Chapter 75
Thoughts of the previous day invade my mind.
I rescued Maxon, brought Mia back to life—but at what cost?
My heart sinks as I think of all the soldiers—their trust, their loyalty—and the growing disappointment that must be festering among them. I did the one thing I had sworn I wouldn’t. The weight of my failure settles over me, heavy and unrelenting.
A flicker of movement catches my eye. A shadow glides across the ground, swift and silent.
I frown, tilting my head to the side. What was that?
I scan the horizon, but the shadow is gone as quickly as it appeared.
Perhaps it was just a trick of the early morning light, or maybe fatigue playing games with my mind.
Shaking my head, I exhale and pull my cloak tighter around me.
The silence stretches, broken only by the distant rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of the wind. The sun creeps slowly into the sky, spilling hues of gold and crimson across the landscape, but its warmth does little to ease the chill settling in my bones.
Then, without warning, a fierce gust of wind slams into me. I throw up an arm instinctively as dust and leaves whip through the air. The ground trembles beneath me. A deafening rush of air fills my ears, followed by the unmistakable thud of something massive landing nearby.
When I lower my arm, my breath catches in my throat.
A colossal dragon stands before me, its black and red scales gleaming in the morning light, shifting and rippling like liquid fire.
Its piercing eyes lock onto mine, intelligent and unreadable.
The sheer power radiating from the beast is enough to make my pulse quicken.
I jump to my feet but remain frozen to the spot, heart pounding, unsure whether to run or kneel.
Nymeria and Anika lift their heads, their ears twitching, but stay nestled at my feet, unbothered.
Even though the dragon is on the ground and I am on this rocky outcrop, it stands a few feet above me. Sharp, jagged horns protrude from its head, and his reptilian eyes burn like embers as he stares down at me. I know now that this is Maxon’s dragon, and he is massive.
Before I can speak, the dragon’s magic washes over me, calming almost.
‘You have set events into motion that cannot be undone,’ he says, his tone neither angry nor forgiving, but simply factual. ‘Now, you must face the consequences of your actions.’
The harsh sting of tears burns my eyes. I fought so hard to save the people I love, to rewrite fate itself, but in doing so, I have unleashed something far worse than I could have imagined.
The dragon stares at me, his massive head tilting to the side. Those big, fiery golden, reptilian eyes focused solely on me.
“What am I going to do?” I whisper.
‘Fight,’ the dragon’s low, rumbling voice answers in my mind.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen. I can fix this.” The words feel hollow even as I speak them. Can I?
The Shadoweaver was bound by powers far greater than mine. Who am I to think I can undo this catastrophe?
The dragon’s eyes narrow slightly, and he lowers his head until his flaming golden gaze is level with mine. ‘Fix it? Oh, child, you cannot even fathom the depth of the chaos you have unleashed. But fear not—your part in this tale is far from over.’
Something moves above us, its shadow sweeping across the ground. Several shouts ring out among the soldiers as a roar splits the air.
The dragons have returned.
To be continued . . .