Chapter 46
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SIRRUS
Lena’s terror screamed through my chest, and I was barely keeping my own in check.
The human prince—now king—strode toward us with soldiers in tow. They were armed with scalefire arrows that could kill a dragon in moments. My sire was protecting the Elders. His power was similar to mine, and I felt their shield.
He wasn’t protecting the rest of us.
The three of us moved, shoving Lena between us and the Elders, shielding her. It was laughable that she was safer closer to the Elders now. But she was.
They sent everyone away, I said to the others, finally understanding. They didn’t let us hear. They’ll tell everyone we left the city with Lena to spend time with our mate.
What have you done?Endre asked the Elders again. The moment he’d screamed it after we rescued Lena echoed in my mind. This time there was no anger.
Only despair.
The King of Craisos offered us a choice. Beimani’s voice was dark with anger. Surrender the dragons that killed his father, or attack Doro Eche with every weapon they have stored for the last three hundred years.
With that kind of strength, they would make it past the border the dragons had guarded for centuries. As much as I wished it to be, it was not an idle threat.
Do you need further proof that human treachery does not change?Cieso asked. I remembered his human face and the sneer that would have accompanied the words.
The next words were only for the three of us. Humankind will still die. The sheyten will empty their lands of any life trying to recover, and when they finally cannot live, or your magic dies trying to sustain itself, we will finally be free to finish what we started.
Varreo laughed. The choice was easy.
I wished I could be surprised. The way our sires hated us, we always knew they would try to get rid of us. They couldn’t merely kill us. It was not the way of the dragons to kill your offspring. That would make us too much like the humans that had attacked us, and they could not be seen in that light.
But they would get rid of us any way they could.
My fear wasn’t for me, but for my mate. This was the man who she feared. Who she claimed would kill her if she returned after being with us. I had borne enough pain in my life not to care for myself, but the thought of Lena in pain had terror clawing at my throat.
Eloith. I reached out to the one dragon I hoped might help. Please.
No. The answer thundered and her mind slammed shut, barring me further conversation.
Fuck.
Idroal.
It took a long moment for their voice to come back. Sirrus?
Help her. Was all I could say. The Elders were speaking again and I couldn’t fight their voices forever. Help her. Please.
My hands sharpened into claws. Could I rip this human king’s throat out before one of those arrows spilled poison into my heart? I didn’t think so.
I still wanted to try.
Andaros bowed low, his smile making the act a mockery. “It’s an honor to be welcomed into the dragon stronghold.”
Do not mistake necessity for welcome, Mizyn said. The dragons you seek are there. Take them and go.
My mind whirled through every possibility. If we shifted and flew, the arrows would bring us down. Their bows were already aimed. If we fought, even to protect our mate, the Elders would order us to submit, and we would have to.
But,Eloith said. If death is your intent, we ask that you make it quick.
Andaros’s mouth tipped up into a vile grin. “Death is the furthest thing from my intent.”
Fine.
“What about her?” He nodded to Lena. What little he could see of her.
If you touch her,Endre’s voice echoed through everyone’s with lethal coolness. I don’t care if we are dust on the wind, I will find a way to destroy you.
Cieso laughed. Do whatever you like with her. Enough of this charade. You were told what would happen if you lingered. Take your prize and leave while you still can.
“Very well.”
Andaros approached, and Zovai asked. What do we do?
There’s not much we can.
“Andaros, don’t do this,” Lena said. “Please.”
“A little late for that, Katalena. Don’t worry. I’ll deal with you later.”
One of the soldiers got close to Zovai, and he snarled, warning him. Endre was the one to speak. The only way is to go. If we want to live. If we want Lena to live, we go. Kill him later.
If he does anything?—
I KNOW. Grief poured from his mind into mine. I know.
It was Aeghi who sealed our fate. You will not resist them. Then, to the humans. Take them.
I turned to Lena as the humans surged forward, grabbing her face. I love you, mate.
“No.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Please don’t.”
Don’t fight them. Stay alive. Whatever you have to. Because we will find you. I promise.
“Sirrus.”
I captured her sob with my kiss, feeling her heart break inside my own. Every bit of willpower I had was spent not letting her feel my devastation. I love you.
Hands grabbed my arms, and the command wouldn’t allow me to fight them. I still tried though, drawing their attention to me. Keep it on me and not on Lena.
I love you.
A cloth pressed over my nose and mouth, darkness swirling in. My last sight was my mate’s tear-streaked face.
I love you.