Ashe (Fuse Book 2)

by E. L. Todd

  “Who is that?”

  His brother—Obsidian.

  Rush closed his eyes. “Fuck…”

  Cora took several breaths, the realization hitting her with the same devastation. “Oh no…”

  Ashe was able to lead the dragons to safety because Obsidian sacrificed himself. It bought us just enough time to save as many dragons as we could.

  Cora slowly lowered herself to the ground, as if she didn’t have the heart to continue to stand.

  Rush wanted to fall to his knees too.

  The only reason Ashe is doing this now is because of you. Don’t let him down.

  “I won’t—”

  You force him into a fuse, and I will come after you. When my hatchlings are grown, I will leave them here and search the world high and low, never stopping until I have your throat in my claws. I will eviscerate you. I will do the same to your lover. I will do the same to General Callon. I will cut down every person who’s ever meant anything to you. Your forests will burn. Your castles will crumble. Your world will die. Nothing will stand in my way until I free my Zuhurk. Do you understand me, Cora?

  Cora met her gaze without an ounce of fear. “I would never do that. You have my word.”

  Good.

  “And you also have my word that I will do everything I can to protect him—because I’d rather die than let anything happen to him.”

  Rush sat at the edge of the cliff, spinning a blade of grass between his fingertips, watching the sun go down to conclude another day in paradise. His forearms were propped on his knees, his eyes on the movements of his fingertips.

  I wonder how long they’ll be.

  No idea. He continued to spin the piece of grass in his fingertips.

  I wonder how many dragons they’ll get to volunteer.

  No idea about that either. Rush had been asked to stay behind because Ashe didn’t want him present when they spoke with the dragons. His presence would only provoke outrage and hostility.

  You want to talk about it?

  Talk about what?

  I guess that’s a no.

  He ripped the piece of grass in half then tugged another out of the dirt. Do I want to talk about the fact that when this meeting is over, there’s nothing else for us to do but leave? No…I don’t feel like talking about that.

  Flare stayed quiet.

  That I found the woman I can’t live without—and I have to live without her? No. Don’t feel like talking about that either.

  It’s not forever, Rush.

  Yes, it is. It’s over.

  I don’t believe that.

  I don’t want to believe that either. But it is what it is.

  When this is over, you’ll find your way back to each other.

  How? The elves will just be cool with the fact that I slaughtered their king? Cora will suddenly want to spend her life with the man who killed her father? Ashe will suddenly forgive me for everything I’ve done? Her only living relative will suddenly accept me, despite my taking the life of his brother? I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but don’t do it by feeding me lies, false hope, impossibilities…

  I don’t know how it’ll happen, Rush. But I believe it will.

  Just stop.

  It doesn’t matter what the elves think. It doesn’t matter what her uncle thinks. It doesn’t matter what Ashe thinks—

  It does matter. Eden Star is home to her. I can never live there.

  You are home.

  Ashe will be home—because he won’t unfuse from her.

  What do you mean?

  Their relationship will be what you and I have. They won’t want to be apart from each other. They’ll fuse and unfuse throughout her life, because once you have a connection like that, you can’t just end it. And when you have a relationship with someone who’s fused, it’s not just a relationship with two people—but three. Ashe will never accept me—so she can’t either.

  I believe that when this is over, people will see you differently. When they see the sacrifice you’re willing to make, you will be forgiven.

  He ripped the stalk of grass in half and grabbed a new piece. It’s not going to happen because I don’t deserve to be forgiven. I don’t want to talk about this ever again. It doesn’t matter anyway, because when this is all over, we’re going to unfuse and I’m going to pass on—as I should. I can right my wrongs…and rest in peace.

  Thirty-Nine

  The Army of Twelve

  On top of the tallest mountain where lit torches brightened as the daylight faded, dragons were gathered around, all different colors and different sizes. Their eyes took in Cora with peculiarity.

  She was surrounded by beasts that could burn her alive before she could react, but she felt perfectly calm. Convincing Ashe to join her was the hardest part—and that was over. Ashe stood on the stone platform and regarded his kin, a physical shadow. We lived a quiet life on this island for a very long time. It’s been the safe haven that we needed, but it quickly turned into home. You’ve raised hatchlings here, as have I. But I’ve never forgotten where we’ve come from, what we left behind, and I know you haven’t either.

  Cora stood at the bottom of the stone platform, his voice loud in her mind.

  I’ve decided to travel to Eden Star with Cora—and pledge a new alliance.

  There was an instant uproar, various voices speaking in her mind.

  For what reason?

  The last war was the final war.

  The elves hate us—and we hate them.

  It all happened in a cacophony, the voices coming and going, overlapping.

  Ashe let the chatter die down before he continued. Because I believe we have a chance to change the fate of our kin. We’ve all lost hatch mates, Zuhurks, hatchlings, parents. We stayed here because we had no other option. But we have another option now. It’s time to rescue them from their unspeakable misery.

  Fierce eyes stared at Ashe, all different colors. Diamond stood there with the others, as much of a citizen as everyone else.

  Nothing has changed. A brown dragon stepped forward, the color of tilled soil on a sunny day. Her voice was deep, menacing, radiating ripples of power that spread out even after she finished her thought. If we do, we risk annihilation of our entire species. It’s reckless and stupid.

  Ashe stared at her, remaining calm. Ruby, I won’t ignore the risks. But I won’t ignore the chance either.

  Meaning?

  I believe we have something we haven’t had before. Ashe turned to look down at Cora.

  An elf?

  Ashe looked forward again. Half elf. Half human.

  Is that supposed to impress us?

  No. But this will. He looked at Cora again. Go ahead.

  Cora expanded her mind to reach every single dragon in her vicinity. She was nervous, her hands were shaking, but she projected a voice of confidence. Hello.

  A cacophony of voices came back.

  What is this?

  This is the voice we heard before.

  How is this possible?

  Ashe took over. It’s unclear how she can do this—

  Ruby moved farther forward. You fused with her.

  I have not.

  She gave a snort, smoke rising. Then she’s fused with another dragon.

  Ruby, I’ve checked. She’s not.

  She gave another snort in annoyance.

  Not only can she communicate effectively, but she can also perform the Skull Crusher. As far as I know, no other living entity besides Shamans can conduct this. What’s more, she has the ability to disarm me mentally, and her mind has a size that rivals my own. I don’t understand her uniqueness, but it’s undeniable. This can make all the difference in the world.

  Unless it’s a trap. Ruby shifted her gaze to Cora, her look packed with violence.

  She knew she was safe beside Ashe, so that’s where she stayed. I came here seeking allies. King Lux’s reign needs to come to an end, not just for dragons, but every race in Anastille. In order for us
to win this war, we need your help. Our goal is to free all dragons, but that’s unrealistic. Some will have to perish, and we need dragons in order to do that.

  Ruby released an even larger plume of smoke. You ask us to kill our own kind.

  If there’s no other way…and that might be the case. But we’ll be able to save more than we slay.

  Ashe took over. Cora and I will travel to Eden Star to convince the queen of her aid—

  As in, we don’t already have it? Ruby’s voice turned maniacal. Then what is her purpose here? She’s an elf, isn’t she?

  It’s complicated. His deep voice successfully silenced Ruby and the other dragons. But I’m willing to try.

  Another dragon stepped forward, maroon in color. You intend to return to Anastille?

  Yes, Chrome.

  And how will you do this unseen? They’ll hunt you.

  I won’t be seen.

  How?

  Ruby’s eyes narrowed. Because he’ll fuse with the elf.

  Ashe didn’t deny it. Yes.

  Ruby shook her head. You call yourself our king…

  Cora felt her anger swell to uncontrollable heights then spat out, He is your king. He’s doing the best for all dragons—including the ones left behind. The fuse is temporary, and Ashe can leave the connection whenever he chooses. I understand it’s hard for you to trust. I don’t blame you. But it’s time we move forward into the new age of this world—and trust each other again.

  Ruby snarled. Do not speak. You are not one of us.

  But her mind tells us she is. Despite the heat of the moment, Ashe stayed calm, keeping the upper hand. If Queen Delwyn denies us, I will return here, knowing that I made the attempt. If she says yes, then we begin to prepare for war.

  I will not fight.

  And that is your right. Ashe surveyed the dragons gathered under torchlight. Everyone has the right to stay if they wish. I’m asking for volunteers, not commanding soldiers. There are quite a few dragons here that left someone behind, and even after all this time, it still haunts them. I’m one of those dragons. This is your opportunity to do something about it. Join me. Those that don’t will remain at the island to protect the hatchlings and continue our line if we fail. Their job is just as important as ours.

  Cora pulled her gaze away from Ashe’s face and examined the dragons along the cliffside, powerful beings with their wings tucked into their sides. There was only silence in her mind, but the dragons exchanged looks with lovers and friends, wondering who would volunteer themselves for probable death.

  Finally, a dragon moved forward, dark green like the pines outside her village. I did what my Zuhurk wanted. I fled and found peace in a new place. I survived. But without him, that’s all I’m doing…surviving. I will join you, King of Dragons.

  Ashe gave a slight nod of his head.

  Another stepped forward, pastel blue like the ocean close to the shore. The island is too small for us. Our population can’t grow because there’s not enough room for more hatchlings. Anastille should be ours—where our children cover the skies. I want it back—and to rip off the head of the king who took it from us.

  Ashe nodded again. Thank you.

  More stepped forward.

  I want revenge. Bloody, fiery revenge.

  It was wrong to leave behind our kin in the first place.

  His castle will burn.

  Cora watched them step forward, unable to believe the sight right in front of her eyes. Somehow, she and Rush had accomplished the impossible. Now they had a dragon army.

  The last one stepped forward—and then it was silent.

  The surge of excitement Cora felt suddenly went quiet.

  Because only twelve dragons had stepped forward.

  Twelve wasn’t enough.

  Ashe waited a few more minutes before he concluded the meeting. Thank you to those who volunteered, and thank you to those that will keep the island safe in my absence. When I return, we’ll begin preparations.

  Cora projected her mind to him in private. Twelve isn’t enough—

  It’ll have to be—because that’s all we’re going to get.

  Rush read her expression the instant she entered the cave. “Didn’t go well?”

  “Yes and no.” She took a seat on the other side of the fire, the flames highlighting the sharp bones of his face, his high cheekbones, his chiseled jawline. “Ashe told them our plans, and there was a bit of resistance from this ball-of-sunshine named Ruby, but he got their acceptance. Then he asked for volunteers…and only twelve came forward.”

  His blue eyes looked like they were on fire because the flames reflected so sharply in his gaze. “What were you expecting?”

  “I don’t know…more.”

  “I’m shocked you got that many.”

  “That’s what Ashe said.”

  “We should just be grateful that we have twelve additional dragons to fight alongside us.”

  “Eleven. Ashe is included in that number.”

  “And he’s a big-ass dragon, so he counts as two by himself.”

  She hugged her knees to her chest and gave a disappointed sigh. “How many dragons does King Lux have?”

  Rush shifted his gaze away, doing an inventory count. “It’s hard to say, but maybe twenty-five.”

  She closed her eyes in defeat. “Then that’s not enough.”

  “Soldiers can shoot down enemy dragons. Let’s not forget that.”

  “And they’ll shoot down ours.”

  He gave a slight shrug. “War is complicated. Anything can happen. But the quickest way for the war to end is for us to find King Lux and end him. It’ll be a domino effect after that. So, the quicker we do that, the more lives are saved. Think of the dragons as a distraction for us to get where we need to go.”

  “They’re more valuable than as distractions.”

  “You know what I mean. And we also have the element of surprise on our side. He has no idea that dragons still even exist. They won’t be prepared for this whatsoever. That could make all the difference in the world.”

  “Yeah…I guess.”

  “And more dragons may step forward later when Ashe returns.”

  “Or some could change their minds and not go at all.”

  He gave another shrug. “When we get the elves and I find more allies, they might convince more of them to join. This number isn’t set in stone, Cora. Just the fact that we’ve accomplished this much—or, I should say, you’ve accomplished this much—is a cause for celebration.”

  “It’s us, Rush. I never would have ended up here if you weren’t outside my village that strange day. And we wouldn’t have found the island if it weren’t for you either. And despite what most people believe, if you weren’t the king’s son, none of this would be possible at all. They paint you as the villain, but if you’d never been born…the dragons would stand no chance at freedom. It’s because you have a heart and a soul that this is even a possibility.”

  He dropped his gaze to the fire as he listened to what she said, his hands together over his knees. He absorbed her words in silence, his brooding stare intensifying. When he lifted his chin and locked eyes on her, he said, “You really believe that?”

  She saw the hope in his eyes, the desperation for redemption. “Of course I do.”

  “When do we leave?” Rush finally asked the question that he didn’t want to ask.

  “I’m not sure.” She sat beside him on the grass underneath the tree, the two of them enjoying the shade on the warm day. The empty bowls of their lunch were beside them, and they snacked on the fruit they’d scavenged around the island. “Ashe said he wanted to spend time with Diamond and his hatchlings before he leaves.”

  Rush gave a nod and continued to look over the cliff to the ocean beyond, his eyebrows furrowed in a brooding stare.

  “For what it’s worth…I don’t want to leave either.”

  He turned his head slightly, giving a partial stare.

  “I wish I could stay here with yo
u forever.” Without saying goodbye, she already felt the heartbreak. A pain in her chest that didn’t subside, constantly there, even present when she was asleep. As if a part of her were already missing when she could still see it and touch it. It reminded her of the last time she saw Dorian, the agony she felt when she had to walk away. But somehow, this was worse.

  His eyes fell, conveying the depth of his sadness, the chasm in his chest that was visible through the look in his eyes. The jokes and teases were gone, leaving behind the man no one got to see—except her. “Me too, Treasure.”

  I am ready.

  Cora opened her eyes, the powerful chest rising and falling underneath her. She pushed herself upright and looked at Rush’s sleeping face, one arm behind his head, the other around her waist. Right now?

  Yes.

  She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and the haze of relaxation immediately left her body as the imminent truth hit her in the chest.

  It was time. I’ll meet you in a bit.

  What does a bit mean?

  Just give me some time, Ashe. She watched Rush sleep a little longer before she placed her hand on his arm. She gave a gentle squeeze before she glided her fingers through his short hair, hair that she’d cut for him a few times in their adventures.

  Her touch stirred him, his eyes opening and blinking a couple times before he focused on her. His blue eyes were soft, and the smile that moved on to his lips was soft too. His hand went to her wrist, his large fingers wrapping around her skin. “I love waking up with you.” The breaths he took quickened, and his hold on her wrist tightened. It was the final moment of happiness, of his bright eyes in a smiling face, of a man who dropped his guard and became innocent as a boy.

  “I do too.” A smile couldn’t be forced, and the sadness in her eyes couldn’t be masked with a false emotion. Heartbreak had arrived—and it was there to stay. Wordlessly, she conveyed the truth, and now that he was synced with her mind, body, and soul, he could hear the words she never spoke.

  His hand released hers, and he sat up, his eyes glazing over with despair. His arms rested on his knees, and he stared at the stone floor before he reached for his shirt beside him and pulled it over his head. “Just let me get dressed and grab my things.” He pulled away and avoided her look altogether, his heart already closed off.