Flare, attack her. Cora, stop him.
Flare stared at her, his yellow eyes blinking.
“It’s okay. You won’t hurt me.”
No. You will hurt her. How else will she learn if you don’t?
Flare turned back to Ashe. A single touch could kill her—
Ashe opened his mouth and inhaled a deep breath, stoking the fires inside his lungs and prepared to diffuse it.
On instinct, Cora threw up her mind, hurled it forward like a rock aimed for his head.
Ashe jerked his head sideways, the invisible rock colliding with his skull. The fire disappeared, and the black smoke replaced it. When he turned his eyes back to her, he looked furious.
“Isn’t that what you wanted me to do—”
He charged her next, moving at a sprint despite his immense size.
Flare pushed himself in the way.
As if Flare were nothing but a branch, Ashe hit him in the chest and made him fly back.
She threw her mind forward, trying to toss Ashe aside. It slowed him down, but he picked up the pace again, expecting her hit.
She ran across the meadow for dear life.
She tried again and again, but nothing worked.