10. Calista
Chapter 10
Calista
I had to accept the fact that I would never know where Talon had gone.
He’d just vanished. I was jerked awake by his abrupt departure, my head dropping onto the pillow because his chest was suddenly gone. I jolted upright and looked into the dark bedroom, the flames barely alive, but only saw shadows.
Our journey on the galleon had been smooth for days, but it turned rocky when he sailed into storm clouds. The rain pelted the deck, and the ship swayed back and forth, making glasses and candles on tables knock to the floor. I’d never been on a ship, and I quickly learned that I was susceptible to seasickness.
I remained below deck in our chambers alone while Talon helped the elves navigate the ship through the storm. I wanted to help, but since I had no experience on the sea, there wasn’t much I could do except stay out of the way.
I sat against the headboard and felt my body rock back and forth, doing my best to stay calm and not let the sickness spread to the rest of my body. The storm lasted from day to night. At some point, it stopped because I’d fallen asleep and woke up to a still boat and a quiet day.
Talon wasn’t beside me, and I hoped he was okay.
I dressed and climbed to the deck, feeling the sunshine on my face when I emerged at the top. The sea air blew through my hair and removed any remaining tendrils of nausea that resided deep in my stomach.
I spotted Talon at the bow of the ship in plain trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, like he preferred to sail as a man rather than a king. Beside him was Queen Eldinar, in her usual gown and elegance. They were both facing the ocean ahead, but they appeared to be engaged in conversation.
I ascended the steps then approached them from behind, seeing the landmass in the distance between them. I stilled when I realized that was our destination, an island far off into the sea with nothing else around for leagues. It was still small at the moment, too small for details or dragons in the sky. “Looks like we’re almost there.”
Talon turned around to look at me, his eyes kind but mostly exhausted. “Yes.”
Queen Eldinar turned to regard me. “Before you stands Thalian, guarded by our soldiers who pledge their lives to the defense of the last free dragons.”
I stepped between them and looked across the calm ocean to the island that was still too far away to make out. My hand shaded my eyes from the light so I could see better, but even then, the details of the land were unknown. “I can’t wait to see Inferno again. I’ve missed him.”
“Judging by the wind speed, we’ll be there tomorrow morning,” Talon said. “Would have been there much sooner if that storm hadn’t assaulted us.” He looked at me. “I hope you didn’t get sick. Sailing isn’t for everyone.”
“I felt a little unwell, but it passed.” I looked up to Khazmuda in the sky, who continued to glide above our boat. I can’t even imagine what you’re feeling right now.
I feel it in my heart—and I still can’t describe it.
You don’t have to wait for us, Khazmuda.
Talon and I have worked toward this for a long time. I want to share this with him.
“Khazmuda wants to wait for us.”
“I know,” Talon said. “He has more patience than I thought.” He looked up at his dragon overhead, a slight smile on his lips.
Queen Eldinar regarded Talon with a look of affection, a look she continued to give him after he’d saved her people and their forest. “It’s not patience that steadies his wings—but loyalty.”
His eyes remained on Khazmuda, and then, slowly, the smile started to fade and he addressed the queen. “How will we proceed, Your Majesty?”
“Khazmuda is welcome to visit with his kin. And I’m sure Inferno will be pleased by your arrival, Calista. Macabre is the leader of their society. A mighty dragon with intelligence as fierce as his talons. He is ferocious but, after earning his trust, very kind. He’s the one you’ll need to convince.”
“Can’t I speak to each dragon individually?” Talon asked.
“You can pursue this endeavor however you wish,” Queen Eldinar said. “But Macabre is a proud dragon, and if you pursue this without his support, you’ll be climbing an endless hill.”
“He sounds like a dictator,” Talon said coldly.
“He’s very protective of his kin,” Queen Eldinar said. “He considers the well-being of each dragon his personal responsibility. Despite everything we did to protect their kind, it took a long time for him to trust us. He was suspicious of us for years, waiting for us to show our true colors hidden by our false kindness. Try to remember that his distrust is valid, because many of their kind were killed in the Great War long ago. Neither of you lived at the time and neither did your recent ancestors, but Macabre and I remember it well. It’s men he trusts the least.”
Talon released a heavy sigh. “It sounds like protecting Riviana Star and sailing to Thalian was the easy part.”
“Do you think we’ll succeed?” I asked Queen Eldinar.
“A difficult question to answer,” she said. “If you’d asked me this same question a few weeks ago, I would have told you we wouldn’t stand where we stand now. I would have told you that the Death King would never be my ally. I would have told you this moment never would have come to pass. But we are in sight of the secret lands where the dragons reside. I don’t think it’s likely you’ll convince Macabre to leave the safety of this place and fight for you, but I don’t think it’s impossible.”
I looked at Talon.
With eyes full of defeat, he looked at me.
“Perhaps Inferno will be of help. He’s been there a while.”
“Perhaps,” he said solemnly.
“And we know Macabre will like Khazmuda.”
“I’m not sure what he’ll think,” Talon said. “Might regard Khazmuda as an outsider.”
Queen Eldinar looked at the horizon once more before she silently excused herself and left the bow of the ship.
Talon ran his fingers through his hair as his squinted eyes looked at the blue horizon.
“You must be tired.”
“It was a long night.”
“I missed you.” With every passing day, I grew more attached, and I didn’t try to fight it. I let my heart beat on my sleeve. Let my eyes say the words that my mouth was too afraid to speak. I didn’t just look at him, but stared deeply into his soul.
He slowly turned back to me, his eyes suddenly sad. “I missed you too.”
When we woke up the next morning, the island was close.
Lush and green with a tall mountain in the center, it looked like a beautiful paradise. The shores were white, the air was warm, and the trees were different than they were on the mainland.
I didn’t wear my armor and sword because I didn’t want to provoke the dragons. It wasn’t like I had any chance against them in a battle anyway. I wore one of my dresses with my sandals, the air too hot and moist for anything else.
Talon wore his uniform and armor anyway, his cape billowing behind him as he stood on the bow, looking like a king about to conquer another land in his name. But his sword had been left behind in our quarters below.
We sailed closer to the port, the wooden dock extending far into the cove of clear blue water. Structures were visible along the shore near the water, other galleons with cannons waited along the sides. It was a battle station, but I suspected no one had ever sailed to Thalian. For a thousand years, the island had probably remained untouched.
As we approached the dock, guards appeared to take the ropes thrown overboard to secure the ship. Their armor was different from the elves, a brilliant teal that had a shine like the sun. It was a perfect mixture of the trees and the water, a color that camouflaged them into the scenery of the island.
The three galleons were secured to the dock, and then Queen Eldinar disembarked first, followed by Uncle Ezra. Everyone else followed suit while the Thalian guards secured the ships and unloaded the supplies packed inside.
Talon took his place by Queen Eldinar, and they walked together like they were equals. I trailed behind with my uncle, seeing the two monarchs leading the way, looking like king and queen of a joint territory. They were both beautiful people, so it would be easy to assume they were husband and wife as well. I’d never been the jealous type, but seeing just how breathtaking Queen Eldinar always was, day and night, made me feel a little self-conscious. Even on my best day, I never glowed the way she did.
We crossed to shore then entered the grouping of buildings erected along the coast, each one of them with a view of the water and the gentle waves that rolled to shore.
More guards were ready to receive the queen, and when the first one stepped forward, I assumed he was the one in charge. “Queen Eldinar.” He bowed deeply, and so did the others who stood behind him. When their heads were dipped, they stayed that way for a long pause, like an exaggerated form of respect.
Queen Eldinar didn’t smile, but there was a kindness in her eyes when she regarded her people. “Guards of Thalian, thank you for protecting this special place and guarding our scaled friends. We think of your sacrifice every day.”
“Thank you, Queen Eldinar.” He gave another quick bow.
Queen Eldinar turned slightly to Talon beside her. “May I introduce the Death King, an ally to Riviana Star and dear friend of mine. Please provide him suitable accommodations. He has an omnivorous diet.”
“I can exist without meat while I’m in your lands,” Talon said quickly. “Don’t make any special provisions for me.”
Queen Eldinar stared at him for a moment before she turned back to the commander of the guard. “The Death King has come to make a plea to Macabre. Once that’s finished, we’ll return to our lands. The soldiers I’ve brought will take the new rotation so you can return home to your families.”
The commander didn’t glance at Talon and accepted her words without protest. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
One of the guards approached Talon and gave a slight bow. “I’ll escort you to your accommodations, Death King. This way.” He took the lead and guided us down a dirt path past the buildings until he reached a single home at the far end, a humble abode but a private one. The door was opened for us to reveal a one- bedroom cabin with a bed, a fireplace, a small living area, and a private bathroom. “I hope this is suitable, Your Majesty.”
“It is,” Talon said. “Thank you.”
Two other guards walked inside and placed our belongings on the couch. They didn’t question who I was.
“We’ll bring water and your meals throughout the day.” He gave another bow before he left with the guards who had helped him carry our belongings.
Now we were alone together in a cabin, the ocean visible in the window, the air far warmer here than it was back at home. I looked at the artwork on the wall, images of seashells and exotic birds. We’d finally arrived in the place we desired most, but the moment didn’t feel real. It wouldn’t feel real until I looked Inferno in the eye.
Then I heard his voice in my head. CALISTA, I FEEL YOUR MIND… BUT IT CAN’T BE YOU.
I smiled. It is.
HOW CAN THIS BE?
It’s a long story. A very long one…
I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR IT. BUT FIRST, I WANT TO SEE YOU.
I want to see you too. “Inferno knows we’re here.”
A thud sounded outside.
I looked out the window and saw Khazmuda’s dark scales against the white shore.
Talon headed toward the door. “There’s our ride.”
We left the house and walked across the white sand to where Khazmuda sat, his dark eyes like coal in the bright surroundings. He lowered his body so we could climb up his side into the saddle that had been secured before we left.
Talon helped me up first then climbed up and sat behind me. Like he did on the horse, he secured his arm across my waist to keep me in place before he grabbed on to one of the spikes that protruded from Khazmuda’s spine. “Hold on.”
I grabbed on to his arm then felt us launch high into the sky, my hair immediately whipping around and striking him in the face. The world grew small below as we rose up with the mountains. Khazmuda soared over the land in search of the mighty red scales.
I FEEL YOUR MIND GROW BIGGER.
“We’re getting closer,” I said. Where are you?
THE VALLEY AT THE NORTH PINNACLE. IT’S MY FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH THE SUNSET.
“He said he’s at the northern tip,” I said.
Khazmuda spoke directly into my thoughts . I feel his mind. Khazmuda changed direction and soared over the land that seemed uninhabited.
“Baby, look down.”
I looked down into the greenery below and saw brilliant scales in the grass. Several dragons lay there basking in the sun, each of them displaying different colored scales that reflected the light of the brilliant sun. “Wow, there’re at least five of them.”
Talon’s arm tightened on my waist as I leaned to the side like I was a child about to fall off the couch. “Hard to believe, isn’t it?”
Khazmuda dropped in altitude as he approached the valley Inferno described. Then I saw his brilliant red scales contrasted against the cool grass, large in size like Khazmuda, with his head held high in pride.
“I forgot how beautiful he is.”
Khazmuda landed more gently than usual, probably because I was a rider instead of just Talon. He dropped his belly to the ground so it would be easy for me to climb down as well. Talon went down first, then helped me get my feet on the ground.
Once I felt the earth beneath me, I ran to the dragon with mighty red scales, the dragon I loved with the same intensity as Khazmuda. I felt a smile pull at my lips as I ran to him, feeling so free I could sprout wings and fly.
He dipped his snout to receive my hug, his eyes affectionate and warm. IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I’VE SEEN YOUR FACE.
I collided with his snout then grabbed on to hug him, to hug a dragon as best I could.
He dipped his head into me then released a low hum, a sigh of satisfaction.
“Your scales are even prettier than I remember.”
I KNOW.
I chuckled before I pulled away to look at him. “We have a lot to catch up on.”
WE DO. He raised his head and looked past me. The second he set his eyes on Talon, they narrowed in distinct disdain. THE FIRST THING YOU CAN DO IS EXPLAIN WHY YOU’VE brOUGHT HIM HERE.
Talon stepped forward but kept his distance, Khazmuda behind him. He looked upon Inferno with a hard gaze, like he expected to be unwelcome…or could read the rage in Inferno’s eyes.
I turned back to Inferno. “Talon has proven himself to be a man of good, not evil.”
Inferno shifted his gaze to me. THE LAST TIME YOU SAW HIM, YOU EXCHANGED BLOWS WITH YOUR SWORDS ? —
“A lot has happened since. After you left, General Titan marched to Riviana Star to take me, and he would have succeeded and burned down the entire forest if Talon hadn’t come to my rescue. He saved me and the forest. When the dark elves realized that the elves had a battle to the south, they decided to take the Realm of Caelum from within the forest. We were outnumbered because they struck an alliance with Behemoths and goblins. Without Talon, we all would be dead now.” I lowered my voice to make sure Talon couldn’t overhear me. “I’ve forgiven him for everything, and now he’s the man in my heart.”
Inferno had stared me down with annoyance the entire time, but he must have seen the sincerity in my gaze because his hostility slowly waned.
“You can trust him.”
Inferno stared at me for a moment longer before he released a loud sigh from his nostrils. HE MAY BE A KING, BUT YOU’RE THE QUEEN OF MY HEART. I THINK YOU DESERVE MORE.
“Even if that were true, he’s the only man I want.”
Inferno continued to stare at me. YOUR AFFECTION FOR HIM IS PROFOUND.
I blinked at the observation, feeling the sting of truth in my heart. “It is…”
The disappointment in his eyes was evident, but it slowly started to fade. THEN I WILL TRY TO LOVE HIM AS WELL.
I felt the affection burn my eyes. Felt the rush of gratitude. “Thank you.” I pressed my palm to the soft scales around his snout and rested my head against the side, so close to his razor-sharp teeth but completely unafraid.
When I turned back to Talon, he was where he’d been a moment before, still staring at us. “It’s nice to see you again, Inferno.”
I spoke aloud for Inferno. “You as well, Death King.”
“Queen Eldinar granted us passage to these lands so we can make our plea,” Talon said. “Have you had any success of your own?”
NO .
Talon’s eyes tightened in disappointment.
BUT I HAVEN’T MADE A PLEA OF MY OWN. I’VE SPENT MY TIME TRYING TO BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DRAGONS. THEY’VE WELCOMED ME TO THIS ISLAND, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO TREAT ME AS AN OUTSIDER. THEIR RELATIONSHIPS HAVE ENDURED FOR A THOUSAND YEARS, SO IT’S NOT EXACTLY EASY TO ENTICE THEM INTO FORMING NEW FRIENDSHIPS. I SPEND A LOT OF TIME ALONE, UNFORTUNATELY. BUT I’M STILL GRATEFUL BECAUSE AT LEAST I’M FREE.
Talon gave a slight nod. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
THEY’LL OSTRACIZE ME EVEN MORE WHEN THEY REALIZE THE COMPANY I KEEP.
“What can you tell me about Macabre?”
HE HAS MANY MATES AND MANY HATCHLINGS.
“I thought dragons were monogamous?” Talon asked.
THEY ARE. BUT HE’S NOT.
“He sounds popular.”
HE HAS VERY NICE SCALES.
“The more I hear about him, the less I like him.”
HE WOULDN’T BE REVERED BY THE OTHER DRAGONS IF HE WERE UNKIND.
“Why would the female dragons be willing to share him with other mates?”
BECAUSE GROWING THEIR POPULATION IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. A DRAGON IS PREGNANT FOR TWO YEARS BEFORE THEY LAY THEIR EGGS, AND ONLY ONE OR TWO OF THOSE EGGS WILL HATCH. THEY LOST SO MANY OF THEIR OWN IN THE GREAT WAR. MACAbrE IS THE EQUIVALENT OF A KING, SO MANY FEMALES WANT TO HAVE HIS HATCHLINGS.
Talon crossed his arms over his chest as he considered what Inferno had shared with him. “I intended to speak with Macabre directly and ask for his aid to free the dragons in the Southern Isles. But now I fear he’ll have no interest in speaking to me.”
YOUR ASSUMPTION IS CORRECT. THEY HATE HUMANS. THEY WILL BE VERY DISPLEASED TO SEE YOU ON THIS ISLAND.
“Perhaps you and Khazmuda could convince him together.”
WE CAN TRY. BUT I DON’T THINK THERE IS MUCH INCENTIVE FOR THEM TO LEAVE THIS PLACE AND RISK THEIR LIVES. EVEN THOUGH THE GREAT WAR WAS LONG AGO, THEY ARE STILL GRIEVING THAT LOSS. THEY’RE STILL HEALING. WE PROCESS TIME DIFFERENTLY FROM MORTALS. WHAT HAPPENED ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY. WHAT HAPPENED ONE THOUSAND YEARS AGO FEELS LIKE A YEAR. THEY’RE ONLY INTERESTED IN REBUILDING THEIR SOCIETY. AND SINCE THE SOUTHERN ISLES IS SO FAR AWAY, WITH A LANDMASS IN BETWEEN, THEY’LL NEVER BE AT RISK FROM YOUR UNCLE’S TYRANNY.
Talon turned quiet and looked toward the sea, standing tall as the breeze flapped his cape. His handsome face had hardened into consternation, the thoughts pounding behind his eyes and underneath his flesh. He spoke aloud, but he seemed to speak only to himself. “I didn’t come this far for nothing…”
It hurt to see his disappointment and not be able to do anything about it. I couldn’t rush off and confront Macabre myself. “The best thing we can do is to remind them how it does affect them. They may not know these dragons, but they’re still dragons. And if the situations were reversed, they would hope their kin would come to their aid.”
THE DRAGON POPULATION HAD DROPPED CONSIDERABLY SINCE THE AGE OF MAN. THERE ARE SO FEW LEFT. IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO RISK WHAT LITTLE THEY HAVE FOR NO GUARANTEE.
“How many dragons live on this island?” Talon turned back to Inferno.
MAYBE SEVENTY ADULTS. THERE ARE FAR MORE HATCHLINGS.
Talon’s eyes remained still, like he was thinking. “I hoped for more, but seventy is enough.”
THAT’S ASSUMING EACH ONE OF THEM AGREES—WHICH WON’T HAPPEN.
“An attack of fifty dragons that no one sees coming is a powerful attack,” Talon said. “How long does it take hatchlings to grow?”
FOR THEM TO REACH FULL SIZE, AT LEAST A DECADE.
Talon shifted his gaze to the ground as he considered the situation, arms still across his chest.
I continued to rub Inferno’s snout.
After several minutes of silence, Talon spoke. “The dragons are safe on this land, and they may remain safe for a long time. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s still an island, and at some point, they’ll outgrow it. Their population can only increase so much. If they fight for us, not only will they be able to free their kin, but once King Barron is killed and that land is eradicated of evil, the dragons can claim it as their own. It’s a beautiful place with more land than they could ever know what to do with.”
WON’T YOU RULE THE SOUTHERN ISLES AS THE NEW KING?
His eyes dropped to the ground. “My only desire is to avenge my family. I’ve never cared about taking back the kingdom, just purging the asshole who sits upon the throne. The dragons can have it.”
My heart raced in excitement. Would he give up his kingdom so he could live with me in mine? We could live together in Scorpion Valley or in Riviana Star. Or perhaps he would continue to rule Shadow Stone as the king while I was his queen.
THAT IS THE ONLY ANGLE WE HAVE, SO WE SHOULD USE IT. BUT PERHAPS YOU SHOULD GIVE MACAbrE A CHANCE TO WARM UP TO YOU. HE’LL BE GREATLY DISPLEASED AT THE SIGHT OF YOU.
“That will be a waste of time,” Talon said. “You’re their kind and have been here for months, and they continue to ignore you. I came here for a purpose, and if I’m not transparent about that purpose, it’ll only make him more suspicious. No, I will get to the point and get to it quickly. At least then he’ll respect me.”
I DON’T THINK HE’LL EVER RESPECT YOU, DEATH KING.
“Don’t call me that,” he said. “Talon is fine.”
“What does Macabre look like?” I asked.
HE’S THE LARGEST DRAGON HERE, WITH SCALES THE COLOR OF SMOKE. ON A CLOUDY DAY, HE’S INVISIBLE IN THE SKIES. WHEN HE FLIES ACROSS THE WATER, HE BLENDS INTO THE SURFACE. THE ONLY COLOR HE POSSESSES IS HIS EYES—WHICH ARE A STUNNING BLUE. HIS SCALES MAY BE DEVOID OF COLOR, BUT THEY REMAIN IRIDESCENT.
“Do you know where to find him?” Talon asked.
HE RESIDES IN ONE OF THE CAVES THAT HE SHARES WITH HIS FEMALE COMPANIONS.
“Then let’s introduce ourselves.” Talon turned back to Khazmuda so he could climb up his scales into the saddle.
“Now?” I asked incredulously.
Talon climbed onto Khazmuda’s back and regarded me from his impressive height. It’d been a long time since I’d seen Talon atop his dragon, and I was reminded how regal he looked, his black armor matching the dark scales that protected Khazmuda’s body. “He’ll soon realize that humans are present on his island. Perhaps he should hear that news from us.”
“I think we should ask Queen Eldinar for an introduction,” I said. “That way, she can vouch for our character before we petition him for aid.”
Talon considered my words. “She said she wouldn’t help us convince him to fight for us, but you’re right, that would be a better approach. We’ll speak with Queen Eldinar and decide when to speak with Macabre.”
Inferno dropped his snout to look at me. WOULD YOU LIKE A RIDE?
I smiled. “It’s been a long time.”
CLIMB UP. I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHERE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS ARE SO I CAN VISIT. He dipped his head farther so I could climb onto his snout before he lifted me to his back so I could grab on to one of his spikes.
Talon watched closely from where he sat upon Khazmuda, visibly worried about my riding a dragon alone without a saddle. “Inferno, go slow.”
I KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MY QUEEN. He looked at me over his shoulder. HOLD ON, CALISTA.
I grabbed on to one of the spikes.
Inferno jumped from the ground, but he took flight much easier than Khazmuda, gliding forward rather than launching into the sky. He gently rose in elevation then flew low over the ground, taking me back to the south, where our cabin was located. He soared over the water before he landed on the open beach, making as gentle of a landing as he could. He folded his wings then lay on his belly so I could slide down and land on the soft sand.
I hadn’t felt earth this soft since the Arid Sands. A quick flashback came across my mind, remembering the sight of Khazmuda in the dark…and then the appearance of the Death King.
Khazmuda dropped down a moment later, and Talon hopped off his dragon and landed in the sand on steady feet. Despite the heavy armor he wore and the heat from the humidity, he seemed unaffected by the discomfort.
“We’ll speak to Queen Eldinar,” Talon said. “And let you know the plan.” We left the sand and made our way to hard ground before we walked down the path between the buildings. The birds were loud in the canopies of trees, the world such a vibrant color it made me squint. It was different from Riviana Star, but just as beautiful.
It was easy to distinguish Queen Eldinar’s royal chambers because they were the grandest and had the most guards. Four of them were posted outside the double doors and more along the surrounding deck, protecting her from no one on this secret island.
When we entered, Queen Eldinar had changed out of her white dress and now wore a green one with thin straps that exposed her shoulders, the hollow of her throat, and most of her chest. It was also a short dress rather than a long gown, and in her hair was a flower crown full of exotic flowers of pink and orange.
She could wear a sack covered in mud and still be the most beautiful woman in the room, but right now, she looked more god than mortal. She sat at a table with plates of fresh fruit that the guards had prepared for her.
Uncle Ezra sat with her, so transfixed by her appearance it took him a moment to acknowledge us. “Are your accommodations suitable?” He rose from the chair and addressed us with his hands behind his back.
“Yes,” Talon answered. “Thank you.”
“Take a seat,” Queen Eldinar said. “We’re all weary from our travels.”
“You’re right, so I’ll be brief,” Talon said. “I’d like you to introduce us to Macabre. I think meeting him in your presence will make him less guarded. Is that something you’re willing to do?”
“Of course. I’ve already informed him of your presence, so you won’t frighten the dragons with your unexpected appearance.”
“You spoke to him?” Talon asked, slightly perplexed.
“You forget that I also have the gift.” A slight smile moved into her lips. “Macabre felt my mind when we reached these shores. We treat each other as fellow monarchs, but throughout time, that relationship has deepened into a friendship.”
“And his reaction to our arrival?” I asked.
She paused for a long time, sitting straight in the chair without back support, her blond hair perfectly placed around her shoulders like someone had arranged it. “He was displeased. His hatred for humans is something that will persist for as long as he lives. But I gave him my word that you’re a friend to the elves as well as the dragons and you would never betray their location. I also informed him that you and Khazmuda are fused, and while he didn’t approve of that relationship, it did convince him that you truly are an ally to his cause—because no dragon would fuse with a human unless he loved him.”
Talon gave a nod in appreciation. “When can we approach him?”
“Tomorrow at sunset. It’s best to give Macabre time to accept your presence on the island. We’ll overwhelm him if we approach too quickly. I also need time to recover from the journey. I do far better on land than at sea.”
I’d hardly seen her on the ship, but when I had, she’d looked as poised and refined as usual. If she had been fighting seasickness, she gave no signs. “You hide it well, Your Majesty.”
“A monarch can never appear weak,” she said. “That is my burden.”
“Then we’ll meet here tomorrow evening,” Talon said. “I hope you feel better tomorrow.”
She smiled slightly. “I’m sure I will, Death King. Enjoy your evening. The island is a beautiful place.”
Talon must have grown tired of his heavy uniform and armor because he left it in the closet and wore only his trousers. After we had dinner, we sat together on the beach and looked out at the gentle water. The sunset was on the other side of the island, but we could still see the sky change to faint colors of pink and orange. We sat that way for a long time, enjoying the view in comfortable silence, the birds growing quiet as the sun disappeared.
The waves were so small the water seemed more like a lake than the ocean. “The waves are so gentle.”
“It’s because of the reef.”
“The reef?”
He pointed out to sea. “It’s hard to see now that most of the light is gone, but there’s a coral reef that surrounds most of the island. The elves must have picked this location to build their dock because there’s a break in the reef at the point. It catches most of the waves, so everything after that is gentle.”
“Where did you learn that?”
“Home,” he said. “We had reefs as well…”
I stared at the water, the light continuing to fade.
“This place reminds me of it in some ways. It was warm like this in the summer, just not as humid.”
“I’m excited to see it.”
“It won’t be the same.”
“But some things never change.”
He left the sand, retrieved fallen branches and dried palm leaves, and put them in a pile before me. Then he grabbed a match from his pocket and lit it on fire. The flames burst high once they came alive but then quickly burned down to a calm level.
He returned to his spot beside me, leaving a foot between us.
I watched the fire burn as the ocean disappeared into the darkness. The air was considerably cooler now that the sun was gone, and the fire was welcome. I continued to look at the flames as I thought about the journey here, about the fact that I was in a place I hadn’t known existed until I’d stepped onto that pier.
I turned to look at Talon beside me.
His elbows rested on his propped knees as he stared into the flames, his dark eyes seeming lost in them. Seconds passed, and he didn’t blink. Didn’t blink for an entire minute. He hadn’t shaved during the journey, so the shadow at his jawline was the thickest it’d been since I’d known him. Normally, his jaw was well-kempt, but I liked this grizzled appearance too. It didn’t matter what he did with his hair or what he wore. He was still the most handsome man I’d ever seen. My heart felt full for the first time in a long time…since before my mother died. “Talon.”
His eyes remained on the flames a moment longer before he turned to look at me, his stare a mix of fatigue and sorrow. The cuts between the muscles of his arms had long shadows because of the brightness of the fire. His hardness was on display, the scars he’d collected through his journeys.
The feelings I harbored were packed into a tight ball inside my chest and locked away, but the bars of that cage were becoming weaker with time. Those feelings had been there before he’d come to Riviana Star, just ignored because I refused to acknowledge what burned in my heart. But now I had to acknowledge it…and wanted to embrace it. “I?—”
“I don’t know if we’ll be able to convince Macabre, and if we can’t, I’m not sure what we’ll do. Even with the black diamonds, I don’t know what we’re up against.”
I hesitated because he’d never interrupted me before, not unless we were in a heated argument. But he completely cut me off like he didn’t hear what I said or didn’t want to hear it. “Black diamonds…?” I’d spent a decade digging for them in the Arid Sands, but I had no idea what they were. “What are they for?”
“They’re different from other substances because of their absorbency. Darker colors absorb more light and, as a result, give off more heat. They work the same way—but with energy.”
I became so intrigued by this that his interruption seemed inconsequential. “Energy for what?”
His dark eyes continued to stare into mine. “When we fought each other outside that forest, you were fused to Inferno. You remember how different that felt?”
It was hard to believe we’d ever raised our swords to each other. It was hard to believe I’d ever tried to run from him, when now I wanted to be with him always. My life had always been about survival so I’d never thought about what my future would look like, but now I pictured a little boy with the same dark hair and eyes. I pictured a life with them that I’d never considered, even in my dreams. “Yes, I felt powerful.”
“Because Inferno shared his abilities with you. You have the same blood, so he can transfer those powers to you. But that energy is finite. In a battle that can last hours or days or a week, you can drain that energy. And if you take too much, your dragon will die.”
I pictured Inferno collapsed on the ground, men moving in to harvest his teeth and spikes for weapons. “Then I won’t use his powers.”
“You need to use his powers,” he said. “We need everything if we’re to win this war.”
“So, the black diamonds supply additional energy?”
“Yes. It allows you to use his power and the energy from the diamonds. Once that’s expired, it’ll start to drain from the dragon. It’s unfortunate that despite the unity of the fuse, the energy is only harvested in one direction. It feels selfish to use Khazmuda’s energy in battle when he’s also fighting himself. I wish I could use my own.”
“I do too.” To wield my sword with Inferno’s energy felt selfish. “How did you learn this about the black diamonds?”
“I didn’t learn it. It was shared with me.”
“By who?”
He looked away. “Bahamut. He told me where to find them, and that was why I conquered your kingdoms.”
He’d needed the men for his war, but this was the bigger reason. Flashbacks of that night came to me, seeing the mighty black dragon rip my castle apart. Feeling the burn of the sun on my back from digging in the sand all day. The memories hurt, but nothing could change the way I felt for Talon now. It was as permanent as a scar.
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ve already forgiven you, Talon.”
“I know you have,” he said quietly. “But I’ll be sorry for the rest of my life…and for all eternity.”
I watched him watch the fire, the flames dancing in his empty eyes. “How do you use the diamonds?”
He was quiet for a long time, as if he didn’t want to continue the conversation he’d introduced. “As long as you’re in contact with the diamonds, you’ll drain them. I intended to place them into my armor to distribute the weight. I’ll do the same with you.”
“You should have all the diamonds?—”
“This battle is important to me, but your life is more important. I’m not sure if you’ll even be included in the battle, to be honest.”
“Why wouldn’t I? You asked me to help you.”
“And you have.”
“You trained me with the sword. You told me I had the gift. You told me you needed me in battle.”
“That was before…”
“Before what?”
He stared at the fire and let the silence simmer. His answer never came. “The black diamonds are rare. So rare that I’ve only found a few chunks and pieces. The piece that you and your friend discovered is the biggest one I’ve come across.”
“If you don’t want me in the battle, then it doesn’t make sense for me to wear them.”
“But you’ll be close, and I want you to be unstoppable if you need to be.”
“I’d rather fight for your family and the dragons who are imprisoned by those fiends?—”
“You’re more important than both of those things.”
“I don’t think so.” I loved Khazmuda and Inferno with my whole heart. I knew if I met those other dragons who were imprisoned, I would love them too. “My life isn’t more important than theirs.”
“It is to me.” He turned to look at me again, his eyes back to their signature intensity. “My family is dead, and getting yourself killed won’t bring them back. I want the dragons to be free too, but not at the expense of the most important person in my life.”
My heart tightened into a fist and squeezed so hard it hurt. I felt my soul slip away into his grasp. Felt my entire being fuse with his just the way I fused with Inferno. The connection was beyond words, beyond anything I’d experienced. My body moved before my mind realized it, and my fingers were deep in his hair with my aching mouth on his. I kissed him with a fire that burned hotter than the one he’d built in front of us.
He rolled me onto my back on the sand, snatching the reins out of my hand so he could take the lead. He held his body over mine as he caressed my mouth with his, giving my bottom lip a gentle bite before he turned his head and kissed me, before he pulled away and brushed my nose with his and went in for another white-hot kiss.
The sand was still warm from being exposed to the sun all day, and I sank into its softness as he held himself over me, kissing me as the flames heated his back, his hands tugging at my bottoms to get me free.
We were visible in the light of the flames to anyone who watched, but Talon dropped the front of his trousers and positioned himself between my open thighs, sliding into place like a key in a lock, and then he sank, his dick invading a land he had already claimed in his name. His hand was back in my hair, and he kissed me as he rocked into me, silencing our moans with the passion of our lips.